A Bus Ride

The other day I had an errand to run on the Peak. There is a store up there I needed to visit so I walked over to the Peak Tram and made my way up. After gazing at the view and running my errand, I decided to abandon my usual mode of transportation and take a bus back to Central.


The longer we have been in Hong Kong, the more we have learned the bus routes. The city is covered extensively by regular busses, double deck busses and 16 passenger mini-busses. This route uses a double deck bus - my favorite kind. Since I was getting on at the terminus the upper front seat was available so I grabbed my camera.


Pulling out onto Peak Road I knew I had made the right choice. The road is narrow and tree lined and gives some commanding views of the island.

The road meanders and heads downward on the south side of the island. 

Taking photos on a moving bus is not conducive to catching the exact view you want, but you can easily pick out Ocean Park and Deep Water Bay. After a while you come into areas that are more populated and these homes have great views.


One of the newest residential buildings on the peak is just opening. It was designed by Frank Geary. If his name is unfamiliar, his work may not be. He designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain and the Disney Theatre in Los Angeles. His trademark is designing buildings that look like someone twisted them as if to wring a sponge then set them on their foundations. Google him if you want to see some of his work; it's unique. Anyway, as our bus was heading downhill I saw a peek of this new building through the trees. And much to my delight there was a bus stop at the base of the building.

This is just one of many interesting residential buildings that make living in Hong Kong unique.

As the bus turns toward the north side of the island, the denser part of Hong Kong begins to show up. Even though the road still meanders and looks secluded, if you turn your head you can see you are not alone.

Even the ancestors are there to keep you company.


Once you have come down the mountain, this trip lands you first on Queens Road in Wan Chai. It is a very busy district filled with all kinds of shops.

From Wan Chai you head into Admiralty which houses many of the government offices. The Bank of China and the Lippo buildings are two easily recognizable Admiralty landmarks.

Continuing along Queens Road we finally reach Central. At this point we could even get a look at where we started.

I love trying new things and new ways to get around. The bus ride from the Peak was certainly worth the time and I hope to do it again.