So as it was our last day today in Hong Kong we decided to go and get a camera and dive case we had seen earlier in the week. We had been comparing prices and went to the shop that gave us the best deal. We bought the camera and then the salesman started another pitch, about how this other camera (the same make) was this year’s model, and the better specifications etc. At the time we were being cautious and weren’t too sure about it. Adam tried it out and the pictures compared to the one we had just bought looked better. We negotiated a price and bought the newer model. Having gone back to the hotel to read the reviews we noticed that some of the information the salesman had told us were complete lies and it turned out that this camera was a lot cheaper than the one we were looking at originally. We were absolutely disgusted and phoned the shop to get our money back. Unfortunately consumer’s there do not seem to have many rights. We asked for our money back or even an exchange but they would not allow it. So we went back to the shop and argued the point, the manager was very rude and said he would not do anything to help. Eventually after threatening to stand at the shop and tell people not to buy any of their products Adam managed to “sell” the camera and case back to them minus £30. We were so upset by this whole episode but were glad in a way that this had happened now so we know to be a lot more cautious in the future.
As it was our last night we went to find the restaurant we visited on our first night. They had the best noodles in town! We enjoyed a lovely meal and I even tried the duck – a bit chewy and their steamed bread was a bit different!
We headed back to the hotel and continued packing our bags.
Showing posts with label Hong Kong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hong Kong. Show all posts
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Wii!
We decided to have a bit of a lazy day. We went and had a swim in the roof top swimming pool. It started to rain but as it was warm we didn’t mind. After some time in the pool we spotted a wii in the gym. You should have seen Adam’s face, he was like a little kid, “can we play on the wii?” is all I got after that, so we got changed and had a go. We played tennis, ten pin bowling, boxing, baseball, after about an hour’s worth of nonstop playing my arm started to hurt so I left Adam to it and went back to our room. Another hour later Adam shows up after playing continuously on the boxing game, bragging how he was undefeated and only left because his arm started to hurt too!
We both were getting a bit peckish so went to find a restaurant near the harbour. After looking at a few menus we sat down at a restaurant called the Bull Dog. I enjoyed sausages, mash and gravy and for some reason it was served with backed beans and Adam enjoyed his beef burger.
We both were getting a bit peckish so went to find a restaurant near the harbour. After looking at a few menus we sat down at a restaurant called the Bull Dog. I enjoyed sausages, mash and gravy and for some reason it was served with backed beans and Adam enjoyed his beef burger.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Science Museum
We woke to a horrible rainy day, and decided to go and try the science museum again. We caught the free bus down to the harbour and then from there we got the train. The great thing about Hong Kong is that most stations are well connected to the main attractions, as so getting to places is very easy. Once we had left the train we had a 5 minute walk and 90% of that was undercover. The science museum cost us $25HK and was well worth the money. As we entered it were met with a huge energy machine in the atrium which covered the 4 floors of the museum. We headed off to the mirrors and light exhibit to start. Whilst we wandered around it occurred to me that we were going to be in here for some time.
The museum had lots of different areas, one of our favourites was the telecommunications area. This included a mock up TV studio and editing suite, we had loads of fun pretending to be TV news reporters and ziggy even helped.
We spent about 5 hours playing in the museum, the time just flew by. We realised that we hadn't had any lunch and were both staving. We had seen a pizza hut earlier on in the week not far from our hotel, so set off on a mission to find it. As we got outside it was still raining but fortunately we were well prepared in true scout style.
We eventually found pizza hut and enjoyed every bite. Not far from pizza hut was a local cinema, which we found out it showed English films with Chinese subtitles, result! Tj won the toss, so we went and watched "Sex and the City" which was better than i thought it would be. In previous posts we have mentioned that the seats are quite small, the cinema seats are the exception to the rule, they were bigger than uk cinema seats and in leather. Very comfortable!
The museum had lots of different areas, one of our favourites was the telecommunications area. This included a mock up TV studio and editing suite, we had loads of fun pretending to be TV news reporters and ziggy even helped.
We spent about 5 hours playing in the museum, the time just flew by. We realised that we hadn't had any lunch and were both staving. We had seen a pizza hut earlier on in the week not far from our hotel, so set off on a mission to find it. As we got outside it was still raining but fortunately we were well prepared in true scout style.
We eventually found pizza hut and enjoyed every bite. Not far from pizza hut was a local cinema, which we found out it showed English films with Chinese subtitles, result! Tj won the toss, so we went and watched "Sex and the City" which was better than i thought it would be. In previous posts we have mentioned that the seats are quite small, the cinema seats are the exception to the rule, they were bigger than uk cinema seats and in leather. Very comfortable!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Space Museum
Another late start to our day but that's the way in Hong Kong as everywhere is open till late, we headed down to the science museum for an educational day out. The science museum is housed in what looks like half a golf ball and costs $10HK which is about £0.60, good value for money i think. It was a little less hands on than i was expecting but good fun still. Tj got to practice her moon walking (not the Michael Jackson kind). I tried a bit of virtual hangliding before we went to have a look in the space shuttle cockpit with ziggy. We spent about 2 hours wandering around the exhibits.
By now our stomachs were rumbling and so we went to find somewhere to eat, Tj requested that we found a place that didn't serve noodles and we happened to stumble across an Irish bar called Murphy's. The food was great compared to noodles, we both had cajun chicken sandwiches with chips and it was proper chicken as is not the yellow fatty chicken they have here.
After we had stuffed ourselves on western food we decided to visit the science museum and headed off. When we got the science museum we found it was closed on Thursdays but the Hong Kong History museum which is opposite was open. We bought tickets and were told it was only open for another hour, we thought this would be enough time to have a look round but ended up only looking at 4 of the 8 exhibits and so planned to go back at some point.
At this point we were tired because of all the walking so decided to head back to the hotel, unfortunatly this coincided with everyone else wanting to go home too. We tried to get on the underground train but first train was so full that we had to wait for the next one and even then it was a squeeze. I don't think that I could do that everyday.
We finally got back to the hotel and got changed to try the hotel restaurant. Wasn't anything special and felt it was over priced. We don't think we will be eating there again.
By now our stomachs were rumbling and so we went to find somewhere to eat, Tj requested that we found a place that didn't serve noodles and we happened to stumble across an Irish bar called Murphy's. The food was great compared to noodles, we both had cajun chicken sandwiches with chips and it was proper chicken as is not the yellow fatty chicken they have here.
After we had stuffed ourselves on western food we decided to visit the science museum and headed off. When we got the science museum we found it was closed on Thursdays but the Hong Kong History museum which is opposite was open. We bought tickets and were told it was only open for another hour, we thought this would be enough time to have a look round but ended up only looking at 4 of the 8 exhibits and so planned to go back at some point.
At this point we were tired because of all the walking so decided to head back to the hotel, unfortunatly this coincided with everyone else wanting to go home too. We tried to get on the underground train but first train was so full that we had to wait for the next one and even then it was a squeeze. I don't think that I could do that everyday.
We finally got back to the hotel and got changed to try the hotel restaurant. Wasn't anything special and felt it was over priced. We don't think we will be eating there again.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Stanley Market
Didn’t get to sleep until 4am so eventually woke at about 12, don’t think our body clocks have adjusted to Hong Kong time yet. We caught the free shuttle bus down to the ferry terminal and from there caught a ferry to Hong Kong Island. We eventually caught the number 6 bus to Stanley Market which is on the south side of Hong Kong Island. This entailed a rather bumpy ride over hills and mountains. I was glad Adam was sitting next to the window and not me as there were a number of sheer drops and we got quite close to them. One thing I noticed about the buses is that either my bum has got even bigger or the seats are just a lot smaller. So jealous of those petite Chinese women! After 45 minutes of a rather uncomfortable journey we arrived at picturesque Stanley and proceeded to find the market.
I was completely in my element. I went from stall to stall in awe of the fake shoes and fake designer handbags. Once we got to the end of the market we decided to stop for lunch and found a very nice sea front restaurant which served European and Indian food. I completely pigged out, i felt as though i had not eaten for days, ok slight exaggeration but this is how eating noodles since we arrived made me feel. Adam ordered an Australian ground beefburger and I had an Indian curry mix. I enjoyed every single mouthful and was sad to leave.
After re-energising we went back into the market to do some deals. I bought a beautiful silk red Chinese top which i bartered and got for £9 and some other bits and bobs. By now the market was starting to close so we grudgingly made our way back to the bus stop for a bumpy ride home.
After we got back to Kowloon we made our way to the Temple night market which is also known as the Man’s market. It is known as this as it is supposed to be “the place” to buy electronic goods. Well not quite what we were expecting. As we turned up we were confronted by people from every stall asking if we wanted a “copy watch”, if anyone else dares to ask me this question tomorrow i shall end up decking them as it started to get rather annoying. We walked past stall upon stall selling various items of no use really but still it was entertaining and we can now say we have been there, but don’t intend on ever going back.
All this walking had been making Adam and I very hungry so we looked for somewhere to stop and eat. We walked into a cafe which seemed very popular with the locals so we thought we would give it a try. Having looked at the menu I chose, can you guess? Yes noodles! The congee with frog didn’t look too good to me and I just wasn’t in the mood for something amphibian that night. Adam ordered beef on a bed of rice. When his dinner turned up it was a bit disappointing. He had 2 small bits of beef and something that looked like and tasted like beef jelly. As you can probably guess he didn’t finish it off. Luckily that meal with drinks only cost us £4 for the both of us.
We hope to find a better restaurant tomorrow!
I was completely in my element. I went from stall to stall in awe of the fake shoes and fake designer handbags. Once we got to the end of the market we decided to stop for lunch and found a very nice sea front restaurant which served European and Indian food. I completely pigged out, i felt as though i had not eaten for days, ok slight exaggeration but this is how eating noodles since we arrived made me feel. Adam ordered an Australian ground beefburger and I had an Indian curry mix. I enjoyed every single mouthful and was sad to leave.
After re-energising we went back into the market to do some deals. I bought a beautiful silk red Chinese top which i bartered and got for £9 and some other bits and bobs. By now the market was starting to close so we grudgingly made our way back to the bus stop for a bumpy ride home.
After we got back to Kowloon we made our way to the Temple night market which is also known as the Man’s market. It is known as this as it is supposed to be “the place” to buy electronic goods. Well not quite what we were expecting. As we turned up we were confronted by people from every stall asking if we wanted a “copy watch”, if anyone else dares to ask me this question tomorrow i shall end up decking them as it started to get rather annoying. We walked past stall upon stall selling various items of no use really but still it was entertaining and we can now say we have been there, but don’t intend on ever going back.
All this walking had been making Adam and I very hungry so we looked for somewhere to stop and eat. We walked into a cafe which seemed very popular with the locals so we thought we would give it a try. Having looked at the menu I chose, can you guess? Yes noodles! The congee with frog didn’t look too good to me and I just wasn’t in the mood for something amphibian that night. Adam ordered beef on a bed of rice. When his dinner turned up it was a bit disappointing. He had 2 small bits of beef and something that looked like and tasted like beef jelly. As you can probably guess he didn’t finish it off. Luckily that meal with drinks only cost us £4 for the both of us.
We hope to find a better restaurant tomorrow!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Hong Kong Island
After waking up at 4am, Adam telling me to go back to sleep as it was too early, and then waking up at 10am we eventually headed off to do the typical tourist thing and so went sightseeing.
We found out the hotel provided a free shuttle bus which took you to various parts within Hong Kong and so we took that to Tsimshatsui. There we walked along the harbour on the Avenue of Stars and past the Clock tower.
We took the “Star” Ferry across to Hong Kong Island. I have to say their transport system here is absolutely brilliant. We bought something called an Octopus card which is a top up card that you can use on nearly all methods of transport except taxis and can even use it in some shops to purchase goods. The ferry cost us $2.20HK which is equivalent to 15p – bargain!
We got to Hong Kong Island and headed off to the Finance District using the many sky walkways they have, which are basically pedestrian bridges over their roads, definitely space saving.
I know this may sound boring but the buildings were fantastic, so high and were like pieces of art. Each one very individual and unique.
We wanted to see a little bit of old Hong Kong and therefore decided to take the challenge and walked up the steep steps which in 30c of heat was exhausting. Old Hong Kong is tucked away behind the more modern shops and buildings but was only a 15 minute walk away.
We stumbled across a beautiful temple called Man Mo Temple. As soon as you walked inside you could smell the hundreds of incense sticks that were burning away, the smell was a bit over powering and so we didn’t stay long.
From there we caught the tram to get to The Peak Tram Station. We bought tickets for the Victoria Peak Tram and the Sky terrace. As soon as the Peak tram started to ascend i could tell this was not going to be a pleasant journey, for me anyway. The hills got steeper and the view looking down got higher. Adam has taken a picture to show you at what angle we were on the train. As amazing as the view was for those who know me, know that i’m not very good with heights and this was definitely very high and we continued to go even higher – arrrghhhh!
We then went onto the Sky Terrace which is the highest point on that building, i stayed firmly by the side whereas Adam took Ziggy to the edge and took some photos of the landscape and just in the nick of time as the clouds came over and it all went grey.
There are quite a few shops and a gaming area for the kids which Adam decided to have a go on too, however most people go just for the amazing view.
Lizzie (a friend who likes to travel – a lot!) suggested we do a Harbour Cruise. So after a busy day of sightseeing we made our way back to the mainland and booked ourselves onto the2 hour Symphony of Lights Cruise and no sooner had we done that it started to rain quite heavily and the next thing you know we had thunder and lighting. I thought they would have cancelled the trip but oh no and so we boarded.
The boat was swaying so much i was just glad i don’t get sea sick. The cruise started and we listened to the commentary about the buildings and the harbour. The rain unfortunately didn’t help with us trying to take photo’s however after about 45 minutes it just suddenly all cleared and we had a fantastic outlook of the harbour. Next thing you know the show starts and it was brilliant. Various buildings lit up in an array of colours co-ordinated to the music and this continued for 30 minutes.
After a busy day we went to look for some food. The price of food here is quite reasonable but that doesn’t help when you are a bit of a fussy eater. All i can say is that after 3 days of eating just noodles McDonalds is looking very appetising.
Bye for now
We found out the hotel provided a free shuttle bus which took you to various parts within Hong Kong and so we took that to Tsimshatsui. There we walked along the harbour on the Avenue of Stars and past the Clock tower.
We took the “Star” Ferry across to Hong Kong Island. I have to say their transport system here is absolutely brilliant. We bought something called an Octopus card which is a top up card that you can use on nearly all methods of transport except taxis and can even use it in some shops to purchase goods. The ferry cost us $2.20HK which is equivalent to 15p – bargain!
We got to Hong Kong Island and headed off to the Finance District using the many sky walkways they have, which are basically pedestrian bridges over their roads, definitely space saving.
I know this may sound boring but the buildings were fantastic, so high and were like pieces of art. Each one very individual and unique.
We wanted to see a little bit of old Hong Kong and therefore decided to take the challenge and walked up the steep steps which in 30c of heat was exhausting. Old Hong Kong is tucked away behind the more modern shops and buildings but was only a 15 minute walk away.
We stumbled across a beautiful temple called Man Mo Temple. As soon as you walked inside you could smell the hundreds of incense sticks that were burning away, the smell was a bit over powering and so we didn’t stay long.
From there we caught the tram to get to The Peak Tram Station. We bought tickets for the Victoria Peak Tram and the Sky terrace. As soon as the Peak tram started to ascend i could tell this was not going to be a pleasant journey, for me anyway. The hills got steeper and the view looking down got higher. Adam has taken a picture to show you at what angle we were on the train. As amazing as the view was for those who know me, know that i’m not very good with heights and this was definitely very high and we continued to go even higher – arrrghhhh!
We then went onto the Sky Terrace which is the highest point on that building, i stayed firmly by the side whereas Adam took Ziggy to the edge and took some photos of the landscape and just in the nick of time as the clouds came over and it all went grey.
There are quite a few shops and a gaming area for the kids which Adam decided to have a go on too, however most people go just for the amazing view.
Lizzie (a friend who likes to travel – a lot!) suggested we do a Harbour Cruise. So after a busy day of sightseeing we made our way back to the mainland and booked ourselves onto the2 hour Symphony of Lights Cruise and no sooner had we done that it started to rain quite heavily and the next thing you know we had thunder and lighting. I thought they would have cancelled the trip but oh no and so we boarded.
The boat was swaying so much i was just glad i don’t get sea sick. The cruise started and we listened to the commentary about the buildings and the harbour. The rain unfortunately didn’t help with us trying to take photo’s however after about 45 minutes it just suddenly all cleared and we had a fantastic outlook of the harbour. Next thing you know the show starts and it was brilliant. Various buildings lit up in an array of colours co-ordinated to the music and this continued for 30 minutes.
After a busy day we went to look for some food. The price of food here is quite reasonable but that doesn’t help when you are a bit of a fussy eater. All i can say is that after 3 days of eating just noodles McDonalds is looking very appetising.
Bye for now
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