Wanderlust in Wan Chai
20.12.2020 - 20.12.2020
Finally, I have made it to the Christmas holidays. Any other year we would be setting off on a trip, but, of course, not this year. We discovered we had an accumulation of hotel points to use up and unable to go anywhere, we decided to use them in Hong Kong, so we have booked ourselves into the Novotel Century, Wan Chai for two nights. When we planned this, we were looking forward to having an outdoor pool and dining out in the evenings. Both plans have been stymied by covid 19. All swimming pools and sports facilities are closed. Restaurants and bars have to close at 6pm. Still we will just enjoy what we can.
Our Room.
Christmas decorations.
Christmas decorations.
Christmas decorations.
The pool.
The pool.
Rooftop Gardens.
Rooftop Gardens.
Rooftop Gardens.
View from the hotel.
View from the hotel.
View from the hotel.
View from the hotel.
Wan Chai is a nightlife centre of Hong Kong, though not under present circumstances. It is also a centre for the arts. Both Hong Kong Arts Centre and The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts are here. Wan Chai is also home to the convention center.
I started my wander around by heading towards the harbour. As always in Hong Kong there's construction work going on everywhere. I passed over all the mess and chaos to reach the Wan Chai ferry pier where it's possible to catch a ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui. I didn't want a ferry. I wanted to go to the observation deck on the roof. This is a free sitting out area with a cactus garden and beautiful harbour views.
On the walk to the pier.
On the walk to the pier.
Cactus Garden.
Cactus Garden.
Cactus Garden.
Cactus Garden.
View from the Observation Deck.
View from the Observation Deck.
View from the Observation Deck.
View from the Observation Deck.
View from the Observation Deck.
Star Ferries.
Star Ferries
Star Ferries.
Star Ferries.
After the observation deck I headed towards the convention and exhibition centre and Bauhinia Square with its golden bauhinia statue. In front of the convention centre stands Anicom Park - an exhibition of cartoon characters to promote Hong Kong animation. People take selfies with them.
On route to the convention center.
Convention center and Golden Bauhinia.
Convention center and Golden Bauhinia.
Convention center and Golden Bauhinia.
Anicom Park.
Anicom Park.
Anicom Park..
Anicom Park.
Anicom Park.
I then wandered along the harbour side walkway in the direction of Central. There were lots of people out for a walk or jogging along the promenade. Along the route there were lots of exhibits to pose with, most of them were Christmas themed.
Along the walkway.
Along the walkway.
Along the walkway.
Along the walkway.
Along the walkway.
Along the walkway.
Along the walkway.
Christmas decorations.
Christmas decorations.
Christmas decorations.
Christmas decorations.
Christmas decorations.
Exercising.
A doggie convention.
Tamar Park.
Tamar Park.
Fishy decorations.
Fishy decorations.
As the sun began to set, I wandered back the way I came. I noticed a group of people gathered around something and went to investigate. They were looking at a group of cats living on the rocks next to the harbour. It seems someone feeds them there and they were hungrily awaiting their next meal.
A gathering of cats.
A gathering of cats.
A gathering of cats.
As darkness descended the harbour became filled with beautiful coloured lights. I wandered back to the observation deck to take more photos all lit up wonderfully at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong at night.
Finally I went to the Hop House Bar and Grub to buy take away food to eat in our room. I liked their twinkling Christmas tree.
Streets on my way back.
Streets on my way back.
Hop House.
Hop House.
Hop House.
You've really transported us to Hong Kong with all these photos! I like the views from the Observation Deck with the bougainvillea in the foreground, and the Christmas exhibits along the waterfront.
Everything here in London and S E England has suddenly shut down almost completely for the Christmas period. Only essential shops open, no social mixing even on Christmas Day (so we've had to hurriedly revised our plans), no hairdressers etc. I'm glad I got my hair done last week and finished my Christmas shopping!
by ToonSarah