Hong KongMorten ByskovNovember 03, 2015Canon 5D III, EF 16-35 4L IS, EF 50 1.8 STM, EF 85 1.2L II, Hong Kong, Wan Chai, Kowloon, Star Ferries, MTR, Hong Kong 15, Markets4 Comments

Exploring Wan Chai and Kowloon

Hong KongMorten ByskovNovember 03, 2015Canon 5D III, EF 16-35 4L IS, EF 50 1.8 STM, EF 85 1.2L II, Hong Kong, Wan Chai, Kowloon, Star Ferries, MTR, Hong Kong 15, Markets4 Comments

Taking the tram to Wan Chai in Hong Kong

Wan Chai Markets and Kowloon Promenade

MTR in Hong Kong

Today Sharon gave us the 101 on the Hong Kong transit system. Very few people here own a car and the city relies on, what Sharon indicates to be, one of the most efficient transit systems in the world.

Our initial impressions were the same. We have never seen so many busses and trams. The MTR (metro/subway) is modern and easy to navigate.

Tram From Central to Wan Chai

We hopped on a tram from Central and headed towards Wan Chai. What a great way to travel! Temperatures are around 25 degrees Celcius this time of year and all the windows in the tram are open so you feel the fresh air and see the sights at the same time.

The upper deck provided a new vantage point for the camera and I moved up front as soon as I could. We will be catching a tram again for sure.

Tai Yuen Street Markets

Sharon led us into the market along Tai Yuen Street and right away I knew why we decided to travel. An overwhelming feeling actually. You can view thousands of photos from around the world but nothing can replace being right there.

Feeling the heat, the smell from the meat market blended with the smell of fresh fruit and vegetables. Hearing the sounds of a new language and not understanding a single word.

People in the market are working hard. The business of feeding 7 million people creates a hustle and bustle, unlike anything I have ever witnessed before.

For a moment I felt slightly guilty walking around aiming my camera at everything and everyone but then again I tried to remind myself of a time earlier in my life when I worked in a grocery store stocking shelves, sorting empty bottles and delivering groceries. The time I worked in a fish factory after having traveled for a year. Or the time I worked as a cleaner in a pig slaughtery.

Tsim Sha Tsui - Kowloon

We took the MTR over to Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, on the mainland or TST as it is called by locals. We wandered and got a sense of direction and did some people-watching along the promenade at the Kowloon Public Pier before taking the ferry back to Central Hong Kong again. The late afternoon presented another special view of the city.