TOURIST TUESDAY: HONG KONG DAY SEVEN

Justin's cousin had planned a day for us, so we caught the train out to Diamond Hill to meet up with everyone. 

(Does this count as our family portrait for the day? Not sure who the random is to my left)

Before we left for our adventure, we walked (what felt like ages, carrying Jarvis) to an Italian restaurant for lunch.

Side note: add to the list of things I have learnt while travelling. Don't eat Chinese food in France. And do not eat Italian in Hong Kong.

After lunch we then drove to an area which is known for the wild monkeys, that wander willy nilly all over the roads. Golden Hill Country Park or Kam Shan Country Park was established in 1977, its a country park located in the ranges north of Kowloon. Kam Shan, or Monkey Hill is home to the macaques. I was told these monkeys are probably descendants of monkeys released by pet owners a hundred or so years ago.

Another car pulled up at the same time as we did, and they came with a box of fruit to feed the monkeys. This was fun and terrifying at the same time. After all they are wild monkeys. However, it is illegal to feed the monkeys. Which I found out when the other driver incurred a fine. Opps.

We then just drove around looking at the scenery, yes Hong Kong really is kinda smoggy. But the drive was great, as we stopped at a really tiny village.

Justin's cousin dropped us back off at the hotel for a rest. Getting stuck in peak hour on the way back to the hotel made me very aware why the air in Hong Kong is very smoggy.

We did our normal shower, and rest. Before heading our to meet up the entire family for a massive banquet dinner. Justin scoffed the first course, he thought that was it. But then they kept bringing out course after course after course! Ever needed a forklift to get you home after way too much food?

TOURIST TUESDAY: HONG KONG DAY FIVE

By Thursday, day five, we had settled into the groove of being in Hong Kong. 

Yes, we were still super hot and sweaty every moment outside. Yes, Jarvis still got overwhelmed by the crowds and wanted to be carried. But, I noted Jarvis was happier to wander more. Being covered in sweat, and having a heat headache became the norm.. Or maybe it was because I was learning to say no, to doing too much every day.

Eight o'clock in the morning, and look at Jarvis's sweaty head...

Instead of wandering for ages looking for anywhere open for breakfast I suggested Maccas, pancakes and coffee. Yes, the coffee was crap, but lucky for me I don't drink it, so Jarvis and I enjoyed hotcakes and a chocolate frappe. He was thrilled to get a toy.

I suggested the park for the morning as we were meeting Justin's family for lunch, I wanted Jarvis to have the chance to play and be a kid. Which put Jarvis in an even better mood.

A hotel pitstop for another shower, more snacks, and water. And of course more elevator selfies.

Then we headed off to catch the trains to Kowloon to meet Justin's family. 

After filling our bellies with yum cha, we walked a short distance to Yuen Po Street Bird Garden and Flower Market.

The Yuen Po Bird Garden is actually a small lane, the traditional Moon Gate is at the start of this pedestrian alley. The Chinese had traditionally liked to keep birds as pets. When you walk into this small garden you can see one of Hong Kong's nuances of talking birds for a walk. The garden is a place to hang out and chatt and bond of their love of birds.

The market stands are just a small stroll away, it is a small area with only a few shops but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up with the variety of birds, there is everything from delicate canaries to colourful parrots. Plus, the beautiful hand-crafted bamboo cages and all the sorts of funny and peculiar "bird food" like the buckets  full of live crickets which. I really enjoy this kind of tourism which shows an old and enduring part of traditional Chinese lifestyle.

We, then walked past the flower markets to get to the fish markets. Not sure if it was because we were feeling tired, but Jarvis and I were not as impressed with the fish markets. I struggled with seeing the fish trapped in plastic bags, and Jarvis struggled with the smell.

So I decided to go back to the hotel for a short nap before, meeting up with Justin's family again for dinner. 

Which I am glad I did. Dinner with Justin's family was delicious, but very very late for our travelling four year old. We didn't even get on the first train until 10.30. So, Justin and I took turns carrying him the whole way home. Poor thing barely had a shower before falling asleep. Actually, we all had quick showers and all fell asleep exhausted.