Cannons, Lunch and Lights

Well we kidded ourselves we would get plenty of catch up sleep if we retired relatively early last night but this morning's getting up was a bit leisurely. However, after a quick visit to the nearest 7/11 for bits to breakfast upon we set out to investigate the local vicinity with a view to crossing the water to Kowloon at some stage. Avoiding the many large and busy roads is often achieved by using pedestrian walkways in the sky some of which rely on a modicum of local knowledge to find. This first shot was taken from such a walkway that emerged from a huge tower block owned by the Sino Corporation and having multiple uses - offices and shopping complex being the most obvious. It is fascinating to see the way shopping opportunities emerge from every nook and cranny of this town. Hong Kong really is Shopping Central and to those who like to shop till they drop this place takes some beating, and that is the last you will hear me talk of shopping.

View along Gloucester Road from footbridge

Our walk took us down to the sea front where we arrived in time to witness the firing of the noon day gun, an old tradition imposed on the Jardine Corporation for offending some visiting military dignity many years ago. This is obviously included to bear witness to the fact that Sheila and I were up and about before lunch.

The Noonday Gunner

After cannons our next port of call was to another HK institution and a real must for a Hunter Terrace couple, the driver of the Star Ferry for many years was a resident of the street. So it was with a little pride that we got on board for the trip to Kowloon.

Star Ferry

Leaving the ferry Kowloon side we made our way through the incredible complex of guess what, shopping opportunities to streets full of guess what? The energy and vitality of the place is truly amazing.

One treat I had promised was a visit to the cheapest Michelin Starred restaurant in the world and we took the train to Mong Kok in search of the establishment. It was with a little difficulty that we found it as it paid no heed to tourist fashion and remained absolutely Chinese in the way that it presented itself to the world. The word has certainly got around. Queues of expectant diners gather on the pavement outside the tiny property of TIm Ho Wan. Potential diner are issued with a numbered sticker and when a vacancy opens the lucky number is called by the most wonderful dictatorial maitresse d' who runs things with an iron hand. This is absolutely necessary as the place only accommodates thirty diners. The wait is excruciating. As the venue for seminars in everything that is iffy about humanity, one hour outside Tim Ho Wan's will provide it. Yes, I did say an hour, that is how long it took for our ticket to arise to the top of the pile. And you are now asking yourself, was it worth it?

Sheila ensures that we are not forgotten

The food in the restaurant is all dim sum, that lovely Chinese way of producing lots of small dishes so that you can have a very varied meal without overdoing it or so we have always believed. Basket after basket of stunning creations arrived and whilst many of them were familiar there was little doubt that these had been prepared by experts. Every nuance of flavour and every extra little variation made these dishes to die for.

The next picture shows something of the size of the place with the types of dishes that are served.
Diners at Tim Ho Wan's

Eventually we became confused, was there another dish to come or not? We had reached the point where another dish would stop the circulation. Two decent scoffers facing defeat. And yes there was, fortunately the doggy bag system is an integral part of the service here.

Sheila ponders the length of the menu

Was it worth it? Yes, yes and yes again. And this from the world's least patient queuer. We dined on the finest, brought home sufficient for a filing evening meal and all for the princely sum of £12.50 for two.

Where to next? Off to the Peak via the wonderful old Peak Tram to a view that is one of the greatest of world sights. Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon by night.

Sheila looks away from the edge

Hong Kong at night

And so off to the wine shop before closing.