My Memorable Trip to Hong Kong!

Work commitments in 2019 found me struggling to find time to take a vacation. In the years prior, I had travelled far and wide, and to have a year without any travel felt bleak. But an unexpected holiday towards the end of the year helped pick up the year’s course.

I made a spontaneous plan to visit a friend in Hong Kong and spend an extended weekend there. For someone who puts in months of planning and research into a holiday, this spur-of-a-moment plan had me feeling unprepared and excited at the same time.

At first, it all felt too regular. Hong Kong was like any other expensive metro city anywhere in the world. Crowded, fast-paced with tall buildings and glass skyscrapers fighting for space in the skyline, just like the people and vehicles on the ground. I could bring out a lot of parallels to Mumbai - the lifestyle was very much the same. People living in tiny box apartments that they leave early in the day, only to be back after sunset. House-help who let themselves in to cook and clean, most of whom are trusted with house keys. The efficiency of public transport makes it the lifeline of the city and everyone gets around far too conveniently without private vehicles.

But underneath all the typical city bustle, there was something about this place that made it warmly welcoming. A day into my holiday and I knew what it was - the waters. As an island, it’s surrounded by beautiful blues, the very sight of which is soothing and calming. With tiny neighbouring islands, just ferry rides away, under the disguise of its mundane regular city cover, Hong Kong is uniquely charming.

These six pictures serve as the highlights of my trip and just looking at them helps me travel back in time. Sitting at home through this lockdown, this is the kind of time travel that dreams are made of.

The Peak

I trekked up to Victoria Peak which is at a height of around 554 metres, for a spectacular view of the Hong Kong skyline at night. While there’s no doubt that going back by foot will give a full-rounded trekking experience, I chose to take the tram down for another experience. It was a fun, quick and steep ride downhill.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

I chose a perfect winter evening to do this ferry ride. With beaming city lights emerging from some of the biggest corporate structures on the island, cold wind in my face and hair, this was an evening I’ll never forget.

Ferry Rides

There’s something so therapeutic about the blue waters surrounding Hong Kong. I stood through most of my ferrying around from one island to the next, most times, torn between wanting to reach my destination and not wanting the ride to end.

The Cheung Chau Island

Called the “dumbbell island” owing to its shape, walking through this isle offered an authentic island experience unlike the city-island that Hong Kong is. Cheung Chau is a fishing village lined with restaurants and their inviting owners offering fresh seafood. However, there’s more to this island than the fresh seafood. I hiked to find a pristine water body.

Lamma Island Lookout Pavilion

The biggest highlight of my trip was this beautiful Chinese roof lookout. It was a small trek up a hill on Cheung Chau but every bit worth it. I’ll never forget sitting at this pavilion and feeling so relaxed and peaceful. It was a gorgeous, airy day and I found it terribly hard to leave.

Beef Ramen

Hong Kong is a gastronomical paradise. More so, if you’re a meat-eater. I eat meat occasionally and one of those occasions is when I’m on the move or travelling. Of all the stuff I ate on the island, this beef ramen had me floored. It was so flavoursome, I can still feel the flavours tingling in my mouth.

Hong Kong is a comforting blend of city and island lives. I don’t know when I’m going to get to travel again but I’m so glad I have memories of Hong Kong to keep me going until then.