Hong Kong and Macau

Ok, we're way behind with our blog. One excuse we have is Internet censorship in China. But we'll get to that, for now let's go back almost three weeks in time when, after our great trip in Vietnam, we arrived in ...

Hong Kong!
Formerly a British colony, now an SAR (Special Administrative Region) of China.












The city reminded us a lot of an Asian Manhattan.

Like any self-respecting HK tourist we first visited the Victoria Peak lookout. The lookout gives you a wonderful view of the city, both the Hong Kong and the Kowloon side. That is unless there is fog and clouds obscuring the view...



We explored the sights of Hong Kong Island, passing through the financial districts as well as some of the older neighborhoods...

Lots of Chinese "pharmacies" offering herbal and marine-based remedies.

Bird's nest anybody? We hear it makes a tasty soup with lots of healthy side effects...














Another favorite among Chinese consumers: Shark's Fin Soup.

We decided to stick with regular shopping. You know, LV handbags and Ralpha Lauren polo shirts for only $10. What a steal! ;)
Here is one of the many shopping alleys in Kowloon.

This visit was also a chance to visit with old friends. So we made our way via 1-hr ferry to the island of Macau. 

Macau is another SAR of China (formerly a Portuguese colony).

Macau island seemed to be pretty urban and dominated by casinos and hotels. Gambling and tourism definitely are the big money-makers here.

Left the gaudy and grandiose "Grand Lisboa" Casino.

The southern islands of Taipa and Coloane were more lush and still had some old colonial-style mansions to reflect its history.

And some quiet beaches...

Thank you for a wonderful time in Macau, Tania!

Here a farewell firework - just for us... ;)

Back in Hong Kong and time to catch up with another old friend, Buqing. He currently lives across the border in Shenzhen and came over to see us.













View of Kowloon neighborhood from - what else? - a shopping mall.













Good times messing around!

Unfortunately, people in Hong Kong are not good to birds. :-(

(Ja, Dominik - der Witz wird bei jeder Wiederholung besser!)














Final night - time to enjoy the evening light show in the Hong Kong Harbor.

We'll be back! Coming up next: mainland China.