Another Hong Kong

Yes, this is also Hong Kong. Hong Kong is so small, yet so diverse.

Today we headed to the southern side of Hong Kong island to see Repulse Bay and to visit the famed Stanley Market. The bus ride to Stanley is as touted as the destination itself and so although a taxi costs only about $25, we instead boarded the subway train, changed trains, walked in circles looking for the bus station and then finally boarded a double decker bus for the one hour ride to Stanley. The bus ride was indeed an event in itself. We've had two bus trips in our life now where there was actually some fear of losing our lives, and this was one of them. (the other was the Amalfi Coast)

The bus slowly made it's way through the teeming city and began a climb up into the mountains, this afforded us some incredible views of the immense city. The road was a very narrow two lanes, usually with sheer cliffs on one side or the other. At other times we were so close to hitting the trees and branches on the sides of the roads that I held my breath and looked away. Accidents must happen up here a lot, and they can not be good. Once on top of the mountain the scenery changed dramatically as the South China Sea spread out below us. Green-blue waters, mountains of all heights, islands, sandy beaches, jungle foilage-- gorgeous. Punctuating the vistas were high-rises clustered together here and there, dominating each small town.

We first went to Stanley and the markets were as expected, hugely touristed and not much special to buy, still we managed to pick up a few things we needed (coats for Beijing) or wanted. From there we took a taxi to Repulse Bay (unfortunate name). Repulse Bay is an area of Hong Kong where many of it's wealthiest residents live, in gorgeous enormous houses overlooking the south seas. We spent some time relaxing on the beach and Elle, never one to balk at a chance to swim, stripped down and dove in. Liam has discovered waving and charmed some new friends/fans on the beach.

We were all exhausted and took the easy way home, taxi through the mountain tunnel. Still though, we had to brave the subway for the final stretch. Liam's much desired stroller has definitely become a hindrance in this city.

For the 3rd night in a row we have eaten Japanese food from a storefront in the mall below. I have an aversion to Chinese food in general and there's not much else easily accessed here in China. Justin used to like Chinese food, and now suddenly he's averse too. He says it all smells the same, and tastes the same too. No matter what he orders. I said it must be the MSG, only half joking. Probably it's oyster sauce or some kind of fish paste. But every shop does seem to have the same scent. And for all the enormity of this city and for all the consumerism around us, I have yet to see a grocery store. Not one! Elle and I have been eating a lot of rice and candy, she's not complaining about that.