Saturday 5 October 2013

Taiwan 12.09-18.09.2013


Today is time for next country which hmm...generally is not exactly country...I mean is country for almost all but this "almost all" legally doesn't accept it's legacy...so how is it?...For sure all Taiwanese know about their nationality,  b.u.t...  Why everytime has to be some problem with indepenence? a.n.d Why everytime occur any problem in my blog?! ;p


I remind only that my visit in Taiwan was connected with World Dance Competition  in south city - Kaohsiung on 12-18 of September 2013 in which I took part with my best formation Lotos Jantar ;)


Fired Hong Kong... (view from airplane's window)


Let's start quick view about Taiwan!



 Taiwan

(台湾)

ally officially the Republic of China


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/China_Taiwan.svg/200px-China_Taiwan.svg.png
Yellow mainland of China and red - Taiwan*


Taiwan's population was estimated in 2012 at 23,2 mln. This makes Taiwan the 50th largest country in the world in terms of population and the 16th most densely populated country in the world.


Plik:Flag of the Republic of China.svg
National Flag of Taiwan*

The political capital is Taipei (2,6 mln of population), the largest city is New Taipei City (3,9mln of population). We were in south city Kaohsiung with a population of approximately 2.77 million. In this city is the largest harbor in Taiwan.


The panorama of the Kaohsiung, morning 13.09, 20th floor.
  
The Republic of China has its own currency, the New Taiwan dollar. 

1E = 38,85 New Taiwan Dollar
1 PLN = 9 TD (currency rate during our sojourn)


Geographical datas:
  
The longest place of the island has a length of 377 km and a width at its widest point reaches up to 142 km.

Taiwan's highest point is Yu Shan (Jade Mountain) at 3952 metres.
Taiwan lies on the Tropic of Cancer, and its climate is marine tropical. The northern part of the island has a rainy season that lasts from January through late March during the northeast monsoon.  Typhoons are common between July and October. Luckily we didn't meet anyone :)

City centre of Kaohsiung


Education

Due to the fact that I am student I was interesting how looks their education. The educational system includes six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, three years of high school, and four years of university.
 
Curiosities:
 -generally in the class (we're speaking about high school) is about 50 students
-every lesson has 50 minutes and break 10min.
-every day before start of the school, students has to clean their classrooms and campus
-in high school is not allowed to leave the school at least until 16:00 (4p.m) even if classes are ended before.
   Moreover at noon, students have to take a short nap in the classroom during classes. Is possible to go out from classroom only in important matters. Is also 1 hour break for dinner.




Religion:

There are approximately 81% religious followers in Taiwan. The two largest are: Buddhism (35%) and Taoism(33%). It is worth to see that Confucianism is a philosophy that deals with secular moral ethics, and serves as the foundation of both Chinese and Taiwanese culture. Usually Taiwanese people  combine the secular moral teachings of Confucianism with whatever religions they are affiliated with.


Language:

The official national language is Mandarin. Is spoken by the vast majority of the population of Taiwan.
As in Hong Kong , Traditional Chinese is used as the writing system in Taiwan.

(taxi drivers had problem with reading other letter incuded in latin alphabet, f.ex in english language, even if is written name of popular, taiwanese hotel )


Now the most curious topic for me:

Contentious political issues


 In the beginning is necessary  quick glance at it's history. It shows two opponents with two other aims:

1) The Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) was established in China in 1912.

2) Following the Chinese civil war, the Communist Party of China took full control of mainland China and founded the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949.

 The key dispute is question if is Taiwan  included into PRC?

Constitutionally, the ROC (Taiwan) government has claimed sovereignty over all of "China", but the PRC (mainland China) also asserts itself to be the sole legal representation of China and claims Taiwan as its 23rd province to be under its sovereignty, denying the status and existence of ROC as a sovereign state.

The PRC has threatened the use of military force as a response to any formal declaration of Taiwanese independence!

It's important fact, that for almost 60 years, there were no direct transportation links, including direct flights, between Taiwan and mainland China. The first direct daily charter flights took off in December 2008.

 How we see the political and legal statuses of Taiwan are contentious issues. The People's Republic of China (PRC) claims that the Republic of China government is illegitimate, referring to it as the "Taiwan Authority".

The ROC, however, with its own constitution, independently elected president and armed forces, continues to view itself as a sovereign state. In fact, the present territory of the state has never been controlled by the PRC maybe becose they know about their super power policy and prominent place on the international stage which can use in every precarious situation...

In consequence Republic of China has uncomfortable and hard position in the politic world area...


International recognition


 International recognition of the ROC has gradually reduced as most countries switched recognition to the PRC. Only 22 UN member states and the Vatican currently maintain formal diplomatic relations with the ROC. In practice, most countries view the ROC as an independent state and as such maintain unofficial relations with it.


File:RC (Taiwan).png
Countries maintaining relations with the ROC*

GREEN = diplomatic relations and embassy in Taipei      BLUE = unofficiall relations





Inner political fight


The political scene is generally divided into two major camps in terms of views on how Taiwan should relate to China or the PRC.

A circular logo representing the island of Taiwan surrounded by the text "DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY" and "民主進步黨"1) Democratic Progressive Party =   is composed of the pro-independence. It regards Taiwan as an independent, sovereign state synonymous with the ROC, opposes the definition that Taiwan is part of "China".








A circular logo representing a white sun on a blue background. The sun is a circle surrounded by twelve triangles.
Symbol of CNP.

 Chinese Nationalist Party - Kuomintang of China.  
They support eventual unification with the mainland. They consider that there is only one China, but that the Republic of China rather than the People's Republic of China is its legitimate government.

Owing to this party was founded The Republic of China in 1912.

The legislative election in 2008 brought the brought the Kuomintang landslide victory back to power in Taiwan.

Is worth to notice that symbol of Chinese Nationalist Party is situated in national flag and on the flag of Olympic Games.


 Significant differences between two parties:   The pan-green camp supports a distinct Taiwanese identity, while the pan-blue camp supports a Chinese identity only.



 World of automotive!


-I had deja vu from Italy! Wherever I looked I saw scooter, scooter, and scooter! ;o The technique of riding scouters is also almost the same: is important to be first in every junction, every maneuver on the street  is possible, on the scooter can be carried as much things as possible and finally slogan: better have just any helmet than none.
In short: jungle, but! In Taiwan is more safty owing the fact that are painted special lines for scooter along the street as well as ahead crossroads. (Sometimes in China were set special rain canopies make you dry during waiting for green signal! ;o)


Scooters on Kaohsiung's streets.





I noticed that the Highway Code is nearly the same like in Europe. Police is staying on the street particulary in the lete evening when is tendency to drunk driving. Similary radars are hidden on the street ;-)


Petrol station and radar 

I haven't been in Japan yet, but some part of it was in Taiwan. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Lexus were everywhere on the streets. All japanese production was major part of moving cars. Polish production with Fiat 126p didn't reach this part of the world..what a pity! :)



Technology



During the latter half of the 20th century, Taiwan experienced rapid economic growth and industrialization. Whereby now is in very good industrial economy situation. Its advanced technology industry plays a key role in the global economy.

Plenty of electronic devices are produced in Taiwan. Own headquarters had such companies like: ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock - all global producers of hard drives for computers as well as Giant, Merida, Maxxis, Marzocchi - world center for the production of bicycles and bicycle components. 

And the most important - Acer - taiwanese company which is fourth (2012y.) the biggest producer of personal computers in the world. 

Something more to add?... 


                         _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _   _


Howard Plaza Hotel i Kaoshiung - view from 20th floor



Made in China. but very solid and natural.


Market and prices


Previous time during our sojourn in Asia, exactly in Beijing, we found really cheap shopping mall with European brands but Chinese production. The clothes were on first sight very good, but rather only on first...after doing washing only chinese work was visible ;p Moreover, 3 hours of shopping kills...To haggle in every shop, even if you really didn't want to buy, to be catched for every seller from every shop wherever you go...it's really hard and after 1 hour you don't want nothing and everything is unconcerned, neutral...

Whatever, but this time was different. It wasn't so easy to find such shops. Even in local market in Kaohsiung (open afternoon) the prices were in the polish level.

In result were efficient prices to buy: footwear (different type of shoes like f.ex: original sneakers - I can't reveal the price but were cheaper :P), a lot of types of scooter helmets :D and electric appliance but rather in the airport using free trade. 

 





But is one important date to notice... Median monthly salary in Taiwan on day Aug. 22, 2013 stood at 47,557 Taiwan dollar, so it's US$1,578, what gives about 5000 PLN. Do they need really cheap shopping malls?
1E = 38,85 Taiwan Dollar
1 PLN = 9 TD (currency rate during our sojourn)

Last day, several hours before departure - Jean and Jennifer - our two best guide in Taiwan!! Thanks! :* - took us for other market where were cheaper clothes but tired of the weather and all residence we weren't decided what to buy and we returned barehanded...

With our best mentor and guide - Jean!! Thanks ! :* (Karolina, Mariusz, PaPu and me...) It;s pity that without Jennifer but we had to split up into two groups ;/

We went barehanded but we met there still working 96 years old taiwanese granny ;D We were really impressed and full of admiration. All the best for You!!! :D

with great-grandmother ;)

How were we getting around the city?
We had two main options: use city train which costs no less than 20 NT$ or taxi about 100 NT$ (for 30 minutes way on foot). Of course we chose second one, and everywhere we get in taxi...in 4, 5 and even 6 persons! (in 5-seater car) :D


several actions in taxi... (even Mariusz and Jean - both on one front seat :D)

Also the average price of 1 liter petrol costs  3,5zl ( 0,85E)...


Swastika


It wasn't first time when in China I noticed red swastika on the building... Every time I was curious what is the significance? The more it is not common view for us Europeans...

Red swastika on the building...

Most of us the sign of swastika strongly associate only with Nazism. In fact it was a "significant religious symbol of our remote ancestors". By the early 20th century, it was used worldwide and was regarded as a symbol of good luck and success.

 In the Sinosphere - The East Asian cultural sphere of countries and regions that were historically influenced by the culture of China - so also in Tawian, the symbol is most commonly associated with Buddhism. This kind of red swastica could be commonly found in Buddhist temples, religious artifacts, texts related to Buddhism and schools founded by Buddhist religious groups. ;)

 Moreover in comparison to sign visible in the foto, swastika incorporated into the flag of Nazi Party was  different, because a right-facing 45° rotated. So it's not the same. Is used and transformed from appearance to it's meaning. Is different, but still remind us this the worst symbol in recent history.




Mid-Autumn Festival / Moon festival


  It is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese peoples. The festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, during a full moon (therefore Moon festival), which is in late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar, close to the autumnal equinox. It is a public holiday in Taiwan!

...going to transfer in HK airport...

 In this year was celebrated on  September 19! So preparation to this festival were during our sojourn :D Owing to that fact we saw advertisements in public places and we received in hotel special mooncakes! :D
And it was the reason that I knew something about this festival and I could write about it.

In the year 2014 will be 8th of September ;) be ready!

 Taiwanese tradition
 
During this festival people celebrate the end of the fall harvest. It is a time to enjoy the successful reaping of rice and wheat with food offerings made in honor of the moon. That day is an occasion for outdoor reunions among friends and to watch the moon, a symbol of harmony and unity.
The festival is celebrated with many cultural or regional customs, among them: burning incense in reverence to deities and performance of dragon and lion dances, which is mainly practiced in southern China.

How said me Jean, very important and commonly practiced are outdoor barbecues! They have become a popular affair for friends and family to gather and enjoy each other's company. Even to such extent that in Taipei City were  designated 11 riverside parks to accommodate outdoor barbecues for the public. :D


 The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as:Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, because of the popular traditon of eating earlier mentioned Mooncakes on this occasion.


Was Moonwalks so it's time for Mooncakes! :D 
  Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival. In Chinese culture, a round shape symbolizes completeness and unity. Thus, the sharing of round mooncakes among family members signify the completeness and unity of families.


Typical lotus bean-filled mooncakes eaten during the festival.



Lanterns


A notable part of celebrating the holiday is the carrying of brightly lit lanterns, lighting lanterns on towers, or floating sky lanterns. One tradition involving lanternsis to write riddles on lanterns and have other people try to guess the answers. ;)


Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns at a shop in Hong Kong

...and for the end of quick revision about Taiwan, the best of the best:


The newest version of Taiwanese beer. Taste accepted :D


Which is my impression about Taiwan?

It's the next Island on my traveler's way. For sure isn't comparable to other, smaller and first of all turistic islands like Malta, Elba etc... Beside very hot and humid climat are easier noticeable similarities to mainland China. Chinese signs, language are the same and also culture with celebrite days are connected. In spite of all it seems to be more organised and in a certain sense closer to Europe :-)

In Taiwan are cultivated bananas but unfortunately I didn;t see :( 
I didn't see also too much birds! We counted only two! :D Maybe better for us. We didn't have to expect on the street some shitty gift from the heaven...



P.S 

-Everything could be good with tranlator if it tranlate to polish! :D Initially through few hours every language was possible in spite of our native! haha (esp.: jaja) xD.   Happily I managed to change it and now even polish pensioners can read my scribbles ;D

-I wrote this post felling that the sword of Damocles is hanging over my head. Are you interested why? Whole post is for sure written by Jean and Jennifer - two fantastic girls from Taiwan! :D Could you imagine if I write some mistake? It would be my last post ;D  



Polish celebrities in Centre of Kaohsiung xD: Mariusz, Bartek, ?!!? and PapuMate.




Best regards finally from Gdańsk ! :**



*photos and some parts of information were taken from wikipedia.com and other Internet's sources.

Sunday 29 September 2013

Hong Kong 12.09-18.09.2013

  
 www.jacek-traveler2.blogspot.com

it's my new blog. I added "2" in adress to underline chronology of my travels and descriptions. In this blog we can expect new adventures which are not connected with Italy and finished Erasmus. Moreover new posts won't be added systematically but will depend on the future trips. 

Enjoy the reading! ;)


Why in "my" english?

There are several reasons...

First - Maybe the best solution to make short my posts will be writing in english? I hope but mostly of these who complain for long texts speak only polish so now - english will be bigger problem for them ;p  Now for this people is time to use translation which is avaialbe on the right side of blog.

Next reason is reading my blog for a large number of non-polish firends and in this way blog will be more usefull for future travelers.

Third and the most important reason is to improve my english and to show other that even bad english can be read and understand for other. If YOU notice some mistakes, bad use words, not appriopriate tense please write me in comment below post, e-mail (jacek.traveler@gmail.com) or wherever you want and correct me. It will be very usefull for me and in this way I will transform MY DIALECT of English for normal English :D Thanks :**




Let's start!

Why Hong Kong and Taiwan?

Together with standard dance team: Lotos Jantar we were invited to take part in WDSF world DanceSport games 2013 in Kaohsiung (Taiwan) which held on 16th of September.
One of the biggest dance event which is equivalent of the Olympic Games. There were over 700 dancers from all over the world. 


Standard Formation - LOTOS Jantar during competition 16.09.13

inside The main stadium for the Games 2013

We get there in 25 hours including 12 hours break in Hong Kong. Owing to this fact we had a lot of time to visit the city. Below scheme of our flights:

 Warsaw -(Finnair)- Helsinki -(Finnair)- Hong Kong -(Dragonair)-Taipei and by bus to Kaohsiung
return way the same like above ;)







A white symbol in shape of a five petal flower ringed by a blue and a red line. In its center stands a circular symbol depicting a white sun on a blue background. The five Olympic circles (blue, yellow, black, green and red) stand below it.
Flag of Chinese Taipei Olympic Games
Due to PRC (People's Republic Of China) pressure, the ROC (Republic of China = Taiwan)  is forced to use the name "Chinese Taipei" in international events such as the Olympic Games where the PRC is also a party. The ROC is typically barred from using its national anthem and national flag in international events due to PRC pressure. Everything was visible during event and on the streets. I will explain this problem later...





Finally we took the third place ;-)

With my dance partner Ka-sia! :D



Hong Kong

香港



File:Hong Kong Location.svg
File:Flag of Hong Kong.svg
nNational flag of HK




The full official name is "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China", is on of the two, next is Macau.

Nowadays Hong Kong is a city-state which continues to enjoy a high degree of autonomy even after its return to China. Is described in legal way as a "high degree of autonomy as a special administrative region in all areas except defence and foreign affairs".   What is interesting, residents from mainland China do not have the right of abode in Hong Kong.


The territory's population in 2011 is 7.07 million. Is huge number as for the fact that only less than 25% of the territory's landmass is developed, and about 40% of the remaining land area is reserved as country parks and nature reserves.

 Life expectancy in Hong Kong is 79  years for males and 85  years for females as of 2009, making it one of the highest life expectancies in the world.


History

  Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War (1839–42). This time period greatly influenced the current culture of Hong Kong which is noticeable also nowadays.

 In 1898 Britain obtained a 99-year lease of Lantau Island and the adjacent northern lands, which became known as the New Territories. This territory has remained unchanged to the present.

On 1 July 1997 the transfer of sovereignty from United Kingdom to the PRC (People's Republic Of China) occurred, officially ending 156 years of British colonial rule. Hong Kong became China's first special administrative region for at least 50 years beyond the 1997 handover.

Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has a different political system from mainland China. In such a way could spread international policy and invite foreing companies to cooperation.


Financial policy 

 As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong has a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade. The currency - Hong Kong dollar - is the eighth most traded currency in the world. Hong Kong has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world!


currency exchange : 1Euro (E)  = 9,55 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
so 1 zloty (zł) = 0,5 HKD


File:Hk money coins.jpg
www.banknotes.com

Below one of the most beautifull banknotes which I have ever seen! Made of plastic, durable, colourfull with transparent spot! mmmm ;))

Jacek-traveler photo :D



 As of 2010 Hong Kong is the eighth most expensive city for expatriates. Hong Kong is ranked fourth in terms of the highest percentage of millionaire households, behind Switzerland, Qatar, and Singapore with 8.5 percent of all households owning at least one million US dollars.



 Geography

The territory's Hong Kong 1,104 km2 area consists of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 200 offshore islands, of which the largest is Lantau Island.

The map with Lantau Island where is situated HK Airport


Most of the territory's urban development exists on Kowloon peninsula, along the northern edge of Hong Kong Island, and in scattered settlements throughout the New Territories. Beetwen them is spread very good train connection or "The Star Ferry" service, founded in 1888 which operates two lines across Victoria Harbour. (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon).

Though it is situated just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate. Summer is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, and warm air coming from the southwest. Summer is when typhoons are most likely. Winters are mild and usually start sunny, becoming cloudier towards February.

During our trip through the city really was able to fell very high humidity (92%!) and lack of oxygen in the air, which seemed to stay in place...


HK's street




Cross-cultural heritage


Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meets West", reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with influences from its time as a British colony. Was industrialized and developed in all aspects from its economy to its health care system.Till now remain  Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Hong Kong Basic Law which is based on Common law of England , education system,
 car drive on the left and also signs displaying both Chinese and English. Everything is common throughout the territory.


Hong Kong Tramways, which has served the territory since 1904. The same are double-decker buses.


Airport and... what's next?

Hong Kong International Airport - one of the world's busiest airports in terms of international passenger and cargo movement. Is situated in Lantau Island.
Is spread good connection from airport by Mass Transit Railway (MTR) - is the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong.

MTR system map and fares




 more information about fares tickets:
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/fares_tickets/index.html













inside the  Airport Express Train


Taxi

HK's taxis
 Taxis in HK are all metered. Urban taxis are red, while the New Territories ones are green and those on Lantau Island are blue. Fares for the first kilometers starts from 15 HKD to 20 HKD witch incremental charges for every subsequent 200m from 1 / 1,5 HKD.

















Cultural Events (annual)
 



-THE TAI HANG FIRE DRAGON - 18-20 Sept. 2013 ( http://www.taihangfiredragon.hk/home.htm ,we can read: " The Fire Dragon is altogether 220 feet long with its body divided into 32 segments...")

-MID-AUTUMN LANTENR CARNIVALS 2013 - 19-21 Sept. 2013 
 

details and other events you can find on Leisure and Cultural Services department website: http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Entertainment/EntertainmentOffice/en/about/index.html


Sight Seeing

Mid-Levels escalator - In Central andWestern district the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world 

-Happy Valley Racecourse ( http://www.happyvalleyracecourse.com/ )
Jumbo Kingdom (www.jumbo.com.hk)

-Ocean Park ( http://www.oceanpark.com.hk/html/en/home/ )

- Jumbo Kingdom  - a modern complex of dining, sightseeing and cultural attractions. (http://www.jumbo.com.hk/eng/main.php )







-Repulse Bay - beautiful beach

- Ngong Ping 360 - cable car to Buddha ( http://www.np360.com.hk/en/ )

- Tian Tan Buddha - is one of the five large Buddha bronze statues in China, is  34 metres

-Tai O -  fishing Village

- Ma Wan Park - gives visitors a unique opportunity to explore a full-size replica of the biblical Noah's Ark and other theme park activities (http://www.mawanpark.com/eng/home.php)

- The Tsing Ma Bridge - It is the world's ninth-longest span suspension bridge. Has a main span of 1,377 metres and a height of 206 m.

- Hong Kong Disneyland  - http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage


The last two important points in sightseeing we visited personally...


- Man Mo Temple

Hong Kong's main religions are Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. 

XIXth century temple was builid mainly for the worship of God of Literature and God of Marital Arts. The Temple is a fine example of traditional Chinese vernacular architecture.

Icons of deities in the Man Mo Temple
How is visible, inside are a lot of lit incenses which give characteristic, stirring smell. Altar is decorated with fruits and flowers. Everything is appropriately lighted. The only negatives are visible scaffolding, noisy ventilators and groups of visiting tourists...like we :p



- Victoria Peak - with an altitude of 552 m  it is the highest mountain on the island. We can reach 428m where is situated Sky Terrace (open 10am -11pm mon-fri / 8am -11pm sat-sun) form where is splendid view for all panorama of the city. 


We got there with
"The Peak Tram" - the first public transport system in Hong Kong. It provides vertical rail transport between Central and Victoria Peak since 1888.


signs is both languages

For adult, return ticket we paid 40HK$. If you want more details visit this website: http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/


Adventure starts in the begining of the rail. Slope of the train was almost vertical, we had problems with standing position. We were accompanied by one thought -What would happen if brakes break down?



...and finally the  best moment to take picture and to realize greatness of the buildings...

Hong Kong's skyline is often regarded to be the best in the world.

Architecture

Maybe only dates will illustrate modern style and beat records:

 The International Commerce Centre -  484 m  high, 118 floors, the tallest building in Hong Kong and the third tallest in the world.

 In Hong Kong are 1,223 skyscrapers, which puts the city at the top of world rankings. More people in Hong Kong live or work above the 14th floor than anywhere else on Earth, making it the world's most vertical city.



source: www.forum.skyscraperpage.com

I had expected this kind of buildings which so far I saw only in the Internet or movies. Everything is the same. Very tall and impressive.


Two largest sky tower in Hong Kong

Also the lack of space caused demand for denser constructions, which developed the city to a centre for modern architecture...

diversity of the city..



"The Center" - 346m, 73 floors

 Through the city we were going to next most important place, indicated by tourist guide book and finally we went to Kowloon to search some cheap things...



Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. I didn't feel that. I had fought before departure that I will meet masses of people and won't be possible to freely wolking. Only in the main part of Kowloon was possible to see crowd. Maybe in HK Island or New District everybody is hidden in skyscrapers...


zone Tsim Sha Tsui Station in Kowloon


Even in new district feel climate of China. Polish authorities rather will not allow to maintain this kind of shops with food..



...but there is not dirty. Every pavement and shop's, bank's windows are cleaning all the time.



Relatively normal grocery products were very expensive. For 0,5l water about 1E? -it is not chinese price...

local shops



HK (Kowloon) - Haiphong Road


Love you...

Before departure it wasn't so much time to prepare all details about HK, what is to visit and what was happend in the history. Even if we all expected chinese style and a lot of skyscraper we were a little bit shocked. Another way is to see on the picture and another to see on my own. Particularly during night.

I tasted a little bit Hong Kong but I am still hungry. Hungry of the rest, undiscovered places and hidden cheap markets...:-)


Bartek and me after quick interview on the HK's street :D


P.S Description about Taiwan will be in the next post. Soon! ;-)


uffff ;D Thank youu and see you soon!

Best regards actually from Elbląg !! :) :*