On Mon, 01 Aug 2005 23:58:54 +1000, RJ <_@_._> wrote:
>Hi,
>
>Just some questions about Hong Kong & the surrounding area:
>
>€ Ferries to Macau from HK - what's the ride like? Is it easy to get
>seasick, or is it quite a smooth ride (I'm thinking winter-time (January
>or February)?
The ferries are mostly hydrofoils and jetfoils. The trip can be quite
bumpy at times and could be a little unpleasant for anyone who gets
seasick easily. Fortunately, the journey is fast enough that you
wouldn't have to suffer for too long.
>€ What's there to do in Guangzhou & Shenzhen just for a day trip (or
>things to look at which are either typical or unique to the cities)? Can
>anyone recommend some things to look at in these cities (preferably with
>good access to public transport, though I wouldn't mind walking for a
>little while to get to a place if it's good.) Preferably I'd avoid
>overly tacky touristy places.
Unfortunately, not very much any more. These cities have undergone so
much industrial development in recent years that little of the
original is left. I first visited Shenzhen in 1983 when it was still
really just a small town and the place is completely unrecognisable
now from what it was then.
>Can you get a visa for China even if you don't actually plan on staying
>there (ie. just going for day trips)?
Yes, but if you take one of the organised day tours they will arrange
a special group visa on your behalf. I don't normally like those kind
of group tours, but in this case they are probably the best way to see
a lot in a short space of time.
>€ I don't speak any Cantonese and I only know a tiny bit of Mandarin.
>Would I have a great deal of trouble navigating the two above cities
>(even with a phrasebook)?
It shouldn't be a problem, especially if you have a map with place
names written in Chinese.
>€ What is crime like in HK, SZ, GZ & Macau?
Nothing much to be worried about for tourists. Take the normal
precautions against pickpockets in all of those places.
>€ What island in Hong Kong is most worth visiting (If I could only visit
>one)?
Cheung Chau is my favourite. I like strolling around the village
there, and the short walk through to the beach on the other side of
the island.
Lamma, is also nice for a longer stroll across the hill to the other
ferry pier on the opposite side. Its main attraction is its seafood
restaurants, which make a good place for lunch.
Lantau is the largest island and is good if you're into more serious
mountain hiking. The weather would be cool (cold?) enough in January
and February to make that a good time for it. A hike from the ferry
pier at Silvermine Bay up to Sunset Peak is worth doing if you're into
that kind of thing. There's also the big Buddha on one of the hills
there which you might want to visit.
>€ Any suggestions on unusual but really interesting places in HK that
>are not totally inhabited by tourists but are definitely worth a visit?
If you'll be there at Chinese New Year, go to Wong Tai Sin temple on
the morning of the first day of the new year.
Chris
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