Last Week was China's National Day and I had a week off of work because of it. I did what I was told to do. "Do not visit anything in China, during any national holiday!" Okay, okay.
So here are the highlights from my excursion to Hong Kong and Cebu, Philippines.
1. The Bullet Train
My first time on one of these. It went 200 miles an hour, though it didn't seem like it, and it still had to make several stops. It was comfortable enough, and only 30 dollars for the 4-hour jaunt to the Chinese border. Unfortunately, from there, it was another 2 hours of border crossing and other transportation into Hong Kong- which is, yes technically, still China. Officially it is called the "Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China."
2. The Skyline of Hong Kong
Nicest from the mainland, and also pretty when you are on the ferry.
5. The Big Buddha View
Surprised by delight. This is only my second huge one but, I like visiting the enormous statues(the other was the reclining Buddha in Bangkok). I loved the beautiful, affordable bus ride to the remote site and uh-mazing view from the top of the many STAIRS (I like stairs, as well!) up to the carved figure. It was also strikingly quieter than the city.
3. The Tarsiers
These little monkey-looking creatures! They are endangered, rare and simply cute. We saw them at a sanctuary in Bohol, Cebu.
4. The Beach
Wow. Could not believe my eyes. Overwhelmed to be in such a place. Jealous of whoever is at this Anda, Cebu, Philippines' seaside now.
6. Chocolate Hills
I wish is was clearer and that I could have hiked or rode around IN them, but still happy to have seen them. They are the main reason I decided to head to the country comprised of more than 7,000 islands.
How could I not like a trip with these 6 amazing highlights?!?
I won't go into detail about the raincheck-needing weather, the closed port, the crowds, the long lines, the beggars, nor the crazy amount of time traveling. :) These highlights are outstanding; zenith even, so all in all- a great trip to Hong Kong and number 4-0.
So here are the highlights from my excursion to Hong Kong and Cebu, Philippines.
1. The Bullet Train
My first time on one of these. It went 200 miles an hour, though it didn't seem like it, and it still had to make several stops. It was comfortable enough, and only 30 dollars for the 4-hour jaunt to the Chinese border. Unfortunately, from there, it was another 2 hours of border crossing and other transportation into Hong Kong- which is, yes technically, still China. Officially it is called the "Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China."
2. The Skyline of Hong Kong
Nicest from the mainland, and also pretty when you are on the ferry.
5. The Big Buddha View
Surprised by delight. This is only my second huge one but, I like visiting the enormous statues(the other was the reclining Buddha in Bangkok). I loved the beautiful, affordable bus ride to the remote site and uh-mazing view from the top of the many STAIRS (I like stairs, as well!) up to the carved figure. It was also strikingly quieter than the city.
3. The Tarsiers
These little monkey-looking creatures! They are endangered, rare and simply cute. We saw them at a sanctuary in Bohol, Cebu.
4. The Beach
Wow. Could not believe my eyes. Overwhelmed to be in such a place. Jealous of whoever is at this Anda, Cebu, Philippines' seaside now.
6. Chocolate Hills
I wish is was clearer and that I could have hiked or rode around IN them, but still happy to have seen them. They are the main reason I decided to head to the country comprised of more than 7,000 islands.
I won't go into detail about the raincheck-needing weather, the closed port, the crowds, the long lines, the beggars, nor the crazy amount of time traveling. :) These highlights are outstanding; zenith even, so all in all- a great trip to Hong Kong and number 4-0.
