The route to Stanley took us through very hilly terrain via narrow roads. Our perch in the upper deck afforded great views of the countryside and towns. In Stanley we were let off a couple of blocks from the market. We proceeded down a hill toward the water, and soon entered the market. We were lookers not buyers. That did not prevent us from a comprehensive viewing of the booths and merchandise. There were many sellers of t-shirts, scarves, jewelry of every sort, clothing and items suitable for children's gifts. Clearly the women in the group were the targeted customers.
Stanley Market
We spent a respectable time in the market before moving to the seaside. The waterfront promenade is nicely done with a few more shops and some restaurants. We found none of these appealing, and headed toward a neighborhood park and a small temple. These were both simple and beautiful in their own right. The park was nicely groomed and had the mandatory fountain and monuments. The temple was tiny, but had a tidy worship space with many shrines. Only a few worshippers were present. One other tourist couple stepped inside while we were there. The burning incense was pleasant and not overpowering.
On our way to the temple we had noticed an escalator to an upper level. There we found several upscale stores. Some had very unique products. All wereexpensive. We took an elevator down to ground level, and ended up in a corridor behind the shops. We had found the freight elevator. We were about to retrace our steps to the elevator, when a door opened. A lady speaking Chinese chased us out to the plaza. Saved!
We started back to the bus stop. As we passed the restaurants along the sea wall, we were assailed by employees hawking their food. One gent in particular was politely insistent. We had not decided to eat lunch yet, and kept walking. A little farther on we decided there would be another bus. We walked back to the persistent gentleman. He seated us at a table next to the sidewalk with a beautiful view. Seated next to us was a nice couple from Newcastle, England. We had a nice conversation with them as we waited for our food to come. As we ate we all marveled at how the hawker would make his pitch and reel in the diners. As quick as a table emptied, he filled it. Very entertaining. We lingered to finish our included beers after the couple from the UK had left. After lunch we walked to the bus stop. There we met our new friends again.
The bus took us to Aberdeen next. There are very nice apartment/condos along the harbor front. Sampans pulled up to a little landing right at the bus stop. The boarding commenced, and we joined another couple as the only passengers in the last boat. This leisurely ride took us past moored fishing boats, pleasure boats and houseboats before approaching Jumbo where we could get off for lunch. Our lunch at Seafront, the restaurant in Stanley, was more economical and not as obviously touristy as this one. Wise choice. The Sampan returned us to the bus stop. The next bus completed the circuit, and we disembarked at the ferry terminal.
After the quick crossing to Kowloon we walked to the Penninsula. The blue line started the tour of Kowloon here. We enjoyed Nathan Road in the daylight. When we got to the Temple Square stop we got off. The Temple Night Market was just setting up. It was 5:00. When we got to the temple door, they were closing it. Too late to see inside. We started walking the streets around the temple. Our bus narration had said the Jade Market was just across the street from the temple. Which street?
We crossed Nathan Road and asked a clerk in a bookstore where the Jade Market was. He did not know, and consulted with a colleague. She did not know. We walked to the corner.
Back on the street we climbed the stairs up to the temple garden. There was a well maintained pond without fish, but with many plants. Scattered around this area were stone tables and benches. There were groups of men playing or watching a game played with round stones. We saw no money, but believed they were gambling. They were very intense.
We returned to the bus stop to wait. It was 6:00. It should be here soon. When we had arrived, we were let off directly in front of the gate to the temple grounds. Now there were market stalls set up here. We would have to board at the corner. As we walked there, we decided to check out the stalls. Wow! These were the sex toys. We did not linger, but many did. Most seemed to be tourists. Our bus arrived, and we continued the tour. As we neared the end of the ride, we passed an enormous construction site. We had no idea what this complex would be, but we saw equipment and techniques we have not seen anywhere back home.
We disembarked behind The Penninsula. This time I got us to the ship without incident. It was 7:15. We had time for snacks and a drink in the Lido before returning to the promenade on deck three to watch the laser light show we missed last night. It took place at 8:00 as scheduled, and lived up to the hohum reviews we had heard from other passengers. Just viewing the buildings was enough. No lasers needed.
Day is done, and so are we.
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