When we got up this morning the weather was bleak and raining, so much so it put a dampner on our day immediately. We decided that today was not a day for touring because on looking out the window we could not see the rather large buildings on the harbourside nor even the hills which we later learned was trhe Peak. After breakfast we decided that we may as well walk to find the Ocean terminal so that we would knopw where to go to embark. So out we went and after walking one block decided to take the walking subway which the sign said would take ius to our destination. However we ran out of signs and so hesitated to go further and so came above ground. When we did so we turned the wrong way and found ourselves in a back street. After a few more false starts we finally made our way to the Harbour City which turned out to be a giant shopping mall. The shops were not open because as we later found out we wrere too early, they open at 10 am. However there was a Crystal Cruise liner in port and so at least we had some idea about where we should be on Monday.

Then we decided to look at the high lights of harbour side;

the clock tower marking the location of the original railway station.

the Star ferry terminal.

the Space Museum.

the 1881 historical site encompasing the original fire station, the weather station and the original time ball tower where the latitude was inscribed in the tiled walk way and I was surprised to find out that Hong Kong wa similar in lattitude to Rockhampton, i.e. close to the Tropic of Cancer.

After spending time in the museum we decided that we had had enough of being damp and decided to go back to the hotel and dry out. The rain did not abate all after noon, in fact it became more persistent. However I went out for a walk later in the afternoon mainly in Nathan Road and mixed it with the crowd of locals.

When we arose Sunday morning and looked out the window we saw sunshine. Great we rushed downstairs and saw the booking clerk to book a tour. The one we wanted was not availanble because the required number (four) had not booked- we were the only ones interested. The tour that was available had a pick up time of 8.25 am and it was already 7.50 am and we had not breakfasted. We did so in record time and were in the lobby with 5 minutes to spare.

First we went to the Peak in a 1886 cable car. Originally it was a cable car but now completely electrical motor drive. The climb was steep and for me terrifying. Everynow and then we stopped once at a traffic light and at two stations. This car is used a public transport as well as tourism. On arrival at the peak we were ticketed for the Sky Tower. What a view of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour. We had an hour up there just admiring the view on all sides. while we were ther a Chinese girl approached me and said"photo". I thought she meant wuld I take her photo on her camera. I said "ok" and she grabbed my arm and snuggled under my arm pit while her friend took our photo with her camera. Not to be out done her friends then jumped in wanting their photos with me also. Guide Ben said as we left that we were lucky that the clear weather afforded a good view. We thought "yeah he says that all the time". But so it proved later in the day the Peak was once agaion shrouded in mist.

Next stop was Aberdeen where we had a Sampan ride to see the contrast of poverty in the fishing trade and riches in the harbourside apartments. So relaxing. after that we went to a design jeweller, apparently quite qwell known for quality. Their products were really attractive and surely valuable, but of no real interest. Finally we went to Stanley Markets which was really jumping. Once again nice to see but of no real interest to us. But we circumvented all of the shops and strolled down the sea wall promenade with very attractive harbour views.

We arrived back at the hotel mid-afternoon, reasonably foot sore but satisfied with the tour. Later in the day I walked the Avenue of Stars to find the Bruce Lee statue and stars for him and Jackie Chan. The walk was longer than anticipated, but I discovered that the Subnday afternoon promenade was the thing to do in Hong Kong - there were thousands on the walk, it was sardine time but fun as the crowds were not hurrying and happy.

The Volendam docked at 7.23 am Monday 13th but we cxould not embark before 12 noon. After checking out of our hotel we got a taxi to the Cruise Terminal and guess what the driver did not know how to get there. He pulled up at the exit and was given inbstruction as to where he shoulsd be. He muttered "wong way" and reset the meter to zero. However we finally got to the baggage drop and boarding thereafter was smooth. We later found out that other passengers had the same experience. So we did not feel so bad about our failure on Saturday. We left port at 5 13pm and went to the Crow's Nest to enjoy a wine while we sailed away