Star Ferry and Lan Kwai Fong Evening
I took the Star Ferry from the ferry terminal on the Star’s street to Hong Kong Island.
Star Ferry Pier in the 1950s
The presence of the Star Ferry since the 1950s could be inferred from the views of the boats and piers.
Looking at commemorative photos, one can imagine the appearance of Hong Kong at that time, and it was fascinating to see that the clock tower had been there since then.
At that time, Hong Kong was under British administration.
Ferry Terminal
Many people were waiting at the ferry terminal.
It was a transportation option widely used by locals and tourists due to its affordability.
When the red light changed to blue, it was time to board the ferry.
Star Ferry
Seats were not assigned.
Since the journey was a short distance of less than 20 minutes, I comfortably sat wherever I liked for the ride.
Star Ferry Air Conditioning
There was air conditioning on the ceiling, and although cool air was coming out, the open structure of the ferry meant that the effect was not significant.
Instead, the sea breeze entered, making the atmosphere sticky and filled with a brisk wind.
However, no one complained.
With a wide-open feeling, you could enjoy the skyline of Hong Kong from the boat.
Regardless of where you sat, the view was spectacular.
Some tourists took pictures and chatted while admiring the scenery.
Hong Kong IFC Mall
After disembarking on Hong Kong Island, I walked into the city.
I passed by IFC Mall, which looked enormous from a distance.
Today, I didn’t go inside and just walked by.
Gong Cha
I’m not sure when Gong Cha came to Korea.
I first tried Gong Cha during my trip to Hong Kong.
The refreshing taste of Gong Cha’s cold tea encountered on the hot and humid streets of Hong Kong left a lasting impression.
So, when I later encountered Gong Cha in Korea, even if I wasn’t particularly thirsty, I occasionally ordered the same menu I had during that time, reminiscing about my experience in Hong Kong.
My choice was adding rosemary and coconut to Earl Grey tea.
Abercrombie Store
On the way to Lan Kwai Fong, I encountered various luxury stores.
There was a long line at the Abercrombie store, mostly consisting of women. Curious, we decided to wait in line to see what was happening.
Abercrombie Model
Once inside the store, it became clear why there was a long line.
They were hosting an event where Abercrombie models were invited for photo sessions.
That explained why so many women were waiting in line.
Abercrombie Store
The store had a club-like atmosphere with lively music and dim lighting. People were shopping with excitement.
On the Way to Lan Kwai Fong
Leaving Abercrombie, we headed back to Lan Kwai Fong.
The evening had a different vibe than the daytime.
Path to Lan Kwai Fong
Instead of heading directly to Lan Kwai Fong, we decided to take the upper route and then descend.
It felt familiar as we had walked this path the day before.
Flower Shop in Soho
Climbing the stairs, we noticed a flower shop.
Imagining Hong Kong locals buying flowers after work in residential areas was a pleasant thought.
Lan Kwai Fong at Night
Evenings in Lan Kwai Fong were bustling.
The streets were filled with cars and people, creating a lively atmosphere.
Lan Kwai Fong
We arrived in Lan Kwai Fong.
The night was brighter than the day, with many pubs and restaurants attracting people enjoying their evenings.
Lan Kwai Fong, Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock is a well-known hotel chain, and just seeing the Hard Rock Cafe logo gave a lively feeling.
The Keg, Lan Kwai Fong
After work, more tourists and foreigners working in Hong Kong were enjoying their evenings than local residents.
It seemed there were more Westerners than locals, making me question if this was typical for Hong Kong.
Downhill Alley’s Various Bars
The narrow downhill alley in Lan Kwai Fong was filled with diverse restaurants, bars, and pubs, adding to its charm.
The sight of people gathering in this narrow street excited me as a traveler.
Busy Lan Kwai Fong Day or Night
Although it was a narrow downhill alley, many cars were parked, creating a vibrant atmosphere with people and vehicles.
Bit Point, Lan Kwai Fong
Bit Point appeared to be the busiest pub in Lan Kwai Fong.
I wanted to go there but couldn’t find a seat.
However, I patiently waited, exploring other places while thinking about visiting Bit Point.
Charming Illumination in Lan Kwai Fong Alleys
There were many pubs along the long downhill alley, each with attractive lighting.
Lan Kwai Fong had numerous pubs along both sides of the street, and many shops had beautiful lighting in their alleys.
Lan Kwai Fong, Beer House
When I visited during the day, I saw foreigners having daytime drinks at this place.
Whether day or night, it was always crowded.
Lan Kwai Fong Pubs
While exploring Lan Kwai Fong, I found an available seat at Bit Point. People sitting at the bar left, creating an empty spot.
Mojito and Hoegaarden
I ordered a cocktail, a mojito with a sweet taste, mixed with the music and surrounding conversations.
My Phone, Galaxy S2
At that time, I was using the Galaxy S2, a phone I bought in 2011 and had been using for two years.
Traveling with a smartphone was different from my previous travel patterns, and it changed my travel style significantly.
At that time, I carried a portable Wi-Fi device called “doshirak(means lunch box in Korean),” but the data connection was not always reliable.
View of Lan Kwai Fong from Bit Point
The sight of Lan Kwai Fong from within Bit Point was quite different.
Even in the evening, Hong Kong was predictably humid, but as the doors opened, a refreshing breeze blew, and I was feeling comfortably tipsy.
Nan Guibang, Lan Kwai Fong
A neighborhood with orchids and cinnamon trees (蘭桂坊).
The name is so lovely.
I decided to have a drink and take a short stroll around Lan Kwai Fong and Soho.
Fringe Club
The Fringe Club, where I had been during the day, had a different atmosphere at night.
It stood like a sentinel guarding Hong Kong’s night, akin to the boundary stone between Lan Kwai Fong and Hollywood Road.
Hong Kong Symbol, Red Taxi
I recalled the music video for “Even Now” by Sung Si-kyung released in 2011, where Sung Si-kyung came to Hong Kong and worked as a taxi driver.
The various places in Hong Kong were fascinating, but the red taxi left a deep impression.
Also, Korean actress ‘Yeo-jeong, Jo’ looked beautiful, making the experience memorable.
It felt strange to walk in Hong Kong while thinking about that red taxi and strolling.
[Sung Si-kyung – Even Now, 2011]
Happy Birthday, Lumi !!
It was Lumi’s birthday, but I couldn’t enter in because of empty-handed to celebrate her birthday, so I wished her a happy birthday with my heart.
Any Thai Ya, Lan Kwai Fong
The Thai restaurant was packed with people.
It was a place that combined both a restaurant and a pub.
Thai Cheung Bakery
I revisited Thai Cheung, where I had been during the day.
However, I didn’t buy an egg tart this time.
Coming back and strolling through the familiar streets of Hong Kong at night felt good.
It felt like I was leaving a place I knew after having a drink.
Alleyways
Although the alleys were filled with many bars, there was no sense of danger.
I didn’t drink much, just in case, but I felt regretful about going home like this.
Back to Lan Kwai Fong
Although I had to go to Central Station to go home, I decided to return to Lan Kwai Fong instead.
Next to Bit Point
I decided to stop by Zinc, the place just above Bit Point where I had a Mojito a while ago, for another beer.
Potato Sticks and Heineken
Potato chips were served as a basic snack.
I enjoyed the night with Heineken.
Zinc, Lan Kwai Fong
It was past 10 PM, but people were still there.
It was a Wednesday, but it seemed like everyone had forgotten about the night.
People come first.
Now it was time to go home.
There were still many people, and there were many pubs I hadn’t visited, which was regrettable.
Late Return Journey
It was late, so the subway was not crowded.
Subway cars were open, making them look even more spacious.
Although the air conditioning on the Hong Kong subway was strong, the breeze between the cars made it feel cooler.
Our Home, Fortress Hill
I arrived home. Our house in Fortress Hill was green.
Date: August 22, 2012