Second Day in Hong Kong

More Ways You Know You're Not At Home:
You're the one with the camera, not the Asians.
Chinese people say that all of Us look alike.
You have no problem understanding spoken English without prepositions and helping verbs. Cathey says, "This Victoria Peak, you have 30 min. take pictures. You late - Bye,Bye, bus leave you." He, He, He!"

This morning started with a heavenly buffet breakfast here at the hotel - dim sum, omlettes, smoked mackrel and capers - anything you could want. We relaxed after that then boarded a tour bus at 2:00 for a 5 hr. visit to the highlights of Hong Kong. Cathey, our tour guide lives with her parents and 3 sisters in an 800 sq. ft. apartment (the size of the landing) that is government subsidized. First stop was Victoria Peak - splendid view of the city below, all 7 million of them! Next we went to Aberdeen fishing village. There we boarded a sam pan for a ride. Only a remnent of the fisherman remain (around 700) from 20 years ago, but they continue to supply Hong Kong with 60% of the seafood consumed here. These people live on their boats yearround, but they don't fish in June and July - that's mating season (for the fish, that is). There is a chic marina here also that is in stark contrast to the conditions that the fisherman live in. Next stop was the Dynasty Jewelry Manufacture. Hong Kong imports gems and pearls from all over the world, turns them into pieces of jewelry then sells them back - I bargained here and JBP bought me a Beautiful string of pearls for half of what they would have cost retail! Stanley Bay was our third stop. Here is a local street market where you can find anything - even saw Audrey's ladybug costume hanging in one stall. We headed for the beach and found a nice bar and a couple of good drinks. The bay stretches out to the Sea of China. 45 minute ride back to the hotel for a seafood buffet - lobster, shrimp, escargot, lamb curry, black cod, and of course, local Chinese specialties. Lights across Victoria Bay come on as we dine - Michael, you could live here! To bed by 9:00, worn out.