Sham Shui Po

Our day started with a visit to Aberdeen. No we hadn’t flown home just yet! It is a fishing town on Hong Kong Island named after its Scottish counterpart. We strolled along the promenade taking in the sights (see extra). We didn’t take a ride on a sampan this time as we have done so before but it was a delight to see around the ‘other’ Aberdeen once again.

It was lunchtime when, back in Kowloon, we met up with our friend Sandy (SweetArt) in Sham Shui Po. It is not a district that you would find in any tourist guidebook but I discovered it by chance featured in one of the Hong Kong apps I had downloaded. It is trending and the place to go!

Sandy has been before to buy bits and bobs for it is that type of place. This is how it is described. Sham Shui Po is a district of simple pleasures. As a predominantly working-class neighbourhood, this area just north of Boundary Street offers a lot of cheap but cheerful experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

Instead of glitzy, glass-panelled skyscrapers, here you’ll find buildings that hide a rich history behind their humble façades. Don’t come here for a fancy gourmet meal. Instead, come here if you want to try Michelin-recommended noodles and snacks that only cost HK$50 (£5). And if you’re planning to do a bit of shopping, be prepared to spend several hours here, sifting through all the eclectic wares at the open-air street markets.

Well in spite of all I had read and seen about Sham Shui Po I wasn’t prepared for the ‘real thing’. It was fascinating and mind boggling, it really was a full on experience. Mrs CBL and I enjoy going off the beaten (tourist) tracks when we visit major cities and this is the best we’ve ever encountered (see extras).

From the ridiculous we then went to the sublime. The three of us went to the Langham Hotel for afternoon tea ( see extras). It was in aid of BCAM the breast cancer research charity. The sandwiches, scones and cakes were simply delicious and the service was impeccable and a very talented harpist added a musical backdrop to the occasion.

It was a wonderful end to a memorable day and a fitting end to the time that Mrs CBL and I would be in Sandy’s company on this trip. We have thoroughly spending time with her once again and her friendship and kindness are greatly appreciated.

Once again, many thanks to those of you who are following my Hong Kong adventure. Alas I haven’t been able to respond to your comments as I would wish but when we slow down and run out of steam sometime soon ... maybe I’ll catch up!

Have a lovely weekend.