Hong Kong - February 20

17 degrees, cloudy early, turned sunny and warm late afternoon

Today Chris and I were on our own. Hong Kong is the end of the second segment of the 3 segment cruise we are on, so there isn’t much in the way of organized tours happening as most people are leaving the boat.

Kowloon Taphouse

The ship does provide Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tickets and ferry tickets for us today. I love the Hop-On, Hop Off bus. We try to use these whenever we are in a city with them. There is no itinerary for us to follow, we just do our own thing.

For the most part we ride around listening to the accompanying recorded descriptions. It is fascinating just to look at everything around us. This place is something else… Not as frantic as I expected, but so, so many high rise buildings and super high end shops. Kind of like New York on steroids. Hong Kong is also cleaner than I’d expect for a city this size and the people seem polite – everyone lines up politely, there’s no rushing or pushing for anything that I’ve seen. I think Hong Kong would be a place we could come to on our own for a week or so.

Hong Kong Park

After seeing much of this bustling, packed, highrise/high end shop filled city we decided to have lunch…nothing crazy…just a pizza. After lunch we walked back to the ferry to get across the bay to where the ship is docked.

At one point we had a few minutes to kill while we waited for the next Ho-Ho. We used this time to wander around a bit…we came across Hong Kong Park. A gorgeous park in the middle of the city, not too big, but lovely, lush…and there was a ‘happy-room’ – this is what most guides in Asia like to call a washroom. I’m continued to be amazed at home frequent and clean washrooms are in Asia – many of these are public, no buying an overpriced glass of wine to use a filthy toilet!

sun finally appeared

Once we were across the bay we decided one last refreshment stop was in order – after all…we still had a bit of Hong Kong money to spend. We found Kowloon Taproom…a tiny place open to the street pouring Hong Kong micro brews. We only had a certain about of $$ to spend so we tried to communicate this to the waitress…we didn’t do so well…all of a sudden 2 beers arrived. We think we were able to understand which beers they were, and luckily our money covered it…and they beers were quite delicious. I can’t believe I’m starting to say beer is delicious!!

One the way to the refreshment stop we saw a sign for a Lululemon. The sign was tiny and pointed into an offive building. It was on the 17th floor of an office building. We were lucky to see the tiny sign for it. When we were in the elevator there Chris said he thought we would be open someone's apartment – that was exactly what it was like. The prices were a tad on the high side. I was looking for a long sleeved t-shirt…prices ranged from 150-200 Canadian…needless to say I didn’t buy anything – WOW.

There was a sail away from Hong Kong bonus for us…because the sun finally came out this afternoon and the position of the ship leaving the port we were able to spend a bonus early evening on our balcony. I was convinced the last time we would do this was in Manila…it was glorious to be able to do this once again.

Deanna – nope…no shoes, I gazed at some through a closed shop window after our top-of-the-world drink. I don’t even want to THINK of how high the prices would have been. In retrospect, I should have found a shop open to check out the prices – ONLY check out!!

Hong Kong - February 19

15 degrees, cloudy in the day, light rain and fog in the evening

This morning we are docked right in the heart of Hong Kong. This is fantastic, as we can walk right off of the ship and into Hong Kong and there’s no need of long bus rides just to get to the city. The dock we are using is attached to Harbour City – Asia’s largest shopping mall, it was definitely huge and we didn’t really explore much of it. Much of what we did see was very high end, much higher end than any mall we have in Calgary.

We start today by heading to Victoria Peak and its tram. This is a high hill in the middle of Hong Kong that can be accessed via road, but we get to the top using a tram. It’s about an 8 minute ride to the top. Once at the top we can see views of Hong Kong and its harbour. There’s a small mall where we check out the Starbucks…latte for 10.00 and McDonald’s, not sure of the McDonald’s prices, but they did have a sweet potato ice cream cone – we didn’t try.

Next was a brief stop at Repulse Beach (named after the ship HMS Repulse) – mostly a photo stop.

Finally we took a sampan (old-fashioned fishing boat) ride on Hong Kong’s harbour in the Aberdeen area. Years ago, this was a bustling fishing area. The boat is a very simple/rustic thing sailed by an old Hong Kong woman who speaks no English. We get in, she sails us around…we are done – what more could there be.

Lunch was back on the boat and quick nap before heading out back to the tram. The plan was to take the tram up again for a couple of drinks and the view at the top of Victoria peak. We weren’t super interested in the tram again, especially considering that the line was huge. We decided to stay with the bus to get to the top – I think this was a much better decision. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t cooperating and we weren’t able to see much of any of the view. Every so often the fog/clouds would move so that we could see some lights, but not too much. It was still fun to be up there for a drink and a snack.

Then back to the boat for dinner. By the time we were done dinner it was around 10, but we couldn’t let an overnight in Hong Kong go by without checking out Hong Kong at night. We knew there was Ozone - the ‘world’s highest bar’ on the 118^th floor of the International Commerce Centre as part of the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Getting to this bar was our goal. When we set out on foot there was a mist that occasionally got heavier, but it wasn’t cold. The streets were bustling. Once we finally found it we were pretty blown away. There is a minimum charge to get to the bar which is taken off of your bill. A glass of wine and a beer set up back about 60.00! Yikes…we didn’t have more than one, but it was worth it to be up there. There was an outside observation deck with heaters, but not much shelter. The fog and clouds were still impeding the view so we didn’t stay long there. It’s hard to tell from the photo of me, but I’m on the observation deck. By the time we got back to the ship it was after 1:00 – we were beat, but it was quite an adventure getting there and back on foot.

At sea - February 18

13 degrees, on and off clouds all day

I think the heat and humidity is officially over. From looking at forecasts and weather averages I expected Manilla to be the end of the hot weather... I was right. The weather change has not been gradual…one day it was hot and humid and the next it was cool and rainy. I’m don’t necessarily think rain is expected to last, but cool temperatures are.

One thing I didn’t mention about Taiwan is the prevalence of 7-11s. Apparently, in Taiwan 7-11s are more than places to get a Slurpee. At Taiwanese 7-11s you can pay taxes, pay bills, buy plane, train and concert tickets, you can also pick up packages and hail taxis, they have more than just hoagies…there are full-on eat in restaurants there. Very interesting.

Today, as has been the case for other sea days, was very low-key. We slept late, spent only a bit of time on the balcony as it was a bit brisk, ate, watched a movie and essentially did very little.

Keelung, Taiwan - February 17

bus beer

15 degrees, cloudy in the morning, rain and wind in the afternoon

Keelung, Taiwan is the port city for Taipei. We sail right into the heart of the Keelung. It makes it extremely easy to just walk off of the boat to stroll around the town. 

Our tour today is in the PM, so we decide to check out Keelung on foot in the morning. It’s quite something to be wandering around a place and not be able to read any of the signs.

The most interesting thing to look at are the tiny markets on the sidewalk or in a tiny shop and the food stalls. Of course I don’t buy anything…I can’t even read a menu. I wouldn’t know what I’m buying or how much anything costs. I could always point, but I’m way too scared at this point. All of the food stalls and shops are tiny and right on the sidewalk. There is a sidewalk, but most of that is taken up by parked motorcycles and scooters.

can't mess around in this weather

We actually do end up buying food…McDonald’s!! I always like checking out the different food familiar places serve and the prices and we decided to stay. Absolutely everything was the same as home with the exception of the ‘pork sesame bun’ – basically a pork burger topped with sesame sauce, quite good…I’d have another. What would likely cost around 15 at home cost us about 10.

This place strikes me as quite dreary. It might be the weather, but the buildings are particularly drab and dirty looking.

We decide not to actually make it into Taipei as it was a bit far and the tours offered weren’t too appealing. We decide to stay closer to where we are docked.

The afternoon’s tour takes us first for a quick visit to Chung Cheng Park. This place has a Buddhist temple, with its main attraction being a 74 foot statue of Mother Buddha. How huge the statues can be made in this part of the world continues to amaze me.

Lastly, we visit Yeliu Park. This is a park of geological formations on the edge of the sea. This entire place is gorgeous. A combination of waves, wind, rain and the movement of the earth millions of years ago created natural sandstone and rock sculptures. Unfortunately, by the time we got there it was very windy and rainy. Luckily we were given chic rain ponchos!! It was surprising how non-slippery the rocks were in the rain. By the time we got back to the bus I was a bit drenched, but not at all cold. When the bus full of wet passengers caused the windows to quickly fog, up the guide informs us that vehicles don’t have heaters and homes don’t have central heating in Taiwan.

Before getting back to the bus we checked out the food stalls outside of the park. I have a feeling squid is a big product here!! There were countless fresh, dried, cooked and fresh squid – it was incredible. We bought a couple of bus beers (2.00 each) and were on our way back to Keelung.

Before getting back on the ship we were FINALLY able to find some ‘unusual’ chips. One I’m pretty sure is squid (pic on the bag looks like it and everything seems to be squid) and the other is oyster omelet (some English on this package.) I haven’t tried the squid ones yet, but the oyster omelet are not half bad - a bit sweet, herby and slightly fishy. 

docked right in the heart of the city

bus beer

Queen's Head formation

Mother Buddha

I'm lovin' it!

Kaohsiung, Taiwan - February 16

18 degrees…halleluiah!!! cloudy, a moment of misty rain

burning money for ancestors

Every morning the first thing I do is step onto our balcony to assess the weather. Today was the first day since the beginning of our time in Asia when I wasn’t hit with heat and humidity – it was actually cool. Today was also the first day of the trip that I haven’t at some point been drenched in sweat – it was glorious!

Kaohsiung is a city of about 2.3 million on the southern tip of Taiwan. What I expected to be a bustling city was a whole lot quieter than I expected.

fresh fish ready for lunch

We spent a lot of time on the bus today which wasn’t so bad. It took quite a long time to get from one site in Kaohsiung to the other, but that meant we saw a lot of the city.

temple over lotus pond

A temple was our first stop today. The main thing the guide described to us was a system of praying. There yin and yang blocks are thrown, sticks pulled, paper read…honestly I couldn’t hear all of what the guide was describing – I wish I had. Outside this temple was a fire burning where people brought fake money they bought inside the temple to burn for their ancestors. There was stacks and stacks of this fake money inside the temple.

Confucius temple

While walking from the bus to the Confucius temple we walked along Chijin Old Street - a typical market street. There were stalls selling fresh fish where you would buy and then take across the street to another stall where they’d cook the fish for you and you’d eat there. This street is also sprinkled with temples here and there. This place was on the quiet side in the morning…would have been interesting to be here later in the day.

Next was a photo stop at another temple with a huge tiger and dragon at its entrance. It’s fascinating to hear about these temples…so different from the Buddhist temples we have seen plenty of recently and so totally new to me. The attraction of this temple is that it is built over a lotus pond. Apparently temples are or were built with lotus ponds near so that in case of fire there would be water near by the wooden temples.

foggy day

Our last stop was The Confucius Temple which is like a school to teach how to be a good person.

lotus pond temple

many lanterns

money to burn

I don’t think many tourists visit Kaohsiung as the guides we used today came from Taipei last night and were going to be our guides tomorrow in Taipei.

Dave – there is Blackjack, 3 Card, Roulette and Craps in the casino, no playing at all for me, Chris has played Blackjack, Craps and 3 Card

Lori – nope, no Hammer Pants…I think I missed my chance, for a while they were everywhere…not anymore.

Confucius temple

At sea - February 15

As usual...a sea day means a lot of nothing. We spent the afternoon at the pool as the room balconies were closes due to rough seas. They were pretty rough, but ok. 

Manila, Philippines - February 14

Chinese cemetery

Jose Rizal Memorial

Low 30s, humid, breezy

It was a full day excursion for us today in Manila. The first stop was Manila’s Chinese cemetery. Getting to the cemetery was more interesting than the cemetery itself. The story of the cemetery is interesting…Chinese weren’t allowed to be buried in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial time, but there wasn't much to see there. There were a few giant mausoleums, some even with running water and kitchens, but for the most part it wasn’t overly

Filipino wedding selfie

interesting.

lecion

Next was another cemetery – the American Cemetery and Memorial for American soldiers who died in the Philippines and other surrounding countries during World War II. This place was somber, quiet and still. It was also very manicured. I’ve seen row upon row of crosses in cemeteries like this but never in person. I found it very moving. It was also very well done…that is except for the ‘facilities’…they were NOT manicured.

The place selected by the tour for lunch was described as the best, biggest Filipino buffet…well…it certainly seemed like it could have been the biggest. Although I have NOTHING to compare it to, it was HUGE! It wasn’t a great idea that a bunch of tour buses descended upon this place at once. It was a mad-house. There were people everywhere, not at all pushing or shoving, but just going for food. Finally I figured ‘when in Rome’ and just got a bit of everything I could see and went back to the security of my own seat. Then the question was drinks…as it turned out ALL drinks (even boozy ones) were self-serve and included. Once we got a bit of food and realized the beer was on a self-serve tap we were fine. I tried the famous Lechon – the whole pig on a spit. It was really quite good…very crispy skin, moist flesh. 

American cemetery

After lunch was a visit to the old of city, with its cathedral, fort and famous execution and burial ground of Jose Rizal - a Manila hero.

Manila, Philippines - February 13

Low 30s, humid, little breeze – nothing much changes with the weather

We had today to ourselves in Manila. Originally we were only supposed to spend one day here, but due to the rescheduling caused by last week’s storm we are here for 2 days.

We decided on a slow morning and then found lunch in town. The boat has an organized shuttle bus to a mall close to the port. We took the shuttle in and walked the 30 minute walk back.

The mall was an indoor mall, just like the malls back home. Many of the stores we were familiar with, but being the shopaholics we are, we bought NOTHING. We checked out the grocery store here...nothing particularly unusual other than the prices ...everything seemed a bit pricey. We looked for unusual chips, but everything was pretty 'normal'.

We exchanged a bit of money and found a place for lunch. We had heard that there were places some outdoor places to try. Basically outdoor is another way of saying ‘smoking’. Unless you are smoking it seems that no one sits outside. Well, we did. I had crab rice and Chris had squid – all washed down with a couple of Sam Miguel beers. This set us back about 30.00. It seems that many people drink beer in The Philippines with ice. I have never heard of this. Our bottles each came with a small glass full of ice. Not everyone drinks it with ice, but it seems that most do. Some even get a bucket of ice along with their beers.

After walking back to the port and buying a postcard and t-shirt at the port souvenir stalls, we were in for the night.