We left Brisbane early in the morning. After a good night’s sleep at the hotel, we took the train to the airport with ease. After three weeks in Australia, it was now time to say goodbye to the country as well as the continent. We had a wonderful time.
Our flight to Hong Kong was our first-time using Qantas and we were very impressed by the airline. It was a very relaxing flight, and the service was extra-ordinary. We arrived in Hong Kong around 5pm and shortly thereafter we already passed the integration and searched for the nearby train station. We stayed at the Panda Hotel in Tsuen Wan. From the station, it was just a short walk to the hotel. Yet, we first did the mistake of going down to the street level and not using the available walkways, which connect all buildings together. It is interesting to see that every building you pass has a large offer of shops and small restaurants. When we finally made our way to the hotel, we were told that our check-in desk is at one of the top levels of the hotel as we booked an executive room. The room itself was large, the bed comfy and the access to the lounge was a nice plus to an overall very good deal.
As our flight to Paris CDG would not leave until the very late evening on the next day, we had a full day of exploring Hong Kong. After a good breakfast, we made our way to the Monster Building (consisting of the Fook Cheong Building, the Montane Mansion, the Oceanic Mansion, the Yick Cheong Building, and the Yick Fat Building). This is one of the city’s top Instagram hotspots and one where I can fully understand that the habitants of the composite building don’t really like tourists. We therefore only took some pictures and left shortly thereafter.
With the classic double-decker tram, we made our way on the King’s Road towards the Western Market. After having a short look inside the building, we then moved on to the Central Mid-Levels Escalator, a large number of covered escalators which connects the Central business district with the Mid-Levels residential area.
We then made our way to Victoria Harbour, to enjoy a bit of the seaside view. We also took a ride on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, which to our surprise was free-of-charge, as the AIA Group celebrated its 100th birthday and provided complimentary tickets for the first 1000 visitors every day for 100 days. We therefore enjoyed the views even more.
Our last stop of the day was – after a short stop at St. John’s cathedral – a trip up to Victoria Peak, by using the Peak Tram funicular. The journey up the mountain is a particularly exciting one, as the funicular is with a maximum incline of 48% a rather steep one. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you are provided with a superb view and all kinds of tourist attractions, whereby Monopoly Dreams might be the most exciting one, as it’s the only one of its kind so far. Victoria Peak is also a great starting point for walks, for which we sadly did not have the time.
Before we headed back to the hotel to collect our belongings and set off for the airport, we enjoyed the light show A Symphony of Lights. The 15-minute show is a stunning experience and the view from Victoria Peak was a great one.
When we arrived at the airport, it did not take long before boarding to Paris started. This time, our flight was with Air France and I have to admit that their long-distance flights are quite enjoyable. However, when we landed in Paris we had to rush a bit through the giant airport, and after the connecting flight to Hamburg, we were exhausted. It took me another two hours to get home, because all southbound trains were once again suspended due to a bomb discovery. While Aris had the chance to take a ride bus home, I called my aunt to collect me.
Pictures Hong Kong
Conclusion of the roller coaster trip
Hell Yeah, Schnabelteah! was a trip of a lifetime and something I would love to do again. Australia is a great country and there is so much to do, even though a roller coaster trip is not the prime objective.
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Hirakata Park (ひらかたパーク) in Hirakata near the city of Osaka is one of Japan’s oldest amusement parks. The park originated as the exhibition site for the Kikuningyō-ten in 1912, showing chrysanthemum-decorated figures and scenes during the months of October and November. In 1926 Keihan Electric Railway began operating the park and expanded the offer. Nowadays, the park features a very wide and family orientated portfolio. The park also operates the water park The Boon during the summer months and the large scale ice rink Winter Carnaval during the winter season. The easiest way to reach the amusement park is by train to the Hirakata-kōen Station.
