JP\/ 7\/hongkong<\/p>\n
Stanley fishing village, a break from regular shopping<\/p>\n
By Paul Walsh [10 pts optima bold]<\/p>\n
BOGOR (JP): As the deadline year of 1997 quickly approaches
\nfor Hong Kong, many travelers seem intent on visiting this unique
\ncorner of the world before the territory is handed back to China.<\/p>\n
Hong Kong, the Fragrant Harbor as the name translates, is a
\nvibrant mix of old and new, where the abacus is almost as popular
\nas the pocket calculator and 21st century architecture looks down
\nupon the temples of ages past.<\/p>\n
Away from the neon overload of bright lights in Nathan Road
\nand the wall to wall bargain hunters around the Canton Road area,
\nis the one time fishing village of Stanley.<\/p>\n
Located on the more serene south end of Hong Kong island,
\nStanley offers arts, curios and clothing in a market atmosphere
\nthat is a welcome relief from the normal mode of shopping
\ngenerally experienced in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n
Coming from the Kowloon area, the best form of transport is,
\nof course, the world famous Star Ferry, which runs a continual
\nservice back and forth across the harbor. The eight-minute trip
\nis a mere $HK 1.50 (US 20 cents).<\/p>\n
Public transport to Stanley is available in air conditioned
\nbuses from outside the ferry terminal, however seats are
\ngenerally at a premium. The journey on Bus no. 260 takes about 40
\nminutes and passes amazing sights on the mountainous island.<\/p>\n
One is the Happy Valley Race course - a sporting complex that
\ntakes up as little space as possible yet remains an excellent
\nvenue.<\/p>\n
I am sure the number of unofficial spectators in the
\nsurrounding high rise apartment buildings that shadow the
\nfacility almost equals those attending the course proper.<\/p>\n
Two very impressive bays are passed on the journey across the
\nisland. Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay are approached from a
\nheight that makes it possible to capture the true beauty of the
\ngolden sands and deep blue water.<\/p>\n
At this time you need full confidence in the man at the wheel
\nas he winds his way down the very narrow roads that meander over
\nthe sides of the mountains and contain many blind corners.<\/p>\n
Stanley itself was once a military station, however nowadays
\nit is generally considered to be a residential area, that has
\nmaintained a quaint, seaside atmosphere.<\/p>\n
No fast food<\/p>\n
The market place is made up of a maze of stalls offering silk
\ngarments to brass chimes and scrolls. Many stalls also offer to
\nwrite your name in Chinese Rainbow Picture Writing incorporated
\ninto a traditional scene, which can be transposed onto T-shirts
\nor plaques.<\/p>\n
One of the refreshing things about the Stanley area is that
\nthere is a distinct lack of fast food houses and most of the
\ndelicacies are traditional Chinese fare cooked in the enormous
\nwoks in the food tents.<\/p>\n
The enticing aromas are guaranteed to tempt anyone within a
\nradius of 500 meters who is the slightest bit \"peckish.\"<\/p>\n
Sampling at least a small portion of true Chinese cooking also
\nprovides a break in shopping and an opportunity to re-count your
\nmoney, cross off a few more items from your list...then start all
\nover again!<\/p>\n
When you are all \"shopped out\" it is advisable to catch a taxi
\nback to the ferry, to ensure your bootie makes it back safely.
\nThe fare from Stanley to the ferry is around $HK72 ($9.6),
\ncompared with $HK 9 on the bus - however for convenience it's
\nwell worth it!<\/p>\n
So if you are sitting in your hotel room in Kowloon with one
\nday left and ten presents to buy, there are two things you can
\ndo. Either you throw your list into the bin and head for the
\npool, or enjoy the experience of shopping at Stanley.<\/p>\n
- 30 -<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jp-7hongkong-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }