Have been going to places in Hong Kong I’ve not been to in the past. Over the last few days, one of my best friends, Paloma, moved flat and the change couldn’t be more different. From a shoebox size apartment to a lovely, spacious two-bedroom one in Kennedy Town (about twice the size), it was amazing. I’m very impressed, particularly as the two flats cost about the same.
Kennedy Town is where the tram starts, and for the first time yesterday, I took the whole length of a tram to Causeway Bay. It’s not a particularly quick journey, but there’s something special about the tin trams of Hong Kong. And not least as any journey costs just HK$2 (12p).
After the obligatory shopping trip in Causeway Bay, I had an evening organised by one of my hosts, Charles. First we went to dinner at Kaya, a Korean restaurant in Causeway Bay. It was the first time I had been to a Korean restaurant, I think, and it was truly authentic. Good choice Charles.
Next choice was an odd one. Charles suggested a bar in Lan Kwai Fong, the ex-pat playground of Hong Kong. Little did he know he chose a gay bar, but that didn’t really matter, as it was quiet and a chance for everyone to chat. It’s funny, but as my mate Johnny came along to the drinks, it turned out people at the next table knew him. Small world. particularly with Johnny, who seems to know the whole of Hong Kong.
Further on the unexplored, Hong Kong, Charles brought us up to the roof of his flat in Mid-Levels, and a fantastic view was all around. Hong Kong is most beautiful at night and this was a magnificent view.
And last that night a haunted house visit….
* Haunted House *
Up in Mid-Levels is ‘haunted house’ on Po Shan Road. History and rumour surrounds it. It is said there was a massacre at the site decades ago, and in the 1970s a landslide hit the house. Now it lies derelict, unsecured, and graffiti strewn. Visiting late at night there is something spooky about the place, but it does feel relatively harmless. The only threat would have been from squatters living in the place, but I don’t think we disturbed any ghosts.
Now, the Chinese are a superstitious bunch, and with that kind of history, no one would consider buying that property. Interestingly, someone has recently. For HK$300m (c. £22m), they have bought the property, but appear to be immediately selling it for HK$400m… Making a quick buck on an abandoned house. Now that’s audacious.
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3 Comments
I love shopping at Causeway Bay too.
Check out my blog.
http://hongkong-hotels.blogspot.com/2006/04/causeway-bay-street-where-shoppers.html
Hi there,
Noticed your post. Am travelling to HK for my 40th B-day, which happens to be on the same day as the national holiday. I think it will be a blast. However, never been to HK. Was wanting to know where exactly is that gay pub that you and your friend had wandered into. I would love to have evening cocktails in the comfortable environment of my own, before dining out and a night on the town. Please let me know at your convenience.
Thanks a mil.
Jimmy.
(jcarlozzi@yahoo.com)
P.S. – I am staying at the Excelsior, just near causeway bay. Would be nice if the place in question is close.
Thanks.
Hi Jimmy, Hope you are having a great time in HK. The bar in question I think is called Finds (not 100% sure though). It’s based in Lan Kwai Fong in Central, 3 stops along on the MTR.
Anyway, happy birthday and hope you have a great time.