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Bright Lights, Big City of the East

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Asia continues to impress me and I’m only sorry we haven’t come here sooner. The land that seemed so far away and foreign is actually warm and welcoming, and Hong Kong is yet another city to add to my list of those where I want to return. Chinese New Year added vibrance and energy to our visit, but I believe this city is always full of color and light. The skylines are better than any I’ve ever seen and the views during the day rival the dramatic neon-lit skyscrapers that dance at night. With a harbor in between the two shorelines, you can enjoy the view wherever you are.

We always love seeing a city through the eyes of a local, and our friend Selma took us to every nook and cranny to introduce us to the food, culture, quirks and history of Hong Kong. On our own, we explored excellent museums, biked and hiked on the outer islands and joined the crowds for the New Year’s parade and epic fireworks. We rang in the Year of the Monkey with great fanfare and we are sad to leave Hong Kong, but so happy we came!

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Selma introduced us to Birdcage Alley, flower markets and a street solely dedicated to pet stores!

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Busy shoppers preparing for Chinese New Year buying flowers and food.
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A legit dim sum lunch. We were the only Westerners in the place and Selma ordered all the traditional dishes. We even tried fried chicken feet!!

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Luke preferred the egg waffles on the street.
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Always a fan of unique transportation, we loved the double decker trams. 

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Just one of the many views from the top – Victoria Peak

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The historic Star Ferry that took us between HK Island and Kowloon
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More great street food on our walking tour
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Luke could always spot the ice cream truck a mile away. We waited in line for the popular $1 soft serve cones.

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This view was spectacular! 118th floor overlooking the entire harbor.
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Chillin’ at the Ritz Carlton bar. Natch.
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The parade was colorful, loud and fun! We stayed at a hotel right on the route.

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Traditional lion dance on New Year’s Day at our hotel.

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Breathtaking fireworks capped off our stay. Gong Hey Fat Choy! (Happy New Year!)

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suzannerutledge

World traveler and author. My family and I traveled around the globe in 2015-2016. Our memoir, "From the Rut to the Ledge," offers travel tips we uncovered as well as stories about our adventures. We currently live outside London.

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9 thoughts on “Bright Lights, Big City of the East”

  1. love love love seeing your pictures of Hong Kong Suzanne!!! What a thrill for you to be there during the New Year Celebrations!! love and safe travels to you!

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  2. So fun to watch your adventures! Luke will have a life time of such wonderful memories made with his loving parents!

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    1. Hi Reese! How much did it snow? Did you get out of school? It’s Feb 10 here in the morning and we are flying to India today! Love, Luke

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  6. Wow. All of yawls adventures are awesome. We did get some snow here and got to play in it at school. The bummer was i almost had lice. Anyway hope things are good with you.

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