Week 12 - Personal (14/04/12)

As we reach the three month point it is hard to believe how fast time is going and the realization of how little time actually remains has began to dawn on both Andrew and I, especially as the next fews weeks will be entirely focused on completing our teaching placement. With this in mind and with the arrival of my boyfriend, Mark, we decided to spend the rest of our Easter holiday visiting the various must-see tourist attractions that remained on our list of things that we wanted to do whilst in Hong Kong.

At the start of the week, we returned to the Peak in the hope of a clear view without the obstruction of fog. Fortunately, it was fog-free and we were pleasantly surprised with an outstanding panorama of the illuminated city and Victoria Harbor. Another world famous scene that we witnessed was that of the Tin Tan Buddha, also know as the Big Buddha, which is located at Ngong ping on Lantau Island. Although the impressive bronze statue was only completed in 1993, it has attracted a vast amount of locals, as it exists as a major centre of Buddhism, as well as a popular attraction to many tourists. Whilst this was a very interesting and informative experience, the highlight of the trip for me was the journey to and from the Ngong Ping Village on the Crystal Cable car, which offered an expansive, 360 degree view over Lantau Island.  

View from the Crystal Cable car.

Enjoying the sun before our trek up to the Big Buddha.

In attempts to expose Mark to the diverse culture that exists within Hong Kong, in which Andrew and I have become acclimatized too, we ensured that the places we went would show the extent of difference in all aspects, such as the natural terrain of mountainous land mixed with vast seas, which are often separated by the large concrete communities of skyscrapers. Other major elements of Hong Kong’s culture included visiting Central and Tsim Sha Tsui to explore the designer fashion scene, as well as developing our abilities to barter in the hundreds of stalls at Ladies Market. Religion forms a huge part of any culture and although Hong Kong exists as a majorly non religious nation, an extensive amount of temples and places of worship are widespread across the entire region. Therefore, we thought it only appropriate to spend some time in these special places, such as the Tung Chung Hau Wong and Tin Hau temples. Towards the end of Mark’s stay we visited the world’s longest road-rail suspension bridge, Tsing Ma Bridge and spent a relaxing day in Stanley, a small town located on a peninsula of the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island. 

After shopping in Ladies Market in Mong Kok.

Mark enjoying the view of the Tsing Ma Bridge.

Andrew and Mark at Stanley Pier.

After an eventful week filled with many of Hong Kong’s treasured sites, which signifies the beginning of the countdown to our travels across the Asian continent, I can only be thankful for the reminder of what an experience it is to be in such an excitingly vibrant and diverse place and to continue to make the most of everything that comes our way. Throughout the time that I have spent away from home, I have been on a continuous journey of development in many aspects of my life, such as a knowledge and thirst to see more of the world and how different people go about their daily lives, increasing independence and confidence in myself, as well as an ever growing appreciation and fondness of the green land that we call home.