Monday, March 12, 2018, Hong Kong, China day 1

A British Overseas Territory until 1997, Hong Kong is home to long-cherished Eastern traditions amid modern Western sensibilities. This forest of glittering skyscrapers stands between soaring mountains and bustling Victoria Harbor.  The entire sweeping vista is best taken in from atop Victoria Peak, lush with landscaped gardens and footpaths.  Back down at lea level, Aberdeen provides a fascinating glimpse of China old and new as a skyward-reaching cluster of residential towers watches over a bustling bay where floating villages bob in the waters beside stylish pleasure boats.

Victoria Harbor keeps the heart of Hong Kong beating.  And it does so with grace and beauty.  The natural harbor divides Hong Kong Island from Kowloon, and its sheltered waters proved appealing to the British, luring them to establish a colony here.  Today, much of the harbor’s beauty lies in its location amid a dense urban area.  Junks, tugs, sampans, yachts, and the distinctive Star Ferry commuter boats share these teeming waters surrounded by a stunning setting.  For the most impressive view of Hong Kong’s forest of skyscrapers and Victoria Peak, join locals for a harbor crossing on a Star Ferry.  Or take in the nightly light show that plays off the skyline.

Our cruise ship terminal is the secondary in Hong Kong located on Kowloon peninsula.  It is the former Kai Tak air port that was closed in 1978 due to its extremely short runway and close proximity so downtown and growing number of buildings.  This airport was known as the world's fifth most dangerous airport in the world because pilots would have to approach through tall buildings and make a 45 degree turn on approach close to the runway.

This old airport is where Larry flew in and out in the spring of 1967 when he came on R&R from Viet Nam.  The new international airport is 30 kilometers away in what's known as The New Territory of Hong Kong.

Our port greeters as we were being tied up to the Hong Kong dock at the old air port terminal. 

Our initial stop on today's shore excursion was at Victoria Peak at the "Top of Hong Kong."

The use of bamboo poles for scaffolding is common in Hong Kong and China.

Views from Victoria Peak.

Looking across to Kowloon Peninsula.

Four of the tallest twenty buildings in the world are in Hong Kong; as we remember #4, 11, 14, & 19. 

The first sky scraper built in Hong Kong 1980.  Dwarfed by today's buildings.  Built by the British as a government building and referred to by the locals as the A.. Hold building due to its round windows.

An early tram car of the British.  The history and evolution of the phases of development since 1888 can be found at:  thepeak.com.hk

Loading on at the upper station.

Bamboo poles for scaffolding.

In the second richest city in the world there is poverty.  The rich get richer and .....................

We made a quick stop at a local market.  Prices were for locals, fortunately not tourists.

Aisian toilet!  Some places the only thing available.

The center and right side of this building has bamboo scaffolds.  They are used to over 80 stories high!

Amusement park at the top of the hill; referred to as "Disney Land."

We made a stop at a jewelry store/factory where their specialty is jade and pearls.

Indonesian jade is found in five different colors whereas in most of the world it is only green.

They grow their own pearls in the ocean in oyster beds.

They collect ancient coins from the heart of China to include in some of their jewelry.

Gathering pearls from their oyster beds.

A raw jade stone.  Cut in half below.

The owner is apparently a Harly Davidson man who is interested in America's Old West. 

Sample bamboo small scaffold.

Touted to be the largest floating restaurant with 2,500 people capacity.

Out for a short sampan ride.

Bamboo scaffolding.

People used to but no longer live on boats and barges here.

 Hong Kong harbor at night.