Hong Kong Day 3

So far Hong Kong has felt more interesting than foreign, but with a foreign twist, enough English being spoken, and enough signs to get around easily.  For breakfast, we went American style as Isabel has been 7 months without an American breakfast. Here's a pic of me and Loren at breakfast.


Today we went Kowloon side - (took the Star Ferry across) which is very different.  We went there to go to the local markets, though those were pretty disappointing.  We knew that there would be fakes and knockoffs - but the quality was extremely poor.
Still, great people watching and tremendous ethnic diversity - Afghanis, Somalis, Malaysians, Filipinos, Arab women in full burkhas, etc.  And we saw even more jewelry - the custom is to give ostentatious gifts for weddings, and other big occasions, and it's all 24 karat gold.  Huge necklaces that are more like breastplates, bangle bracelets that are 3"-4" wide, etc.  no pics as didn't want to get security after us.

Here are some images from the markets and the surrounding buildings.

Note laundry drying outside many of the windows.

Random notes on Hong Kong:
- It's very clean - zero litter, and trash cans well placed
- Very few people smoke, and there are special cans to collect ashes and butts
- Really easy to get around - mostly walking, also the MTR, and taxis are very affordable.  If we had a little more time, might have learned the bus system, but have enjoyed walking and peering into shops...well ok, going into shops, esp ones with AC


- AC is a wonderful thing!
- Space is a great and expensive luxury
- conspicuous consumption is alive and thriving here - about every third car is a Tesla or Mercedes or other high end brand - haven't seen any trashed/old cars
- food is excellent, thanks to Loren's great research, we have had fantastic meals....and speaking of, next stop was to Michelin star restaurant.  Crowd outside, and took us a minute to figure out how to get "name on the list" .  Turns out you tell the hostess the number in your party and she gives you a ticket with a number on it.  She calls the numbers in Cantonese, and Isabel and I think it took extra long to get to our turn,  We go inside, and are seated by a number, marked on the table- each seat has a corresponding number, and you share tables.  We sat across from a big family group, and one of the women fed the grandmother.  She (grandmother) gummed her food, and as she finished, dropped the bones from her mouth onto the table.  Very matter of fact.  The elderly, as you might know, are given lots of respect, and helped along.  In her case, she was helped along by the s at of her pants - literally- her granddaughter grabbed the back of pants waistband and walked her out.  Hard not to laugh.  It's good to see several generations together - haven't seen old grandfathers though, just old ladies.

Took the MTR back - long day.  Loren and Isabel rallied for a late night feast of noodles and roast meats (duck and pork).