Hong Kong consists of a mainland on China's southeastern coast and about 235 islands. It was a British dependency from the 1840's until July 1, 1997 when it passed to Chinese sovereignty as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It had be under British rule for 156 years. The main city on the mainland side is Kowloon, Hong Kong or Victoria City is on the largest island, across the harbor from Kowloon.
To us, Hong Kong was one big market! We actually visited there for the first time on our Honeymoon, almost 24 years ago. I returned on a shopping tour in 1991, then we were just there last October at the end of a 3 week tour of China. We basically knew where we wanted to go. There are many specialty markets on the mainland side, in Kowloon. I'd always wanted to visit the Bird Market, but never had, so that was our first destination. We took the subway, which Mel's brother Calvin taught us to navigate in Oct. After walking a few blocks, we entered the Flower Market which was on the way to the Bird Market. There was an amazing array of flowers! There were fresh cut, plants, house plants, pots and vases. It was very beautiful, especially all the orchids. That market lasted for about 2 blocks. At the end there was a sign for the Bird Market. Apparently it used to be very quaint, in a back ally, but had become so popular that they created a location for it. There were hundreds of birds of all different sizes and colors. I just wanted to open the tiny cages and let them all out. The cages were so small while they waited for a proper home. We even saw a toucan and several cockatoos there. Some booths just sold supplies, like tiny ceramic bowls made especially for food and water for cages. And cages there were, large and small, simple and extravagant! They were made of plastic, bamboo and even rosewood! Of course I had to buy one to take home. We spent some time selecting a beautiful one of rosewood. Now what to do with it, both in our cabin and when we get home. We'll figure it out, I'm sure.
The next market was the Ladies Market, but on the way we went to the Goldfish Market. On that block there were fish and pet stores, one right after the other. They had fish ready to go home, hanging in plastic bags on a board outside the doors. It was fascinating seeing so many stores with so many different kinds of fish in one single location.
We kept walking and were then in the Ladies Market. It used to sell just women's clothing, but over the years has turned into a general market where you can buy most anything, mainly clothing. We looked a bit then stopped for lunch. The restaurant was called Shanghai Restaurant, guess it was supposed to be Shanghainese style. They took ages to serve Mel his smoked duck, but I guess the wait was worth it. I had a delicious noodle soup and fresh lemonade. We sure did get a lot of stares. I think they were looking at Mel. LOL
We decided to walk back down Nathan Road to the ship. We were docked at Ocean Terminal which was right next to a huge upscale mall. Nathan Road is the main shopping street in Kowloon. That was after a visit to the Jade Market of course! We had been there in October, so knew what to expect. We picked up a few things, then walked home. We had dinner on the ship when met up with Kelly, our Internet Manager friend, and headed out to the Night Market. She had never been to Hong Kong, so rather than take the subway, we walked back up Nathan Road. It was lit up and full of people. We ran into several people from the ship on our walk. The Night Market had something for everyone. I found a few Disney toys that I hadn't seen in the States and some pretty boxes at a good price. Around the building where the Jade Market had been open during the day, were many booths with items from Tibet! I was laughing when I saw the "unique" dragon pot I purchased in Tibet in October, in several different booths. Too funny. I love it anyway. We walked back down Nathan Road yet again, arriving at the ship at about 11:30. Late night!
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