Did a spot of shopping in Causeway Bay, which is basically shops in every direction and mall after mall. This place would be my brother's worst nightmare!
Met Pete briefly in TST to go to his tailors to get his suit altered. The shop we went to offered us beer and had made suits for the likes of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. The salesman then tried to get me to get something made, but I don't really want to spend all my money just now on one suit jacket. Maybe I will go back one day.
Decided to venture further into Kowloon, and took the MRT to Diamond Hill. Here lies the Nan Lian Garden, which is connected to the Chi Lin Nunnery. It was an absolutely beautiful day, but still quite chilly being winter here.
In the background there is the Song Cha Xie, a traditional tea pavilion. I wasn't allowed to take photos, so you know it was quite a special experience. I was asked to take my shoes off, and was given comfy slippers. I was then shown through to my own table with a view of the pond. The waitress then recommended a tea and some dim sum for me to try, and showed me how the table worked. It was fascinating how practical and technological it all was. She then performed a tea ceremony for me, and encourage me to replicate it. I can't remember which tea I chose, but it was a fruity Chinese tea. The dim sum was sweet buns with red bean paste, and were the best I have had my whole visit. The table even had a bell to summon the waitress for anything you might need. It was quite pricey, but I felt, when in Rome... :)
Watching my time, I made my way up to the Chi Lin Nunnery, and managed to look back at the gardens.
The Nunnery was very impressive. This is the initial courtyard, which had ponds with Koi carp and lilly pads. Further up, you go into another courtyard, but this time no photos are allowed as this was where all the deities were being worshipped. Fair enough. I find it awkward enough going into temples, not knowing the customs and taking snaps of everything.
Back to the MRT, and one stop down is the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. This place was mental. I have never seen so many people bustling about, holding loads of burning incense and wafting it at each of the deities. Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it looked like the temple was already gearing up for this with red bows everywhere.
With a bit of spare time I headed to TST East Promenade and went to the Art Gallery. It was great because I was able to get free wifi all the way along there, and so I Skyped the parents whilst watching the sunset.
After getting some ridiculously expensive but amazing sushi, myself and Yan went off to the Happy Valley Races. We got the tram there, which was really cool but cramped as they are really thin, and also some 8.4s (cheap but strong alcopops).
The races are only $10 HKD, so around the £1 mark. Inside we walked along the front and then headed up to the top floor. In summer months this place is packed, although it was busy when we went. We put a bet on, I bet on the Wrath of Fire, which came in third. I bet to win, so lost out :( It was really fun to watch, and seemed to be a place where everyone can go and enjoy themselves.
After the races, we headed into Wan Chai for Ladies Night. This happens every Wednesday and all females are given free drinks all night. I managed to sneak drink into Yan's glass too, so we were equally as drunk.
We ended up in Carnegies, where people dance on the bar. Of course, I was dragged up onto it. Here is a shot from up there.
All in all, this was probably my best day in Hong Kong.
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