Sunday, April 5: I did so much walking today that my inclination when I get back to my hotel is simply to settle in and relax. However, that’s not easy for me to do when I know there are places to go and things to see. I can relax at home in Nanning quite easily as, literally, there is NOTHING to do. Here in Hong Kong there is a lot, so I rest for maybe half an hour, then I’m back out the door again. It doesn’t hurt that the hotel staff tells me the night market is just a couple of blocks away from the hotel. I don’t even have to get on the metro. So off I go to see what this market is all about. At first sight, it looks like the market is simply a pedestrian-only alley offering fruits and vegetables for sale.
The Night Market on Temple Street
I run across some durians for sale. Durians are sold quite extensively throughout China, but I have yet to taste one because of the off-putting smell. I think I will have to try one before I leave here.
Durian at the night market
There are a number of lively outdoor restaurants in the night market. As I already ate my Turkish dinner, I’m not hungry. I am however on the lookout for a cute place where I can sit down for a beer, as the Turkish place didn’t serve alcohol.
Eating establishment at the Night Market
Too bad I am too full to try the dim sum. I love dim sum, and have been disappointed not to find any dim sum places in Nanning. Now, here is one, but I’m too full to try it.
Dim Sum
I like this sign for the Wing Sing Hotel.
Wing Sing Hotel
I find one vendor selling various games and game pieces. This looks like a Chinese chess set.
Game pieces
Below are Mahjong tiles.
More games
I’m not sure what this game is, but if any of my readers knows, I’d sure love you to tell me.
Mah Jong set
Here are some pretty fans and jade statues, including pagodas, elephants and rabbits.
Fans & jade
I love these richly colored and intricately detailed fans.
Chinese fans
And I also find some calligraphy brushes.
Calligraphy brushes & fans
The Mao pictures tell of a bygone era.
Mao stuff
Mao & Chinese paintings
Fans for sale
And then there are the funny Chinese license plates: “My Favourite Wife” and “I’m not in the mood to-day don’t disturb.”
My Favourite Wife
I’m very well-behaved tonight as I don’t buy anything. I do, however, stop at a convenience store on my way back and buy a beer and a mango juice. What a combination!
Night Market
Night Market
As you see, I’ve done a lot today. I went from Ya Mau Tei to Hong Kong Central to Lantau Island, where I visited Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha and rode the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Tung Chung. I took the metro back to Hong Kong Central, then the tram to the Peak and then I hiked down Victoria Peak back to Central, where I took metro to Ya Mau Tei. Finally, I strolled around the Night Market. I’m a wee bit tired after all that. 🙂 My flight doesn’t leave Hong Kong till 8:40 p.m. on Monday, so I have plenty of time to explore tomorrow as well. At least I think I do. Sometimes our best-laid plans don’t work out as we’d like. 😦
china diaries 
Another great blog from you, Kat. A Japanese friend once told me that westerners love their characters as designs on things because we can’t read them I’ve often thought about that. Loved visiting Hong Kong through this blog, Kat.
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Thanks, Dai. You’re so right. I’ve seen Westerners with Chinese (or Japanese) characters on their clothing, or even as tattoos. Often, they think they mean one thing and then later they’re told the meaning is different from what they thought. Conversely, I often see Chinese people wearing Western T-shirts with outrageous English sayings on them, and they don’t have a clue what they mean. 🙂
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The colors! The details! Sometimes I think it would be visually overwhelming to visit there, let alone all the logistics of traveling and understanding the language.
Thanks again for taking us along with you!
Nancy
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Did you spot the spelling mistake on the sign? 🙂
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I did!!
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You certainly have stamina and energy Cathy! Now I am on tenterhooks… what a cliff hanger!
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I remember visiting the night market, and being struck by the buzz and vibrancy of it. I also remember the durian fruit – what a dreadful smell. I never did pluck up the courage to taste it.
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I’d pass on the durian if I were you, it tastes as bad as it smells – or maybe the smell affects your taste-buds, plus it has a slimy texture – just saying… 😀
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I admire your energy Cathy you fit so much into a day, it reads as though it would be a normal week itinerary. Lovely colourful market photos
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Thanks so much, Pauline. When I’m traveling I try to go, go, go as much as possible and squeeze in whatever I can. I figure I’m spending a lot of money, so I’d better get my money’s worth!! I’m glad you liked the market. I’m always a sucker for markets of any kind. 🙂
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Pleased you are feeling better now Cathy. Yes I agree markets are always fun
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