On Mon, 01 Aug 2005 23:58:54 +1000, the renowned 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 small ones can be quite rough depending on the sea conditions.
I've seen a significant number of people utilizing the barf bags to
full advantage. The cat ones seem pretty smooth once they get moving.
>€ 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.
Oh, then you should head directly for Lo Wu Commercial Plaza in
Shenzhen (not!).
>Can you get a visa for China even if you don't actually plan on staying
>there (ie. just going for day trips)?
Yes, at the border, but only for the border area, not for Guangzhou.
It takes a bit of time and costs some money, and is only good for one
border crossing.
>€ 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)?
You NEED the addresses and/or places written in Chinese characters.
Everything else is optional; I like to have a decent map. You can buy
them there for a reasonable price (typically less than a dollar US).
>€ What is crime like in HK, SZ, GZ & Macau?
Low, medium, medium, low. All are safe compared to any American city
in terms of violent crime. Watch your stuff/pockets carefully in
crowded areas. Avoid public buses in China. There are typical versions
of various scams in operation.
>€ What island in Hong Kong is most worth visiting (If I could only visit
>one)?
Hong Kong Island. ;-) After that, probably Lantau. Some might say
Lamma.
>€ Any suggestions on unusual but really interesting places in HK that
>are not totally inhabited by tourists but are definitely worth a visit?
>
>Thanks.
>RJ
I like Apliu street, and the area around there in Sham Shui Po, but
that's maybe just me. It's typically very, very crowded. Same with
Causeway Bay on a weekend night. Full of shoppers, not so much
tourists.
Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
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