I should try to write any cash amounts in U.S. rather than Hong Kong dollars. But it still amazes me how little money I spend where casinos aren't involved.
Got to meet 3 different friends who took me around 4 different days shopping and sightseeing. Despite 5 previous visits, I still saw places I'd not seen before, including the Ladies Market. Not sure why it got that name as they also sell men's items. Couldn't pass up the souvenir T shirts as the ones I had had become a bit raggedy over time.
Weather was perfect...mid 60s to mid 70s. I only had issues with some hidden fees I came across. The Newton Hotel in North Point, where I stayed, charged $4.50 a half hour for Internet access. But it irked me more to have to pay to get change. Even when they verified I was a hotel guest, I was charged the equivalent of $2 to change $80. This had me certain they'd also charge me for local phone calls. But they didn't so I was fortunate there.
Can't recall being on any trip in my life where something bad would happen, followed almost immediately by something good. Took a city tour on Tuesday. They always drag you to a factory where jewelry is made, probably figuring since you had the money to come, you also have more then enough to buy some of their items. If only they knew I was dining about every night at McDonald's or Burger King!
Had a nice boat ride around the Aberdeen fishing village. Halfway through, the man running the boat (looked about 100) held up a sign HK$69. It was yet another hidden fee and lucky for me, I had the money. It was only about $9 in U.S. but still, I'd paid for the tour in advance, assuming that aspect was taken care of. I know what happens when we assume...
Learning the subway system was a bit like memorizing basic strategy for blackjack. Seems overwhelming at first but I actually got used to it.
The nonstop flight each way was 14.5 hours. Not something I'll repeat any time soon probably. It makes the flight to Las Vegas feel like 10 minutes by comparison.
Tim
Got to meet 3 different friends who took me around 4 different days shopping and sightseeing. Despite 5 previous visits, I still saw places I'd not seen before, including the Ladies Market. Not sure why it got that name as they also sell men's items. Couldn't pass up the souvenir T shirts as the ones I had had become a bit raggedy over time.
Weather was perfect...mid 60s to mid 70s. I only had issues with some hidden fees I came across. The Newton Hotel in North Point, where I stayed, charged $4.50 a half hour for Internet access. But it irked me more to have to pay to get change. Even when they verified I was a hotel guest, I was charged the equivalent of $2 to change $80. This had me certain they'd also charge me for local phone calls. But they didn't so I was fortunate there.
Can't recall being on any trip in my life where something bad would happen, followed almost immediately by something good. Took a city tour on Tuesday. They always drag you to a factory where jewelry is made, probably figuring since you had the money to come, you also have more then enough to buy some of their items. If only they knew I was dining about every night at McDonald's or Burger King!
Had a nice boat ride around the Aberdeen fishing village. Halfway through, the man running the boat (looked about 100) held up a sign HK$69. It was yet another hidden fee and lucky for me, I had the money. It was only about $9 in U.S. but still, I'd paid for the tour in advance, assuming that aspect was taken care of. I know what happens when we assume...
Learning the subway system was a bit like memorizing basic strategy for blackjack. Seems overwhelming at first but I actually got used to it.
The nonstop flight each way was 14.5 hours. Not something I'll repeat any time soon probably. It makes the flight to Las Vegas feel like 10 minutes by comparison.
Tim
