Causeway Bay(銅鑼灣)
Yesterday, despite feeling tired when I arrived at the accommodation in the early morning,
I woke up early to start my journey.
The beginning of my Hong Kong trip involved exploring Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island, where my accommodation was located.
Causeway Bay is a densely populated shopping area with skyscrapers, and it’s known as one of the most expensive rental districts in the world.
Located in the northern central part of Hong Kong Island, its name, Causeway, indicates that it was once a sandy deposit area.
It was partially reclaimed, and modern buildings were constructed along the causeway.
Hong Kong Morning
Due to my late arrival the previous night, I couldn’t enjoy the scenery of Hong Kong.
However, stepping out in the morning, everything felt distinctly Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Subway MTR.
The escalators were steep, and the speed was fast.
My accommodation was in the Fortress Hill(炮台山, Paautòisāan) area on Hong Kong Island.
With a subway station right in front, I took the Hong Kong Island line MTR to Causeway Bay.
Octopus Card
Hong Kong’s transportation card is called the Octopus Card.
It can be used not only on the subway but also on buses and other forms of public transportation.
Additionally, it serves as a payment method at convenience stores and similar places.
The name “Octopus” is fitting, considering its versatility.
The card can be easily purchased at subway stations.
I bought an adult card with a basic load of HK$150, including a HK$50 deposit.
The deposit can be refunded upon returning the card.
If the card is used for less than three months, the refundable amount excludes a HK$7 fee.
The card balance can be checked at Add Value machines at subway stations, and you can load up to HK$1,000 at a time.
Hong Kong Subway Commute
Riding the Hong Kong subway during rush hours made me feel like a Hong Kong office worker.
The Hong Kong Island line was established in 1985 and was well-maintained, providing a clean and efficient experience.
Causeway Bay Station
I got off at Causeway Bay Station, two stops away from Fortress Hill.
The subway was incredibly fast, and unlike outside, it was air-conditioned, making the journey refreshing but unfortunately short.
Subway Platform
The subway platform had a round shape, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Each station has its designated color, and Causeway Bay was pink, hot pink to be specific.
First Impression of Causeway Bay
Exiting the subway station, even in the early morning, I felt the heat and high humidity in the air.
Many Hong Kong residents, who tend to eat out due to the lack of cooking at home, were seen grabbing breakfast on their way to work.
Hong Kong People’s Morning
Although I could use some English that learned in Australia, I couldn’t understand Cantonese at all, the primary language in Hong Kong.
Fortunately, most Hong Kong people spoke English well, so communication wasn’t a problem.
Hong Kong’s First Meal
Immersing myself in the morning routine of Hong Kong people, I decided to have breakfast.
Luckily, when seated, they provided a menu in English.
Beef Noodle Soup with Ham
I had a breakfast of beef noodle soup with ham, capturing the essence of Hong Kong’s flavors.
Breakfast Cost, Including Tips
For a simple breakfast, it wasn’t bad.
I always feel that using the local currency when abroad is a moment when I become more like a local.
How long and deeply you immerse yourself is a slightly different matter.
Hong Kong Residents Having Breakfast
Many Hong Kong residents, like us, were having breakfast.
It felt great to experience this local atmosphere.
Back to the Streets
After a hearty breakfast, I decided to explore the central Causeway Bay on foot.
Causeway Bay doesn’t have specific tourist attractions, so instead of planning, I chose to experience it by walking.
Tram, This is Hong Kong!
As I stepped onto the main road, Hong Kong’s iconic trams appeared.
The vibrant red double-decker trams looked trendy, fancy, and retro.
Heading west from Causeway Bay Station toward Central, I continued my walk.
Hong Kong Times Square
I haven’t been to New York, but Hong Kong has its own Times Square.
It’s a large shopping mall with many casual brands, so I decided to go in and take a look.
Times Square Lobby
Many people were already using the mall.
Unlike the high-end brands commonly found in Hong Kong, Times Square mainly featured casual brands.
In 1842, after winning the First Opium War, the UK took control of Hong Kong Island from the Qing Dynasty.
After winning the Second Opium War in 1860, the UK extended its control to the northern Kowloon Peninsula, solidifying its rule over Hong Kong.
On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong, which had been a British territory, was returned to China.
However, traces of British influence were still evident in Hong Kong.
A doll representing the UK flag and the Royal Guard adorned the lobby, commemorating a particular event.
Seems like a famous figure.
Hong Kong’s shopping malls and department stores weren’t significantly different from those in Korea.
The spacious halls and strong air conditioning were pleasing.
In Front of a Shoe Store
It was still early, and many shops had not yet opened.
I took a moment to admire the shoes displayed outside the Adidas store.
Gucci, the Sign
Since many places hadn’t opened their doors yet, I decided to move on without staying too long.
As I ascended, the Gucci logo, which I hadn’t seen on the way down, suddenly appeared before me.
Double-decker Bus Displayed in Times Square
Leaving Times Square, I noticed a double-decker bus displayed in the square.
It could even board the bus for everyone.
Seeing the old version of the iconic Hong Kong double-decker bus made me feel nostalgic.
This was unmistakably Hong Kong.
I continued walking towards Central, leaving Causeway Bay.
2012.08.21