Asian Adventure - Hong Kong to Japan

We went out trying to buy a pair of new joggers for me, but being Sunday morning none of the likely shops were open, so we went back to the 'cell'. We could see police everywhere, and it turned out there was a parade in honour of WWII, so we didn't go out just in case there was some trouble. 

At checkout time we took the train to the airport and flew out of Hong Kong. The flight arrived in Japan after 5pm. Got on a train into town and with help from others on the train, got off at the right station. We had to change underground stations, and certainly would not have been able to get there without help from a lovely Japanese lady. When we checked in we were very impressed with such a good hotel. 

Asian Adventure - Hong Kong - "The Peak" & Botanic Gardens

We slept in a bit (because of no windows), but headed out on the MTR to Central (Hong Kong Island). Our first destination was 'The Peak'. There is a tourist tram, but it is way cheaper to get the bus up the mountain, and we kind of 'flew by the seat of our pants' and found the relevant bus stop, and got on. The little green No 1 bus wound its way up and we were surprised to find schools, a fire station and even a hospital up there. 

As we were asking about getting off at the top, an American from the back of the bus said we were brave to be doing it the way we were. He was a photographer and recommended a walking trail around the top – Lugard Road – which would take about an hour. This was a gentle bitumen path through beautiful rainforest with views of the islands and city.

Just as we were coming to the end of the track, the clouds came in and were billowing past us, and then it started to rain. We decided not to bother with the Viewing Platform as we guessed we wouldn't be able to see anything. 

The No 15 bus going down was a double-decker which would have given good views apart from the rain. At the bottom, we headed to Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens and enjoyed the orchids and tropical plants, aviary and mammals, but couldn't find the reptile house. 

After this, we headed over to Hong Kong Park, with some nice ponds with fish and terrapins and waterfalls. Unfortunately, the aviary was closed off from all but one entrance and my feet were hurting too much to walk uphill again to get in. 

Then it was down to find Des Voeux Road, where I took a few shots and hoped that the statue in Statue Park was him, but unfortunately not. 

We returned to the same restaurant as yesterday, ordering something slightly different but equally tasty.