It is always a wonderful flight when taking someone special with me. This Christmas I have the opportunity to take my husband with me to Hong Kong. I have been to the city many times and I cannot wait to show him all that this “city of skyscrapers” has to offer.

The flight is long and it also takes quite a bit of time until we reach the hotel. We enter our hotel room just at the right time for the blue hour. The last light of day lies on the buildings stretching out in front of our window. The lights of the Harbourfront skyscrapers begin to shine across the water. It looks so beautiful. We are eager to change and go out for dinner.

Christmas Dinner

We walk along the waterfront to the next metro station and cross over to Hong Kong Island. Getting off at Central, we immediately dive into the bright lights and the sounds, the masses of people and the smells of restaurants. It is so busy tonight, more so than any other weekend I have experienced in Hong Kong. We walk around a little before we eat at a cute Japanese restaurant in a small side street, followed by a cocktail at a nearby bar. We chat standing by the bar and listening to the live music. It feels wonderful to share this experience  and it is such a beautiful start to our layover.

Victoria Peak & Central

We are awake early and head out to the Victoria Peak fist thing in the morning. The bus ride up to the peak feels like a sightseeing trip already. The double-decker bus manoeuvres the narrow corners and overhanging trees on the way out of the city and up the hill. It is still a bit chilly as we embark on the 3km loop around the peak and the beginning of the trail lies in the shade. We fast-walk, we talk and we enjoy the views to the south. I love the path and how the city slowly comes into view the further we walk around the hill. There is a lot of activity in the container port and the star ferries cross the harbour between the Kowloon side and Hong Kong Island.

Since we want to go to Central for brunch we take the Peak Tram down the hill. At this time of day there are very few people with us on the train and we can sit in the front with unspoiled views of the steep descent into the dense city.

After a delicious brunch we continue on the Mid-level escalators up the hill. It is a funny experience gliding up the hill between the houses. Lots of people are with us on the escalators. The sun comes out and it is really getting warm as we are walking down the hill again. We stop at a small bakery for some dessert before we head for the metro back to our hotel. Jet lag is forcing us to have a siesta before we head out again in the evening.

A walk through Wan Chai

Taking the Star Ferry across the Harbour is such a nice experience. Especially so, if it is in the evening and the sun is setting. The sky is turning pink and the lights of the skyscrapers are slowly coming on. Standing outside on the deck of the ferry, admiring the cityscape on both sides of the water; life can be so beautiful.

On our walk through Wan Chai we come across a small outdoor shopping and restaurant arcade. There are a lot of people for Christmas related activities. We find a spot on the upper floor of a restaurant close by and admire the fake snow falling on the people below. We have another lovely dinner together and sit for quite a while talking and looking out over the people enjoying Christmas.

There are a number of rooftop terraces all over the city and it is not easy to choose one. We end up on an outside terrace enjoying the view over the Harbour and the illuminated skyscrapers. It does get a bit chilly after a while, but until then we admire the light show from up here.

MongKok and the Ladies Market

The mix of jet lag and the desire to see as much as possible during the layover is a fine balance. We have a cosy long brunch today again. We are just sitting together, chatting and having a good time in Tsim Tsa Tsui

Afterwards we stroll through MongKok. I never tire of looking at the big apartment complexes with their laundry hanging outside. The air conditioning units adorn the buildings like art and the busy streets are excellent for watching the world go by.

The Ladies Market is not that busy today. Maybe Christmas has its effect. A few stalls are selling their souvenirs, bags, electronics and more. We simply have a look and continue on our way. The flower market is very busy and offers all kinds of colourful plants. Orchids seem to be the favourite flowers.