Just Back From ...

Hong Kong and Macau

by Lee Franks

At around 8.5 hours flying time direct from Sydney, with a time difference of just 2 hours currently and great flight schedules with Virgin Atlantic, Hong Kong makes a top destination for a long weekend (if you're feeling somewhat decadent and simply HAVE to leave Australia!)

We left work at noon on Friday to head to the airport for a 2.45pm flight, landing in Hong Kong at around 10pm local time. From the spanking new Chek Lap Kok airport, the ideal way to reach the city is by wonderfully clean and efficient Airport Express Train which whisks you into Central (the heart of the city) in around 15 mins. Fares are HK$100 (around AU$17)

First impressions of Hong Kong were of an endless metropolis of towering high rise buildings that seemed to stretch for miles (well I guess those 10 million people have to live somewhere) The blanket of lights of course are what lends Hong Kong a large part of its character as well as a surreal almost futuristic Sci-fi quality.

Our first day dawned uncharacteristically clear and sunny. Hong Kong I am told is often shrouded in fog. Hence the ONLY thing to do was head to the Peak for spectacular views of what is undoubtedly one of the top 5 harbours in the World (I'd put Sydney, San Francisco, Rio and Cape Town in the same class)

We were very lucky to be there the same weekend as the Dragon Boat Festival so took a looooong bus ride from the Peak around to Stanley where the races were being held. The bus wound around the coastline backed by steeply rising green hillsides Being a public holiday the beaches at Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay were crowded with locals barbecuing all manner of local delicacies. Which reminds me, Jenny never DID get to "nibble on a knuckle" of chicken's foot ... ah well, there's always next time.

Speaking of food, one of the delights of Hong Kong has to be the Dim Sum. Most places will have an english version of the menu so you don't end up with something frightening. In a moment of daring-do we challenged each other to circle random Chinese characters on the menu and just "see what turns up" ... we chickened out of course. Although I still am fascinated to know what that squiggle might be that looks like a octopus running away.

One thing I discovered I AM rather fond of is reflexology! We ventured into a wonderfully aromatic venue aptly named the 'Happy Foot' where for 45 mins we luxuriated in Captain Kirk style black leather armchairs whilst our neglected feet were soaked, massaged, towelled and treated. In case we were in danger of drifting off to sleep, they were thoughtfully playing a video - it was all in Chinese of course but from what we could work out it was a blend of Kung Fu meets Soccer match ... "Crouching Tiger Hidden Beckham"? ... really, it was indescribable, but nonetheless fascinating!

Now if the idea of spending a WHOLE long weekend in the one place is a bit restricting you can always grab your passport and take a day trip to Macau! The jetfoil plows the waters between Hong Kong and Macau every 15 mins, the trip takes an hour, and you should take a jumper as the air-con onboard is unhealthily arctic especially when the prevailing outside atmosphere is akin to a sauna! Return tickets cost HK$296 (around AU$50) and immigration at both ends is quick and efficient.

Macau of course is primarily known for its plethora of Casinos which is where I am sure 90% of the passengers were headed on a Monday mid-morning. We, however, were aiming for the antique markets in search of beautiful wooden artifacts, painted scrolls and suchlike. Macau has a wonderfully European feel due to its long history as a Portuguese Colony. Many of the streets are still cobbled and the street signs are blue and white ceramic tiles, oh and you can get those great portuguese custard tarts, in case you don't feel like chicken's feet.

The shopping in Hong Kong is equally amazing. Not only are there endless huge sparkling malls of designer shops, electrical goods and more, but there and many markets where you can flex your bargaining muscle; Temple Street night markets and Stanley Markets are 2 of the best known and have the usual array of Asian goods and fake Gucci wallets, amongst other delights ...

Thanks again to a most conducive schedule with Virgin Atlantic we were able to enjoy a very full last day before heading to the airport at 5pm for a 7.20 flight, landing in Sydney at 6.15 the next morning. Just time for a quick shower before heading into the office to await the inevitable "what did you do this weekend?" questions. How delightfully decadent it was to be able to say "This weekend? Me? Oh I popped over to Hong kong, had Dim Sum, watched the Dragon Boat races, went to the Peak, did some shopping, had reflexology, went to the night markets, took the Star Ferry across the harbour, and took the ferry to Macau for a day ... what did you do?"