Hong Hong

At 8pm the buildings perform a fantastic laser light show (this isn't the light show, it's their normal lighting)

Click here for more photos of Hong Kong

If you've never been to Hong Kong, it's New York in Miami with mountains. After 10 days in Taiwan, Hong Kong felt like we left Asia; much more familiar, less foreign. English is everywhere, lots of upscale shopping and hotels, western food (my first fork in 10 days!), wealth disparity. It's a lively, busy port centered around a huge financial industry and things look great there.

TV on the train to the city center

Arrival to Hong Kong is very 21st century. The airport is huge and well laid out and there is a high speed train into the city. Really, flying through the city in excess of 100mph is pretty outstanding!

Trains arrive from beyond a glass wall!

Hong Kong is on an island, or a number of islands, but part of the city is also on the mainland. Although it is officially a part of China, it is an autonomous region and travelers, and Hong Kong residents, need a passport or visa to get across the border to China.

We had lunch at a Chicago themed sports tavern in a beautiful, upscale mall. Burgers all around!

Here's part of the mall

We took a tour of the city. Here are highlights:

At the top of Mt. Victoria

City view from Mt Victoria

Boat tour!

Apparently, this is the largest floating restaurant in the world. It's in Hong Kong harbor

Harbor scene

Tourist pavilion on top of Mt Victoria

Self explanatory...

I believe this is Asia's tallest building. It's taller than 1 World Trade in NY. It sits on the mainland, though it's still part of Hong Kong.There is a light show covering the entire building and it's amazing!