Up and out the door, we head to a very different day. Stanley here we come. We take the MTR. (Hong Kong Transit) for a day away from the crowds and some beach time.

OMG, how many levels below ground are we before we are at our subway level? Our guess was 5, but I lost count. It took us about 30 minutes to reach our first destination or in this case the end of the MRT. We now find ourselves in Ocean Park. This is the largest amusement park in Asia. You can see it from miles away with its large roller coaster and huge logo written on the hillside with sculptured trees. Most of the people depart heading right into the park. The remaining group headed towards Aberdeen - the location of the infamous Floating Jumbo Kingdom. Which left us, ON OUR OWN. Yes, ONLY US!

BTW -If you are travelling with kids, love aquatics and high roller coasters. This is YOUR stop.

And for us, this is the beginning of a story of being lost in time. OK, not really but how about losing time!

We depart the MRT and then are LOST.

Yup, we head out the doors and start walking. Obviously, I have not had enough coffee or my map was upside down. After pacing back and forth, we walk back to the start. We are determined to hunt down a English speaking person - (not the easiest to do).

After several attempts to talk to people, we finally find a guy who direct us the same way we have returned from but indicates that we must catch a bus on the opposite side of 4 lanes. OK, that should be easy right?

NOT!

The bus stop is directly across from us but there does not appear to be a pedestrian walkway anywhere near. Again, we pace back and forth within a 2 block area. This is CRAZY. What will we do?

The fastest way to get from point "A" to point "B" straight across.

OH GREAT :(. So we waited for a break in traffic, dashed across 2 lanes to the center median. BTW, it is rounded on the sides and not very wide. Yeah, this is probable not the best idea but committed we were. Another break, and we do the remaining 2 lanes. We made it. Good God. There has to be a better way!!! Don't follow this part of my trip (Find the correct way!)

After about a 30 minute bus ride on a windy road that follows the ocean (Sit on the right side and enjoy the view). We finally arrive in Stanley. Intotal it took us 90 minutes. Plan accordingly.

This area has the most expensive real estate on the island and I can see why. It is also becoming known for its food scene as well. We wander to find Murray House, one of Hong Kong’s oldest buildings (1844). There is a big influence of Britain here and in fact, the house was built for a British soldier/politician. Today you can find restaurants and shops. Oh yeah, this building was once located in Central HK but was dismantled and relocated on the waterfront brick by brick.

Dismantling and relocation of buildings seems to be the THING in Stanley. Blake Pier was moved as well. I loved the steel beamed roof. This was orginally built in 1909 in an Edwardian style. This is a ferry stop for Tsui Wha service. From here you can head to Aberdeen or Po Toi Island.

Need a pint to cool off or refresh? Step into a small pub called the Smugglers Inn. This is not a place for a foodie but a great place for a brew with fun people. You can't help getting to know the person beside you as you are literally rubbing shoulders. The walls are covered with bank notes. fI find it fun to look at the currency and messages posted on them.

We wondered past the water treatment plant and found a nice beach to dig our feet into. Ahhh, this is the life.

We had not packed towels or we could have waded deeper out into the water. The water was warm enough for us crazy Canadians.

Stanley Market is tucked away. Here you can find artisans and all thing Asian. We hunted and left with only a chop for our son. (carved stone seal with his Asian name)

We travel back to Hong Kong through Happy Valley (Racetrack Area) and head out for a nice light plate with a beautiful bottle of wine at the Intercontinental Hotel Lobby Lounge. The jazz was amazing and with full wall windows, we had a great view across the harbour to watch the laser show at 8 pm.

I would say is was a great day, even with the lost time!

Places to see

Ocean Park - amusment park
Aberdeen - Jumbo Restaurant
Stanley - beach town
Blakes Pier - great architecture
Murray House - food and culture
Stanley Market - art and items shopping
Smugglers Inn - beer and new friends

Stanley - Hong Kong's Little Get Away