26th October, 2018
Went for a nice hike, up and over the Dragon's Back, a moderate 8.5 km hike accessed by riding way east on the MTR, followed by a 20 minute bus ride. Transportation's still dirt cheap in Hong Kong, with a train ride still about
$1. 70. The hike gives wicked views of the east side of the island, and finishes at Big Wave Beach, an attractive and clean beach with a decent break, allowing kids the chance to learn how to surf without getting clobbered by monster waves, or drowned by overpowering rip tides.
After this, we headed back to Central and eventually located one of our memorable haunts, the Deli France cafe in World Wide Plaza, a building catering to Hong Kong's vast Filipina population. We'd always go there for coffee and a baguette, and when Nick was born, we put word out that we needed a nanny, and soon had a queue around the block of nannies wanting to work for us (the fact that Nick, a total cutie-pie at 3 months old was with us, might have had something to do with this!). Naturally, we were crying our eyes out while drinking our coffee, as was a guy sitting a couple tables over - don't know why.
We came back to get Vincent, and re-discovered the best part of Chungking Mansions: the food! Still quite cheap, and tasty. We ducked into a little Indian place on the main level, and stuffed our faces (and had lots of leftovers) for $HKD 140 = $CDN 23.47. Beat that, Jewel of India!
One thing we've been struck with, a generation later, is how civil people have become here. We used to have to club our way off the subway trains because folks would rush in before we could get off. Now people know to wait politely to enter. There's not a whole lot of sidewalk spitting or nose-picking anymore, and the overall vibe is much friendlier. Perhaps it's not quite Singapore yet, but give it another 25 years. It's still as crowded and intense as I remember, but not more so. The population has stayed steady at about 7.5 million for all these years. I don't think Nick would have necessarily liked this place at first, but it really does grow on you once you get over the initial shock.
$1. 70. The hike gives wicked views of the east side of the island, and finishes at Big Wave Beach, an attractive and clean beach with a decent break, allowing kids the chance to learn how to surf without getting clobbered by monster waves, or drowned by overpowering rip tides.
After this, we headed back to Central and eventually located one of our memorable haunts, the Deli France cafe in World Wide Plaza, a building catering to Hong Kong's vast Filipina population. We'd always go there for coffee and a baguette, and when Nick was born, we put word out that we needed a nanny, and soon had a queue around the block of nannies wanting to work for us (the fact that Nick, a total cutie-pie at 3 months old was with us, might have had something to do with this!). Naturally, we were crying our eyes out while drinking our coffee, as was a guy sitting a couple tables over - don't know why.
We came back to get Vincent, and re-discovered the best part of Chungking Mansions: the food! Still quite cheap, and tasty. We ducked into a little Indian place on the main level, and stuffed our faces (and had lots of leftovers) for $HKD 140 = $CDN 23.47. Beat that, Jewel of India!
One thing we've been struck with, a generation later, is how civil people have become here. We used to have to club our way off the subway trains because folks would rush in before we could get off. Now people know to wait politely to enter. There's not a whole lot of sidewalk spitting or nose-picking anymore, and the overall vibe is much friendlier. Perhaps it's not quite Singapore yet, but give it another 25 years. It's still as crowded and intense as I remember, but not more so. The population has stayed steady at about 7.5 million for all these years. I don't think Nick would have necessarily liked this place at first, but it really does grow on you once you get over the initial shock.
That was really excellent to read glad that you guys are safe and sounds like you're enjoying everything sounds like you're sad we're all still really sad but it's certainly breaks up the day to be able to read such engaging stories I can't wait to see the pictures love you guys miss you guys
ReplyDeleteHi Matt and Tanya, it is your neighbour on North St., Tammy. I wish I would have checked in here first, I just tucked some homemade soup and homemade bread between your front doors, lol. It looked like someone was around though so hopefully they can enjoy it. Wishing you both safe travels and big hugs to both of you.
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