miss b loves........Hong Kong (Part 1)

Our jet lag soon disappeared when we drew back the curtains and saw this stunning view on our first morning in Hong Kong. Bright and sunny - the perfect day for a trip up to The Peak, the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island and the view from the top was truly spectacular... 

On the other side, in complete contrast to the skyscrapers, the lush Pok Fu Lam Country Park.

The Peak Tower is the epitome of modern avant-garde design with its iconic wok-like top.

Footprints on the ground pointed to cities around the world and this pair reminded us just how far we had travelled!

How could we resist taking part in a survey when these delightful girls asked so politely and in such impressive English too!

We took the Peak Tram back down - it's pulled by steel cables and it's so steep that the buildings we passed on the way looked  like they were leaning! An unforgettable ride! 

Next on my list...the lively SoHo district and another 'ride' on the Central-Mid levels escalator (the world's longest covered escalator - 800 metres!)......

......then a walk to Man Mo Temple - a picturesque tribute to the God of literature(Man) and the God of War(Mo) with a beautiful incense filled interior. 

incense coils

It was definitely time for a cappuccino at the very stylish agnès b café

What a lovely tiled floor!

We were fascinated by the exotic(and very expensive)dried seafood, bird's nest and herbal medicines in the speciality shops all around the Wing Kok Street area...

A few stops on the MTR and we were soon in Victoria Park attempting to walk along the pebble trail/foot reflexology path - I could only manage a few steps and was so impressed by this lady striding out! 

Hong Kong still has its traditional transport. The iconic trams are  known locally as the ding ding trams, an essential part of daily life for over a century....

and the Star Ferry is a wonderful way to sail across Victoria Harbour. 

with yet more breathtaking views ....... 

Our friend who lives in Hong Kong took us to an authentic restaurant which started out as a street stall. 

 The walls of the bustling venue are completely covered in colourful street scenes which looked so real!

My favourite dish was the pumpkin filled with seafood....

Even the beer was  served in Chinese bowls.

Monday was spent with our friends from Hong Kong. Serenade restaurant was the perfect place for a leisurely dim sum lunch overlooking Victoria Harbour. We were mesmerized by the view......

The varied food served in bamboo baskets was accompanied by endless cups of refreshing jasmine tea.....

A visit to the Space Museum including a 3D film with almost a 360° view in the IMAX dome cinema was a fascinating and innovative experience. 

Nothing could have prepared us for the stunning banquet to which we were treated in the evening at East Ocean restaurant with huge picture windows providing amazing views of Hong Kong by night. 

There was a never-ending arrival of dishes..... duck, chicken, pork, garoupa fish, succulent prawns and the freshest of crunchy vegetables...... 

..........and a few very unusual items including jelly fish!! We even had peach-shaped longevity buns which are filled with lotus bean paste and usually served at birthday celebrations. 

The day ended in the very chic Sky Lounge at the Sheraton as we admired  the most memorable view of the Hong Kong skyline...........  

miss b recommends:

• The Hong Kong Walks booklet(from the Hong Kong Tourism Board) - click here for an online version. Also available as an App from the App Store.  

P.S. I'm now looking forward to catching up on my favourite blogs over the next few days - I seem to have been away for ages!!