This was the highlight of our journey. We said goodbye to China passing the new bridge between Lantau island and Kowloon and checked in at the Imperial Hotel in Kowloon at an outrageous rate. Small beds and too cold room didn't make it better. We got very friendly service however. The ferry from China took us to the Macao terminal on Hong Kong side, not to the China terminal in Kowloon as I expected.
So, our dinner with Roger at the Jumbo restaurant got a little bit delayed. But this is an excellent place, Mia got her favorite Shark fin soup again and we also tried a lot of new Chinese food here.
The morning on the day after (handover day, June the 30:th) we went to Repulse Bay for swimming and relaxation. This beach is very nice, good sand and not too shallow. You can also make close friends with the marine inhabitants, there is a lot of shark here!
After the swimming we had some Dim Sum, for the first time in Mias life. She liked it, but it did taste a bit strange to her with the bad stomach we all got at Bali.
OK, where shall we celebrate the actual handover ? Fortunately for us our friend Judy called and asked if we wanted to join her. So, we set up a randez-vous in Lan Kwai Fong, at the Milk bar, as usually.
OK, now you can check out the nice pad we went to up near the Peak to watch the fireworks!
Lennart who we met in Hong Kong really wanted to stay at the famous Chung King mansion, which is next doors to our Imperial Hotel. It is famous for being low budget, although they did offer a deluxe room to Lennart with air-condition e t c.
OK, after the British fireworks day it is now time for the Chinese version. We must admit, the Chinese was far superior to the British. But, the cost for the Chinese was 100 M HK$, the British a mere 3 M HK$. All of these fireworks were privately funded.
After the fireworks we went to the Mad Dogs pub, Kowloon in order to see how the locals handed the handover and feel the atmosphere among all the expatriates.
Also here, check out all the fascinating drinks and how to become a member of the most elite of all Highland Clans(S.E. Asia chapter), THE RABID BOOZERS SOCIETY.
After the handover day and the first day as a Chinese SAR (Special Administrative Region) it is time for Hangover day as July the second had been nicknamed. Our initial plan was to go to Macao. However, due to all the rain there was a red storm warning alert so we were afraid of not getting back to Hong Kong on time.
Instead we went to the Ocean park which is supposed to be one of the best theme parks in the world. To this I can only say: I agree. It was very well done, a lot of variation - everything from kids park, dinosaur park, performances by dolphins and killer whales and various rides. Although it was raining extensively many rides were closed, but it was still worth visiting. And the best part of the park was the giant reef aquarium they had.
OK, time to say good-bye to Hong Kong and head back for Sweden via Jakarta. Keep on!
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