Following a decent buffet breakfast in our hotel, we visited a local temple (over 100 years old) which was quite lovely (and smokey). Made our way to the post Office after that to happily discover that posage here is quite cheap so sent a few things home including part of Nim's birthday present. back at the hotel, we packed our day pack with map and itinerary in hand and went out to explore what Hong Kong mainland has to offer. We had allowed a couple of hours for the Museum of History as we had heard that it is fabuous bit it was magnificent and we were there for much longer. So much effort has been put in to create realistic replications of buildings, festivals etc as well as interesting displays with cohesive and interesting information. From here we continued to walk the backstreets, zig-zagging our way to the harbour area. We stopped at the infamous Peninsular hotel for high tea. After only a 1/2 hour wait, we were ushered to a table. The service was lovely, the atmosphere and architecture was beautiful and the three tiered plates of mini morsels was scrumptious. We even commented to each other how delicious the Peninsular Afternoon Tea was. What else can we say about it apart from recommending it to everyone - silver service, great people watching spot, filling - value for money etc. A high tea costs the same in Australia and it would be hard to find somewhere with the same quality service and food as well as relaxing, grande surroundings.
To walk off our exhuberant intake of calories, we trotted along the Avenue of Stars, visited the Hong Kong Tourism Board, meandered around the HK Cultural centre and window shopped at Harbour City. Found a small but exciting exhibition in here by modern russian artists. We became lost on one half of one floor before deciding we should find a way out - I don't know how others navigate all four floors and numerous wings of this centre. Because it was getting late, we chose to stay and watch the Light Show tonight. We were planning to take a cruise next week to watch it but after seeing the 15 minute show, we were glad we hadnt botheréd spending $25AUD each on a 2 hour cruise to see it up closer. It was enjoyable enough watching it amongst the crowds along the promenade. Next we had a leisurely walk home- stopping to look in shops along the way. if you look hard enough, there are clothing and luggage bargains to be found everywhere, however, haven't bought anything like that yet. After 13 hours out and about, we were relieved to get in our room, take of our shoes, wiggle our toes and shake loose our already sore calf muscles. Now, we both want to get to bed. Chao.
