"BACKPACKING TOUR " in HongKong. The World's second costliest city.

"CHUNGKING MANSION" 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Tsha Tsui.Landmark  International "Backpackers" lodging of the World.Notice the elongated giant television screen at the entrance of the building facing the street..

People have various "Wanderlusts" and mine is traveling alone in unknown city's, savoring and exploring the culture , cuisine as also the exotic "Tourist Attractions" prevalent in any country. In December 2005 i decided to tour HongKong and Bangkok, since it was my ambition since childhood to visit the city of HongKong,a capitalists dream model city, having myself borrowed the famous HongKong Capitalist philosophy of monetary self-improvement,quote, "IF YOUR NEIGHBOUR OWNS A ROLLS ROYCE THAN YOU AT LEAST THINK OF OWNING A VEHICLE"! What made HongKong evolve from a "Chinese Refugee"British Colony to becoming one of the World's "Financial Giants" and a showcase of 20th century Capitalism.In 2005, although HongKong was no more a "British colony" but amalgamated to China, its method of Independent governance policy by China still preserved its unique "Capitalist Fabric" in Communist China.    

   ARRIVAL HONGKONG (Friday(9-12-2005)  :- Boarded the 0530hrs  Cathay Pacific Flight No CX 750M from Mumbai with a transit at Bangkok and later the same plane took off to HongKong arriving at the city at 1545hrs(Local H.K Time).Although experienced to world travel during my sailing years as a "Marine engineer" was confused by the enormity of Hong Kong Airport. Besides, i had to be totally "Self-reliant" on a minuscule "BACKPACKERS BUDGET", unlike a ship where at least accommodation is free, the perks of "Merchant Navy Employment". Thankfully, my housemaid Sabina Dias had introduced me to her previous employer Mr Richard.Raymer, a tour and employment placing proprietor in Mumbai from whom i obtained economy "Back-Packer lodging" address's in HongKong over the phone and this really helped me in economically " Solo Back-packing" one of the World's costliest city's .HongKong Airport has a helpful "Tourist Counseling " information counter from where i picked up all the "Tour Brochures" and also the directions to "CHUNGKING MANSION" situated in the Tsim Tsha Tsui locality of HongKong.The foreign exchange rate of the H.K Dollar to the Indian Rupee was 1HK$ = Rs 6.40 paise in 2005 and hence converted some US $'s into H.K$'s besides purchasing a 150HK$ paid card ticket for "Local Transport" from the airport. Boarded the A-21 bus (Bus fare =33HK$)outside the airport terminal, the fare which was deducted from the "150HK$ paid card".My first sightseeing tour of HongKong city with the second largest number of skyscrapers in the World and a Asian financial centre began from this "Double -Decker Bus". The bus meandered its way through the traffic crossing the 2.2 Km long , road and rail suspension bridge, the "Tsim Ma Bridge(Tsing Yi)" and reaching "Nathan Street Bus stop" , the closest "Bus Stop" to backpackers resort,"CHUNGKING MANSION".It was a road journey of approx 45 minutes from the airport. Inquiries at the bus stop led me to the landmark "Backpacker and economy tourist" skyscraper building of "Chungking Mansion" situated at 36/44 Nathan road which had a huge "Flat Screen telivision" on its front entrance, an advertising hoarding in the World's electronic playground. On entering Chungking Mansion i was approached by various local "Hostel operators" finally choosing "Singh Guest House" on the 7th floor and accommodated into "Room No 123" at HK$'s 120/Day(Rs 768 approx), a "Pigeon hole" self contained/attached bath, the size of my kitchen in my 468 Sq.Feet house in Mumbai."CHUNGKING MANSION" was a 17 storey skyscraper building housing various "Lodges" on most of its floors , each lodge belonging to owners of various nationalities and cultures, all existing harmoniously in a single skyscraper building.The 17 storey skyscraper consists of 5 blocks A,B,C,D,E with 2 lifts in each block, one serving even-numbered floors and the other odd- numbered floors. Approximately 5000 people live in this multi-cultural building and almost 10,000 visit it daily for business transactions. Later,after research on the "Internet", realized that i had resided in one of the World's greatest "Backpacker/budget tourist" building with the international "TIME MAGAZINE" featuring it as the "BEST EXAMPLE OF GLOBALIZATION IN PROGRESS" on its annual feature "BEST OF ASIA".I had last eaten on the plane and hence decided to try the local "Hong Kong street cuisine" , ordering "Pork Noodles" at a small "Dhabba type restaurant" near Chungking Mansion thinking that it would be comparatively cheap and surprised at the bill of 37Hk$'s(Rs 237!approx).The cost of living in Hongkong with comparison to Mumbai can be guaged from the average cost of common products with a small size toothpaste and a chocolate costing 17HK$'s(Rs 108) and a small cup of tea costing 10HK$'s(Rs 64 approx!).

Entrance to OCEAN PARK.

" Aquatic pool of Ocean Park".(Saturday 10-12-2005)

OCEAN PARK TOUR :- My first "Backpacker" solo travel was to "Ocean Park", one of Asia's largest Oceanariums and theme parks situated in Aberdeen locality.On Saturday(10-12-2005) i caught the "Tube Train" from "Tsim Tsa Tsui train station and alighted at "Admiralty" .Boarded the "No 629" bus outside "Admiralty Station" for "Ocean World" , the bus ticket being 10.6HK$ and reaching "Ocean World' much before the opening time of 1000hrs.

Not " JAWS" but a large shark species in the Oceanarium.Sharks are very difficult to house in a aquarium and a " Great White Shark" never survives for a long time in a aquarium and hence never seen in captivity.This shark Although not a " Great White" was massive in size as can be gauged by the picture.

"Ocean Park" is a naturalists "Must-Visit" as it has a large "Oceanarium" and for the first time in my life viewed Sharks,Sting Rays,Saw fish and groupers, some of the rare species of fish at a "hand-shake" distance, the "Glass aquarium" separating tourists and these deep ocean fish species.Its a wonderful feeling of walking under this "Oceanarium" with huge and small fish species swimming all around you.

A children's skit play in Mandarin language at " Ocean Park"

Later visited the enclosures of "Jia Jia" and "An An", the only "Giant Panda's" in Hongkong and was fascinated at seeing Giant Panda's for the first time. Real cute bears, either lazily sleeping or eating bamboo-shoots in their enclosures."An An" was the male while "Jia Jia" was the female panda.

P.S :- "Jia Jia "died in 2016 at the age of 38 years becoming the longest lived Giant Panda in captivity certified by the "Guiness Book Of World Records". In 2022 "An An" was euthanized at the age of 35 years being the longest lived Giant Panda after the death of his mate "Jia Jia". Hence i was fortunate to see the longest lived "Panda Couple" in captivity .The average lifespan of a Giant Panda is 20 years in the natural wild.

The rare Eurasian Owl shy of the camera and turning its head 180* from me to face the spectators at the " Bird Show".Owls can turn their neck almost 270 * without breaking their neck or blood vessels.

The "Bird-Show" was another major attraction with "Bird tricks" being demonstrated as also viewing some endangered rare species of birds. Later visited the "Aquatic Arena" where there was a demonstration by dolphins and sea-lions of their aquatic prowess as well as human assisted tricks.The grandstand for this show was "House-Full" akin to a "Film-Show" and the show timings are staggered to accommodate all visitors during different hours of the day.

The amazing " CABLE RIDE" that links " Ocen Park Lowland" to " Ocean Park Highland" theme parks separated by hills.

There was a long "Cable-Car" ride within the Park, connecting one side of the park with the other as HongKong is a hilly region. Spent my entire day at the Park upto the closing time of 1800hrs finally returning to my lodge, a hectic day of self exploration and introspection.

"House-Full Aquatic Stadium" at Oceanpark.(Saturday 10-12-2005)

Inside the Metro tube train  in Hongkong enroute to "Shatin Race-course station"(Sunday 11-12-2005)

SHA TIN RACECOURSE TOUR :- On Sunday(11-12-2005) i left the lodge at approx 1000hrs and caught the KCR(Kowloon-Canton railway) train from East Tsim Tsa Tsui to Sha Tin Race-course, the train ticket being 14.9HK$(Rs 96 approx )one way), the cheapest form of public transport in Hongkong.Hongkong's MTR(Mass transit railway) and KCR(Kowloon Canton railway) is a massive network of underground and overhead railway transportation within Hongkong city and its suburbs, absolutely confusing to a first time traveler to the city.

After disembarking the train at "Shatin Station" punters and tourists walk directly from the overbridge into the World's most prosperous race-course.(Sunday 11-12-2005)

                                                                                                                                                                The unique thing about "Public transport" in the trains is that although these trains are packed with commuters a person doesn't feel "Travel fatigue", besides the train doors are "Self-Closing" and hence accidents of commuters falling from the train is non-existent.One of the main reasons of my visit to Hongkong in 2005 was to view the "Cathay Pacific Hongkong horse races" at the Sha Tin race track, a once a year pilgrimage for fanciers of "Horse-racing".The train stops directly near the "Race-Course Entrance Gate" akin to "Mahalaxmi Station" of "Mahalaxmi Racecourse" in Mumbai, one of the World's most scenic race-course.I was allowed entry to the "MEMBERS ENCLOSURE" as a "Tourist" on production of my "Passport" and a mind boggling entrance fee of 150HK$'s(Rs 960only!) only.The "Hongkong Jockey club" is the World's richest "Horse racing club", a blue chip company generating huge profits and also the largest charitable organization in HongKong. A seat on its board of directors is considered as important as the political post of being Governor of HongKong!The Sha-Tin race course members enclosure has a large enclosed paddock and the race-track , the World's largest television screen, besides, the Grandstand has numerous floors accessible by elevators and with fancy restaurants.

Sunday(11/12/2005) :- "Artificially Enclosed Paddock" of Sha Tin race-course on Derby Day. Sha Tin is the first racecourse in the World to have a "Retractable Roof" over the parade ring.

                                                                                                                                                                  The race-course was packed with spectators and punters but the entire commentary was in "Cantonese" and hence i couldn't understand the finer points of the sport although a veteran in "Horse-racing" as a punter at my 2nd home away from home, "Mahalaxmi race-course" of Mumbai city.I took a lot of photographs and also viewed some of the costliest horse-flesh on planet Earth, most famous being "Ouija Board" owned by the creator of the "DERBY RACE", Lord Derby himself. As a punter i had a bad day at the races, losing 500HK$'s on the favourite "WESTERNER" in the 2400 metres race as it wound up in the ruck, the race being won by Lord Derby's 4 year old mare "Ouija Board"! As nightfall set in, the "Floodlights" were put on and it was also my first experience of "Night Horse-racing", a very memorable and unforgettable day although my expenses at the race-course totaled 900HK$'s(Rs 5800 approx),a real luxury on a "BACKPACKER BUDGET" in the World's second costliest city.

Derby favourite "Westerner" with Jockey Olivier. Piersly astride  in the paddock before the race. I bet 500H.K $'s for "Place" on this horse which lost and wound up in the ruck. In life, you win some you lose some!

"WINNERS ENCLOSURE" in front of the Grandstand(Capacity 85,000) in Sha Tin race-course. Normal presentation to winning horses in the winners circle situated in front of the Grand Stand.

Grand Presentation of the " Hong Kong Vase Trophy(2400meters)" on the main turf track facing the Grandstand. The Sha Tin course has the World's longest Diamond vision screen measuring 70.4 meters in length and 8 meters in height ,a visual delight. Michael Jackson planned to perform at the Sha Tin racecourse during his "Dangerous World Tour " but the same was cancelled as it conflicted with the "Horse racing season".

" Ouija Board(8)" ridden by English jockey Kieren.Fallon and trained by England's  Ed Dunlop being paraded on the turf in front of the Grand Stand for presentation of the "HONG KONG VASE" trophy.Thanks to the longest television screen in the World the same is clearly visible to viewers  on the giant screen ."Ouija Board" is owned and was also bred by  Lord Edward Richard William Stanley better known as the 19th Earl of Derby. 

Stanley market ,“Murray House”, Hong Kong Prison museum and “Happy Valley Race-Course”:- On Monday(12-12-2005)morning, got up early as usual and made my way to Tsim Tsha Tsui ferry terminal, catching the “Star ferry” and crossing onto Hongkong Central. .Boarded the “Nos 260” bus from exchange square just outside the wharf on Central where one of the World’s tallest building is situated and made the journey to Stanley,situated on the south side of Hong Kong island, a remnant of a leisure sea-side country town. The bus journey was through scenic hilly terrain, the typical topography of suburban Hong Kong with skyscrapers jutting amidst tiny green forested hills.Stanley has a unique combination of Eastern and western cultures with small pub type restaurants serving oriental as well as continental and American dishes along with liquor.There is a magnificent small beach front and the buildings are typical “British colonial type” in design and structure, remnants of Hong Kong's British legacy.The main shopping center in Stanley is a tourist attraction for its combination of three different structures, the shopping square,Murray house and the village square, all overlooking the Stanley Bay. Murray House is one of the oldest examples of Western Architecture in Hong Kong having been built by the British in 1846 as army quarters and stood in Central where the Bank of China now stands. The amazing dismantling of the entire “Murray House” edifice in 1982 , numbering each dismantled part and later rebuilding it with the same components in 1998 at Stanley is a unique feat of architectural engineering. Visited Old Murray house, preserved in exact detail as in the 1860’s along with photographs of a bygone era of “British Hong Kong”.  

ADMIRAL CENTRE",the city's busiest business district towering with skyscraper buildings.

                                                                                                                          Later visited the “Maritime museum” situated on the ground floor of Murray house and tried my hand at “Container loading and unloading” in a simulated game at the Museum, faring reasonably well as my ship didn't capsize or tilt dangerously due to “Misbalancing” of cargo .Not bad for a ship Cargo Supervisor's son! Later strolled along the beach visiting the “Curio and artifacts shops” managed by locals , a clean well maintained beach front. Walking further I came to “Stanley Prison”, the local prison for Hong Kong citizens which has a total different criminal jurisdiction and justice system compared to mainland China.. Visited the “Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum” situated next to "Stanley Prison” and for the first time in my life gained knowledge about crime , capital punishment, torture and infamous Chinese criminals. The Museum complex consisted of 3 components with the main museum exhibiting mock cells, a mock execution chamber where the method of execution was demonstrated by means of artificial human bodies and mock weights for “Hanging”. There were over 600 exhibits to introduce the history of crime and punishment in the past 160 years with the most infamous murderers being the “Gang of 3”, Hong Kong's answer to psychopathic type of criminals. “Capital Punishment” has been abolished in Hong Kong unlike mainland China which has the highest execution rate of convicts in the world. Walking further and after various inquiries finally made my entrance into Hong Kong’s famous “Happy Valley Racecourse”, the “RACE-COURSE” that made Hong Kong famous as a “Capitalist” El Dorado for the mega rich as well as aspiring rich as Hong Kong citizens are crazy about “Horse-racing”. Horse-racing has been conducted in Hong Kong at “Happy Valley Race-course” since 1846 and it really occupies a unique space in congested Hong Kong Island. The race-course just can’t be viewed from the street as it is totally surrounded by skyscrapers and the race-course itself is designed like a “Track stadium” with the center of the stadium being used for various other sports facilities in “Land Congested” Hong Kong. Sha Tin racecourse built in the “New Territories” of suburban Hong Kong has now largely displaced “Happy Valley” in importance as all the major race events are conducted there, the most famous being the “Hong Kong International Horse races”. Happy Valley race-course has a “Horse-racing Museum” in its grandstand complex, the first time I ever visited a “Horse racing museum”. Happy Valley has an Indian connection with the “Parsee Cup” installed in 1857 being one of the premier horse races run at this venue in Hong Kong.There were numerous photographs, horse-racing equipment and “Simulated racing shows” exhibited along with the history of the sport in Hong Kong. Strangely, I couldn't name a single prominent “Hong Kong Jockey or trainer” in the museum hall of fame as most of them were from either South Africa or Australia and a Willie Carson , Lestor Pigott or Vincent O’Brien did not figure in the museums hall of fame. “Silent Witness”, HongKongs most famous “Equine Star” was prominently featured with its 17 consecutive wins, a “Guinness book of World Records” holder. Checked my weight on the “Jockey weighing scales” of the museum and clocked 78.5 Kilos, surprising since I was on a “Forced diet” of 2 “Hawker meals” a day , besides walking miles. Wonder the “Diet Secret” of English Jockey Richard Hughes maintaining his riding weight at a height of 5’ 10’’ , abnormally tall in the short World of “Professional International jockeys”.

Hong Kong Fish Market :- Most Fish are sold live.

Walkathon in Hongkong :- On Tuesday(13-12-2005) began my marathon "Back-Packers tour” from my lodge by catching the MTR at Tsim Tsha Tsui and alighting at Prince Edward MTR, later walking along the road with directions from locals as well as the “Tour Guide books”. The weather was cold at 14 to 20*C and hence fatigue due to humidification or heat doesn't tire a individual as is the case in hot humid country’s, including my home city of Mumbai..Walked along the “Flower Market”, beautiful flowers from dutch tulips to rare orchids being put for sale, reminding me of the famous “Ooty flower show” in India. Walking further down the road brought me to the famous Chinese bird garden on Yuen Po Street which was constructed in 1997 after demolishing the old pet bird market in Hong Lok Street also known as “Bird Street”. There are numerous “Pet Shops” selling a variety of birds including parakeets and parrots in “Yuen Po Street garden”. An African Grey parrot sold at 8000HK$’s(Rs 51,000 approx) and a pair of Macaws for 18,000HK$’s each(Rs 1,15,000 approx!), besides, there were talking mynahs and parakeets. Local bird fanciers come to this garden with their pet birds in cages and hang them on the trees facing the pet bird stalls, the garden complex being a traditional “Pai Lou” design of Chinese architecture. Local “Bird Fights” are held in the garden complex akin to cock-fights but without any bloodshed with the loser bird fleeing the “Fight arena”. Walking along passed through the “Ladies Market”, a hawkers paradise where cheap ladies , gents and children's clothing can be purchased at bargain prices compared to the malls of Hong Kong.. Further on Tung Choi Street visited the World famous “Gold Fish Market”, where “Pet fish” were for sale and one of these “Pet fish shops” was as large and exotic as a “Oceanarium” having a variety of fish and sea weeds for sale with “Photography” strictly prohibited. If a person wanted to avoid visiting “Ocean Park” than I suggest a visit to this “Fish pet store” named “Aqua World Hong Kong Ltd” which was much better than most “Tourist aquariums” that I have visited . A exotic “Gold Fish” at “Aqua World Hong Kong Ltd” sold for 1680 HK$(Rs 10,752) and although I have seen costlier pet fish at Mumbai’s Crawford market, the sheer beauty and scale of operations of the “Pet fish trade” in Hong Kong was to be seen to be believed. This shop could have minted money by just charging an “Entrance fee” or “deposit fee” for viewers or visitors, such was the splendour of “Aqua World Hong Kong Ltd”. Walking further down I came to “Shanghai Street”, one of the last surviving bastions of “Old Hongkong” where time has stood still, with its typical roadside “Bazaar markets” of vegetables, fruits , eatables and Chinese wedding clothes shops as also its old buildings, a sharp contrast to the “skyscraper wave” sweeping the city. Walking further down Shanghai street and taking a right at Kansu street reached the “Jade Market” where numerous jade items are on sale in different stalls under one roof.Purchased a “Jade Dolphin” and walked further down to “China Ferry Terminal”, booking a ferry ticket for Macau costing 137Hk$’s( Rs 876). I Have written a separate “Blog” on my “Macau trip” and the same can be viewed for a ‘Back-Packers advice” on touring Macau.

A local police patrol motorcycle parked in the vicinity of " Chungking Mansion" next to the landmark Sheraton Hotel. Hong Kong dazzles at night. 

Arrived at my lodge room in Chungking and later visited the “Marine Club” situated at a walking distance from Nathan street, close to the Sheraton hotel. The Marine club was excellently maintained with a swimming pool and the minimum charges for a “Mariner lodger” which I could have availed were 270HK$’s/Day(Rs 1728!) ,proving that “Chungking Mansion” lodges were the cheapest in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is frighteningly expensive where a daily newspaper costs 7HK$’s(Rs 42!), a can of coke or pepsi 14 HK$(Rs 84), a bottle of mineral water 9HK$(Rs 54), cheapest Chinese road food 20HK$ and the common American hamburger 10HK$( Rs 60).
Surviving on a “Backpackers budget” in Hong Kong is an art which can’t be taught or learnt but which only comes with experience and money spending discipline. TOUCHE!

WOOLLY MAMMOTH TUSK CARVING:- Ban in Ivory has resulted in trading of extinct  Mammoth tusks.

Walkathon backpacking tours of Hong Kong :- On Sunday (18-12-2005) attended the catholic “Sunday Mass” at the seamen's  chapel (St Peters Chapel) in the Seamen's club premises situated at “Middle Road”, walking distance from my residence at “Chungking Mansion”. The mass was at 0930 hrs and most of the congregation consisted of women. Later, after the mass walked down to “Avenue of the stars”, the exotic waterfront of “Victoria Harbour”.After loafing around “Avenue of stars” and admiring the statue of my childhood hero “Bruce Lee” later made my way towards the “Museums” situated close to the promenade. My first visit was to the “Hong Kong museum of Arts” where most of the art-works consisted of Chinese antiques, calligraphy and fine art. Most Chinese paintings are done on “Paper scrolls” and since I was a “ Chinese Art Illiterate” couldn’t understand the subtleties of these paintings akin to “Modern Art” which still confuses me although I am a regular visitor to “Jehangir Art Gallery” in Mumbai, besides visiting various other “Art galleries”. I basically prefer and understand “landscapes” and “Portraits”, hence my passion for photography .Till date, I fail to understand as to the reasons for a undecipherable modern art canvas commanding millions of rupees while a beautiful landscape or portrait languishes in the “Unsold list” or sold at ridiculous low prices. Later visited the “Photography gallery” where a local Hong Kong photographer was holding an exhibition on old buildings and dilapidated neighborhoods of Hong Kong with the exhibition caption being, “SEE HONG KONG BEFORE IT DISAPPEARS!”. Hong Kong is evolving into modernity at a frantic pace and I doubt if “Chungking Mansion” itself would be in existence after another decade or less. Old buildings and Chinese neighborhoods are giving way to multistoried 21st century skyscraper buildings and plush street localities, reminding me of my own home city of Mumbai. This photograph exhibition woke me from the slumber of historical lethargy and I decided to preserve all my photographs, however insignificant in the “DIGITAL MODE”. Mumbai, my home city has transformed tremendously since “ Indian Economic Liberalization – 1992” with skyscrapers and entire neighborhood's being transformed , the most important landmark transformations being of the “ Cotton Mill Industry” .The "Cotton Textile Industry" which gave the city of Mumbai its initial identity as a Asian trading centre is almost non-existent in the 21st century, replaced by palatial “Entertainment and residential” promenades. Whats happening in Hong Kong is also happening in Mumbai though at a slower pace and although “Modernity” is essential for any Nation or City’s progress , its important to preserve some cultural and architectural remnants of the past, either in museums or in the natural form. Later in the evening walked down Nathan Street and viewed a road side exhibition of portrait sketches by artists at the “Kowloon Park”, an open air garden situated next to the largest mosque in HongKong ,the Kowloon Masjid which was designed by Indian architect I.M.Kadri. The artist had drawn some hilarious spoofs and sketches on some famous and infamous World Leaders and celebrity personalities surprising me of the “Liberal Democracy” in Hong Kong. The “Falun Gong”, a semi-religious cultural sect is totally and brutally banned in China but were allowed to exhibit the atrocities committed against them by the Chinese govt at “Tsim Tsha Tsui pier”, something undecipherable to a tourist, fed on media and movies of China and its “Communist Ideology”, something which could be difficult even in Democratic India.. Walked further towards “Jordan street” and witnessed the street hawkers market of Hong Kong at “Temple street night market(Yau Ma Tei)” akin to Mumbai’s “Fashion Street” or “Colaba hawkers”.This is Hong Kongs famous “Night Market” open from 1600hrs to midnight with numerous street side eateries and also witnessed the famous “DRAGON DANCE” performed by local street artists. Went back to my lodge late in the night and one of the reasons I hate spending exorbitant money in “Hotel Lodgings” while “ Solo Back-Packing” or “Touring” is that I only use a hotel for parking my luggage and sleeping at night,the entire day or sometimes night being spent in “Walkathon touring” or “Club hopping”.

"CHRISTMAS CRIB" in the "Y.M.C.A" Centre on Tsim Tsa Tshui Street.

Last day in Hongkong :- Monday(19-12-2005) was my last day in Hong Kong, having arrived in the city on Friday(9-12-2005) and spending 2 days in Macau(15/12 to 16-12-2005) ,a total of 11 days in the second costliest city in the World(2005 Living cost index census). Got up early as usual and had a walk down Tsim Tsha Tsui street and the “Avenue of the Stars” promenade” , brilliantly decorated, with “Christmas Carols” playing on loudspeakers kept along the length of the promenade. The view from “Avenue of the Stars “ promenade is breathtaking with some of the World’s tallest buildings on the opposite side of the pier in HongKong Central. Came back to my lodge and checked out of room no “123” of “Singh Guest house” in “Chungking Mansion” at approx 1030 hrs, my residence in Hong Kong, the decent accommodation for low budget tourists and backpackers. Carted my “Backpackers luggage” to the bus stop below the building on “Nathan street”, finally boarding the “A21 bus” with a ticket fare of 33HK$(Rs 211!) .Hence an estimation of a “Taxi Fare” to the “Airport” from “Nathan Street can be estimated, a “Backpackers” budget nightmare.On the departure journey to Hong Kong airport I could sight-see the place knowledgeably, having traveled the length and breadth of the important localities of this city, both, by public transport and by foot. I became so familiar with Hong Kong city life and its major localities that if I knew “Mandarin Language” I could easily have passed on for a local Hong Kong citizen. Besides, the city is multi-cultural having a large number of Indians, Pakistanis and Nepalis on “work Permits”, somehow surviving and some even prospering in this mega-city. The bus route was on a road that was next to the “HongKong Container terminal”, the world’s largest shipping transit point, a massive container terminal complex. The “Tsing Ma Bridge” is another landmark , a long cable suspension bridge, another first in my life since I had never traveled on such a long bridge prior to this day. The bus ride was approx of about 40 mins duration and after reaching the airport checked into the departure lounge. Later had lunch consisting of a dish of “Squid with noodles” costing 40HK$(Rs 256). Boarded Flight CX 751 for Bangkok, the plane taking off at 1430 hrs and reaching Bangkok at 1605 hrs. The “Bangkok backpacker Blogs” can be viewed for the art of surviving on a minimum budget on a “Solo backpackers tour".