Cheap Knee Surgery Required

A different sort of day, at least that was the idea. Sheila suggested that it might be nice to investigate the local park and have a look at the Botanical and Zoological Gardens. It was to prove fascinating and insightful as to the limits of physical stamina that can be mustered by two ageing individuals.

We'll keep the Red Flag flying here

A short walk from the hotel took us to Victoria Park and provided us with fabulous people watching entertainment. The park was peopled by individuals of all ages and almost all engaged in physical pursuits of types that we normally associate with the East. Tai Chi and derivations of it are clearly a very popular pastime here and the grace and skill demonstrated by people is a tribute to their commitment to healthy exercise. Guilt set in very early on.

Today's Deliberate Mistake

Glimpsed across the Park, shining blades attracted attention and we marched towards them to investigate. Teams of swordspersons were rehearsing their routines in very disciplined fashion and the number of women engaged in this pursuit bodes ill for any of the local populace that is less than gentlemanly. Although that is hard to envisage as everyone we meet is unfailingly courteous
Sword Class

Sisters are doing it for themselves

After this relaxing interlude, Sheila declared that it was time to head for the Botanical Gardens. Off we set and plotted a route on the map. Little were we to know that the route, indeed any route would involve the use of long lost mountaineering skills as the road up there was vertiginous. At this point I need to stop as my aching knees are beginning to shout that it is time for reconstructive surgery.

Fountain in Botanical Gardens (and Sheila)

The Gardens whilst not extensive were sufficiently sized to provide interest with the emphasis on ‘rest’.

It was much easier, at least that is the theory to head back down the precipice into town where our next port of call would be the train to Kowloon. The Museum of Art was our destination. A short diversion to inspect the queue for afternoon tea at the Peninsula saw us into the gallery and viewing wonderful exhibitions of calligraphy, painting and gold.

Interesting Craft on Quayside

The museum lies next to the water and the nearby promenade is a real treat.

Walking the water’s edge took us to the ferry piers and as it was almost dusk we decided that a harbour tour with our old friends, Star Ferries, was too good an opportunity to miss. There is something magical about the views here as the last light fades and the illuminated buildings take on a majesty all of their own.

Sheila settles into her Star Ferry seat

Hong Kong at night

There was nothing left but to take our weary bones back to the hotel and catch some supper in a local restaurant.