)We used the hotel transfer desks at the airport and it was all quite smooth- apart from the fact that we had difficultly decipering the hotels that were being called. For a while we both thought that Lizzie Calton was being paged then we realised that he was calling out "Ritz Carlton"!
We have stayed at the Metropark before but in an upgraded room. This one was standard as we got a good deal from BA( £60 a night) and needed a late check out- 9.30pm). The standard room was a smaller version of the deluxe one. Nice room- compact though. Good bathroom and amenities. TV, tea/coffee, limited wardrobe space. It still had the lovely vanity area which was sunk into the main desk unit and has a lit mirror. The bar was quite quiet - probably just because it was post New Year. The last time we went it was full of locals taking part in karaoke, which was a scream. There were some doing karaoke but it was a more sedate affair. I only found out this time that they actually pay to sing!
We had to online check in and found that the business centre gives free internet access- which is very good.
We started our day by taking a taxi to Pacific Place where husband decided to buy a light weight jumper after we got alarmed by seeing everyone wandering around with coats and scarves. However, when we did walk around we found it was actually really warm-19 degrees, which is classed as high summer in Aberdeen!
It was easy to spot the Brit tourist- we were the ones with short sleeved tops. This is the first time we have been able to walk around without being soaked in sweat and it was great.After shopping we went on a walk featured in the Lonely Planet book- one we'd done already but had enjoyed. We took the MTR to Prince Edward in Kowloon and visited the bird garden where you see hundreds of caged birds and local take them for walks. It is a fascinating place. You go from there to the flower market immediately outside it. We then walked past the goldfish shops to the Ladies Market- which was still being set up but there were plenty stalls open already. We continued on our walk and ended up at the Ferry which we took back over to Hong Kong Island. The terminal has moved slightly and is upgraded. There is a lot of work getting done in the surrounding harbour area.
By this time it was just before 2pm so we made our way to City Hall and to Maxims on the top floor. We were greeted by swarms of folks coming down the stairs and were a bit concerned that it was closing at 2pm but it must just have been the end of dinner hour. Maxims is one of the few remaining places which still has dimsum on trolleys, where you can stop one and pick what you want to eat. I really think this place is a must do. We ate far too much and drank far too much jasmine tea. But it is delicious.
After that we made our way to the Peak railway and had to wait a while in a long line. The last trip to HK we had gone at night and the Peak Tower had been closed for renovations. The view from the Peak is something you just can't tire of. It is truely spectacular.
From there we went on to the area around the Central/Mid levels escalator. Some lovely little shops there. You need to be fit for the slopes though! We finished off by taking a tram back to the hotel- another thing you need to do. I think it was 2 dollars for any length of journey. We went to the Happy Hour at the bar- actually we had not realised it was happy hour and found ourselves getting a second drink poured. Still, its rude to refuse! We swithered about the light show but decided it would be touch and go to get to the hotel in time for our coach to the airport. So we had no more to do than to shower, change and pack and go back down to the bar for a final drink!
