It is such a nice feeling to be back in Hong Kong and to be able to go out again. No more room quarantine. I am very much looking forward to this layover. And on top of that, the weather forecast promises sun and clouds and warm temperatures.

My hotel room has a view of Victoria Harbour and I feel energised to go out for dinner despite the long flight we have had. There are 12 of us as we set out for Wan Chai. Dinner followed by drinks in one of the many bars is exactly what this return to the city asks for.

Victoria Peak

I am equally motivated to do something the next day despite the short jet lagged sleep. The question is more, what to do, what to choose from the many things Hong Kong has to offer. In the end, I head towards Victoria Peak because the weather is clear and promises a good view of the sea, the islands and the city. It is Easter Monday and many people join me on the circular path around the Peak: families, joggers, dog walkers, casual strollers…

I love the lush green, dense forest. Everything feels so verdant and beautiful. The cicadas are giving it their all and give a noisy concert. I can see Lamma Island to the south. In the hazy distance I can even make out further islands and lots of cargo ships passing by. The milky turquoise waters of the South China Sea never cease to fascinate me. It provides such a beautiful backdrop to the scenery.

As I round the corner, more and more of the city comes into view. The skyscrapers stand closely together. Some have balconies, some do not. But they all have their air conditioning units attached on the outside. Ferries criss-cross across the Harbour and are drawing white foamy lines.

The lush steep hills rising directly behind the skyscrapers are what I love so much about Hong Kong. Nature is never far away. My walking speed slows down considerably as I stop at every viewpoint to take photos and admire the ever slightly changing angles of the city. Birds are soaring overhead and the sun is filtering through the clouds. What a beautiful day. I have missed visiting the city so much.

Stanley

It is still early enough in the day for me to continue on to Stanley in the south of the island. Public transport is so convenient in Hong Kong and I especially love the double decker buses on the narrow winding roads. The views from the upper deck are so nice. I am glad that I do not have to drive, that I can simply lean back and enjoy the views.

The market in Stanley has shrunk quite a bit due to covid. It is still fun to stroll along the narrow lane and see all the paraphernalia on offer, though. Clothes, electronics, souvenirs of all shapes and sizes… some glitter, some sparkle and some make noise… I buy some lunch in a supermarket and find a shady spot along the bay. It has gotten really warm and I love to observe the people strolling by.

Kowloon by night

In the evening I meet two of my colleagues and we go out for the light show and then for dinner at the Temple Street Night Market. Here also the impact of Covid can be felt. Not a lot of stalls remain in the street and they only sell cheap souvenirs. We find a small food court and have dinner. Ordering based on the pictures in the menu is always a bit of an adventure, but usually it works.

Lantau Island

Today is our departure day, but we decide to meet in the morning and go to Lantau Island. The sun is shining and it would be a shame not to make use of the day. The ride on the airport bus and then with a smaller one up to the Tian Tan Buddha in Ngong Ping is already a sight-seeing trip in itself. Steep stairs lead up to the Buddha figure and lots of tourists stop for photos along the way. It is getting hot as we stroll around the Buddha. The lush hills are beautiful and the soft shapes of the islands in the distance rise from the haze. It feels like we are on holiday.

The adjacent temple area is where we are headed next. There are a few people, who are burning incense and the sweet smell is filling the air. I love the beautifully painted wooden structures of the buildings. The inside is overflowing with flowers in front of the golden buddhas.

We have a little lunch in the vegetarian café in the temple grounds before we head to the cable car station. On the way back we want to take the gondola. The views are so pretty, despite the haze. Ships are sprinkled over the South China Sea. We are floating above the steep hills and around the corner the airport comes into view. We slowly glide closer and see all the activity out on the airfield. In just a few hours we will be here again for our flight back home.

It was such an intense, activity-filled layover and I loved every minute of it. What a pleasure to be back in Asia and to fully experience it again after the pandemic.