Victoria Peak

The Peak Tram (originally steam powered) starts its eight- minute scenic climb just across the street and around the corner from the American Consulate. It makes its way up to the summit of 1305 feet to a breath-taking view of the harbor below. The Peak is still the most fashionable place to live in Hong Kong and the real estate prices are astronomical. For example, the average rent here is around HK$50,000 a month or more. (That's about US$7000.00). The tram has been in operation since 1888 and has only stopped for typoons and during World War II.
Since Wednesday turned out to be fair and clear, I thought that it would be a good idea to take the tram up to the top again. As usual,I took the Star Ferry across the water in order to get over to HK Island, and then I hoofed it up to the bottom of the tram. I had been up to Victoria Peak twice before...once in 1988 and again in 1998...but the view there is so incredibly spectacular that I wanted to see it again. Everytime I go up there, there are more shops and attractions for the tourists. Now, for example, there's a new four level shopping center (the Peak Galleria) with many new shops and restaurants to attract the tourists. (Yes, even McDonalds is up there, too.)
After I took the MTR back to Kowloon, Steve and I went for a swim and a jacuzzi in the courtyard pool. Tomorrow, Lorraine's taking us to some kind of function over at HK Polytechnic University to meet Jackie Chan. Should be fun. More later...