World Cruise 2015 Stan and Karen Hill HONG KONG By Stanley G. Hill, Jr.

En route to Hong Kong, I had an opportunity to perform a monologue on getting ready for a cruise.

We looked forward to seeing Hong Kong harbor, oft described as beautiful…, …contrasted with older fishing villages on outer islands.

…but barely visible high-rise buildings…

Black Kite’s (large eagle-like like raptors) crossed overhead and around our ship... …while Star Ferry boats crossed in front. It was late afternoon when we docked at the cruise terminal, at the tip of Kowloon next to the Star Ferry pier.

That evening, we walked around few blocks and saw a Chinese acrobat and magic show.

Very few historic buildings can be espied among the new.

Next morning, we took a ferry to Hong Kong Island.

We took a cross island doubledecker bus to Stanley and its much vaunted tourist market. While there is still some fishing…

…it is mostly a Chinese inspired resort community. Large openings in some buildings allow spirits to pass through. Back in Hong Kong’s downtown, we took a double-decker trolley—and saw a pink and purple one for Peggy.

From the trolley, we walked up steep streets and steps to get to Man Mo Temple— oldest Chinese temple in Hong Kong…

…dedicated primarily to the gods of literature and marshal arts, but also honoring a pantheon of lesser deities.

Offerings are made of incense, candles, fruit, and written prayers…

…which are burned.

We walked down the steep streets to the last traditional Chinese eatery in Hong Kong for dim sum.

Going back to the ship, we walked among tall shiny buildings…

…past a cell phone Buddha…

…restaurants… …and Mao Tse Tung collectibles in the antique market.

… homeless…

Preparing to sail, we watch a casino ship set out for an overnight gambling cruise,..

One tall building was ignominiously nominated… …and harbor activity… …the nose hair trimmer.

A nice sail-away evening, but the much vaunted harbor light show was overhyped.