Hong Kong day two

Today dawned a bit brighter so after another hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel we headed for the ferry terminal to get the short trip across to Hong Kong Island. The cost for this is just $HKG3 approx NZ50cents each. Once we figured out how to use the vending machine to get the token, we were on the old ferry and quickly arrived on the other side.
Our plan was to get to the viewing area high on the hill known as Tower Peak. To get there we needed to get on bus number 15c and then from the Honk Kong park bus stop and get the tram to the top of the hill. We found the bus stop and got on the bus. Sheree handed the bus driver what she thought was a $HKG 10 note for the fair. The driver just looked at her blankly and making gestures that this was no good. A quick check of the note we realized that she was handing him an English 10 pound note. We then fossiced around for another note and eventually found a $HKG 10. We handed this to the driver at which point he then makes further guestures and explains in pidgeon english that he does not give change. We got off the bus to stares from the now impatient que of people behind us.
We find a Seven Eleven at the pier and purchase a drink and get some change, but by this time the bus has left. It is getting very hot and humid and we frustratingly stand and decide what to do next. A lady selling the Hop On Hop Off bus service approaches us and does a brilliant sales job on us explaining that the ques to the tram are very long and she can get us priority tickets to dodge the ques as well as further ferry tickets for a 48 hr time frame for the 24hour price but the next bus leaves in five minutes. In the next couple of minutes and $HKG 640 (NZ $100) we are on the bus and headed for the tram stop and then on to the viewing area. After this a trip around Hong Kong Island with a commentary via the earphones on the bus for the for the rest of the day. The screen on the bus advises that the temperature is now 37deg it is very humid and even though we are outside on the open top deck we are fanning ourselves and sweating perviously.
We arrive at the tram ride entrance and there is a huge que winding along the road. It is at this point that the thought of standing here in the heat (had we got the original bus) makes our Hop On Hop Off Bus purchase very worth while, when within a short wait in the priority que we are on the tram and heading up the hill. The incline on the way up is equivalent to that of Baldwin St in Dunedin but the loaded tram makes the trip effortlessly. We have to purchase further tickets once at the top to get to the viewing platform outside. This is only $HKG 30 each and the view is incredible looking over Hong Kong harbour and all the skyscrapers (see pics).
Once we have taken in all we can from here we start heading down the escalator which leads to the Hubba Bubba shrimp and prawn themed restaurant (see pics) based on the film Forrest Gump. We decide to have lunch here and get taken to our table that affords us a stunning view over the harbour and we order our food. On the table there are two signs like car number plates that you can flip over. One says ‘Run Forrest Run’ and the other says ‘Stop Forrest Stop’. The idea here being if you want help or want to order more food you just flip it over to the stop sign…brilliant. This is one of the best themed restaurants we have been to and the service was brilliant along with the shrimp and prawn meals we ordered. On the way out we bought Tshirts and hats for ourselves and they gave us a free bag because of our spend amount.
The steep tram ride back down is uneventful and we are soon back on the bus and touring around Hong Kong. It is very interesting and great to hear the stories of the cities history and to discover the names and identities of many of the skyscrapers. The afternoon passes quickly and we are soon back at our original start point at the pier and planing what to do next.
Sheree wants to buy a nice watch so we decide to have a look at some of the shops here. There is a bewildering array and volume of jewelry shops and the choices are just staggering but nothing jumps out at Sheree, so we carry on back to the ferry and then to our hotel.
Still feeling fill from lunch we just eat some of the fruit supplied in our hotel room and watch the light show on the harbor again. We then head back out in search of a watch. After further searching we finally find a very nice, latest style Calvin Klein watch made in Switzerland.
The heat of the evening is wearing on us and after visiting a few more shops we wearily head back to the hotel room for a final look at all the lights over the harbor before pulling the blinds and contemplating our last part day here and the flight home.