Victoria Peak & Hong Kong Zoo
In which I take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, visit Hong Kong Zoo and watch some undesirable behaviour.
14 March 2011 - 1239 Hong Kong
Just had a spot of lunch at Food Republic, a food court run by a Singapore firm. It was okay. Nothing special. £3 though for chicken, rice and soup so no complaints.
Has to be said, people here are damn rude. People blatantly push in front of you in queues, knock into you if you’re in their way, don’t wait for you to get out of lifts or trains before they get in and do that gross nasal grunting thing a lot. I’m going to start shouting at people if it continues. I don’t care if that’s the way things are done here. I will not just accept rudeness. If the people of Singapore can be overflowing with politeness and manners (which they were), the people of HK can be the same.
British people don’t think of themselves as polite as their stereotypical reputation suggests, but we so are! We are so blooming polite.
Also, and I’m not sure why but still, I’m wary of hygiene here. I’m sure I have nothing to worry about but there are a lot of signs up instructing people to cover their mouths when they sneeze, that so-and-so button is routinely sanitised and there are a lot of people wearing face masks. I’ve been lucky to have only been slightly ill once in New Zealand so far on this trip. I reckon I’ll be lucky if I come away from HK without catching something, particularly in my current run-down state.
1314
At the Peak Tram station for Victoria Peak. It’s much clearer today so I’ll hopefully get to see something when I get to the top. They make everyone pose for photos in front of a backdrop before getting a ticket. I had to say no twice. They’re really after your money here. Most people are falling for it.
1449
I’m now in HK Zoological and Botanic Gardens. Seems like quite a big place with plenty to see. It’s really cheap to get in to too. Actually, it’s completely free! I’m just having a bit of a rest right now in a cafe. Just got a bottle of tea and a ice cream for £1.50. I’m sorry to keep going on about how cheap everything is here, but everything here is really cheap! There’s a real tropical feel in these gardens. I like it.
The Peak was predictably a tourist trap. The view was ok, but there are two shopping malls selling crap on top and not much more. The tram was fun. It was much steeper than I had imagined. Whatever the steepness you’re imagining right now, double it.
