While my guests were still adjusting to the time change, I thought a walk through Nan Lian Gardens would do us all some good. Although I was there very recently (see earlier post), I love the serene atmosphere and was anxious to return.
Claire and Pam were captivated by the beauty of the gardens, especially the water features.
Architectural detail is always fascinating as well.
The gardens are lovingly cared for with each tree and shrub trimmed meticulously by hand. We saw one gardner working on a bush as we arrived and shortly before we left she was still trimming it. Look closely by the rock in the center.
And before leaving you must admire the Nan Lian Rock.
It was a lovely afternoon with lots of fresh air which led to a good night's sleep for all.
On Friday Night we went to the airport to welcome our first US guests to our new home. My stepmom Claire and cousin Pam arrived on flights from Newark and Chicago forty minutes apart. Very nice timing ladies.
After a night's rest, we were ready to start showing off our wonderful city. First stop was a trip to the Peak. We have great views from our apartment, but from the Peak the views of the city are magnified and you can also see the South China Sea and many of the islands.
The most popular way to get to the Peak is by the Peak Tram. It is a funicular railway that pulls the cars on a cable to the top of the mountain. Although you know that the buildings are straight, the steep angle of the tracks make them look quite Suess-ish.
Once we returned to Central, we too a stroll along Queen's Road.
Not wanting to tire our guests too much on the first day, we headed up the escalator to our place. The ride up from Queens Road takes about 12 minutes. We are one level from the top of the longest escalator system in the world measuring 800 meters. The ride up offers some unique views. Looking down the side streets you can see the shops and restaurants and some incredible architecture.
The wet markets are both interesting to look at and fun to shop.
Up and up we went with our guests enjoying our "Hong Kong Style" freeway. Much more relaxing than the breakneck highways at home even if a bit slower.
When I first found out we were coming to Hong Kong, a friend who lived here for ten years told me that a must do is high tea at the Peninsula Hotel. He was so right with his recommendation.
The Peninsula Hotel is "old Hong Kong" and very traditionally British. It is located on the other side of the harbor in Tsim Sha Tsui. So after a relaxing ferry ride, it is a short walk to the hotel entrance.
I was invited to join my neighbor Tamara and baby Sasha along with Tamara's mother Marina and sister Justine who are visiting from Australia.
The hotel lobby is beautiful with White coated waiters and silver teapots abounding. Even the ceiling is a work of art.
Baby Sasha was enjoying the afternoon's relaxing atmosphere.
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our tea tray was decorated with a pink bow and all of the desserts were pink-ish. A portion of each tea service this month will also be donated to cancer research.
With my pot of Peninsula Afternoon Tea and lovely friends, it was an afternoon I hope to enjoy more often.
Even after all this time, Hong Kong still has lots of surprises and hidden treasures. Last weekend Ken and I decided to try a new part of the city and as usual we found another treasure. Nan Lian Gardens is located in the Diamond Hill District just a short walk from the MTR. It is reminiscent of the Gardens in Suzhou near Shanghai but much more spread out.
The Garden is walled in and features incredible stone formations throughout.
A short way in you see a beautiful golden pagoda peeking through the trees. It sits in the middle of a pond and is accessed by bright orange bridges.
The trees and bushes are so unique you feel as if you are in a painting rather that looking at real foliage.
There are pavilions scattered throughout with exhibits on wooden architecture from the period and porcelain painting. Each is surrounded by its own garden area.
Another large pond is surrounded by a sitting pavilion and a tea house and it is stocked with rainbow carp.
The ponds are fed by a waterfall and a vegetarian restaurant run by the Chi Lin Nunnery is tucked underneath the falling water. Some of the power is supplied by a water wheel.
A display of miniature trees was most interesting.
Near the exit there is a beautiful fountain and, of course, the Nan Lian Rock for which the garden was named.
with beautiful music playing throughout and soft breezes, it is truly one of the most peaceful places in Hong Kong.
