11:49 am. An hour or so after claiming my bed at the Ashoka Hostel at the Chungking Mansion. I think it's on the 13 th floor. I've read somewhere that the stairs are dreadful, and they truly are. Like from some first shooter video game in a dodgy underground neighborhood. But it's not that bad overall. I pay 120 HK dollars a night for a dorm bed. Expensive, but cheap for Hong Kong. The place is compact but clean, and there is free WiFi internet access. It's also a very good location, just minutes walking distance from the Star Ferries and the beautiful views from Kowloong shore at the skyline of Casaway and Wan Chai.

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → Down the Nathan Road towards the sea - a Museum of Space. I haven't been inside though. Some other time, I am on a budget.

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → In this modern city, as you will see later, the scaffolding is made of bamboo. Even for building skyscrapers. It feels scary, but knowing how strong bamboo actually is and how abundant bamboo is, this actually might be the cheapest and most effective solution. No need for fancy stuff, just old plane bamboo. This building is left from the museum - I wonder what it will look like when it's done.

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → It's exotic to us, so why not a close up. Would you walk there? I wouldn't. But that's not because of the bamboo. I am also not a bangee jumping person. Heights are just not my thing.

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → A look back and this is what you see - towers of steel and glass.

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → After crossing the street, there is this character building on the right. Many people take photos in front of it. I don't this it has any historical value, but it look somewhat romantic. Good for couples and bunches of girls.

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → Open space! Yes! The ferries terminal, the clock on the left, and Wan Chai in the background. On the other side of course. The Star ferries are the best deal to get there. It's only HK$2.50 one way. There are two terminals - the one on the left goes to Wan Chai, where you get the Chinese visa (it's a 5 minutes walk from the the arrivals), and from the one on the right you will get to the Central, an area to walk and explore. You want to get to Central if you're planning to walk up the hill to see Hong Kong panorama (or take the cable car). I'd recommend taking the cable way up, and then walk down. You will need to take more of the public transportation though to take to the ticket office and boarding. Or, like I did, walk there. There are awesome buildings along the way, and many photo opportunities. Don't miss them! Oh, and behind the clock tower is where you watch the night laser show. If I remember correctly, it's at 7 pm.

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → To the right, you will find McDonald restaurant, and also this high end store selling expensive Chinese arts and crafts, mostly sculpture made from jade. It's definitely not for a backpacker's pocket, but stepping in for a look is like visiting a museum for free. It's simply amazing. No photos allowed inside, so this one is through the outside window. A mammoth task carving of elephants with incredible detail.

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → The work is amazing. Amazing detail. By the way, mammoth ivory, being a fossil, is legal to import and export! So, if you have deep, really deep pockets, go for it! And this is not the best of what they have. There is this one carving, also in mammoth ivory, of a bunch of veggies, flowers and insects. It's simply unbelievable. Seriously, if you can afford any of this, and it's thanks to my rumblings, give me a tip!

Photo:  Hong Kong, China → Now back to reality... A view of the ferry pier (left), a cruise ship, and Central in the background. Actually, I met a guy who works on this ship one going up the hill the next day. He said this ship is a casino, leaves the port, people gamble, goes back, and that's all. He spends months around Hong Kong, but gets to actually get off the ship and see the city once every three weeks! So, being a traveling bum you get to see more! :) Sure, he is making serious money, could quit his job and travel lots. But, people who do such jobs, usually don't quit and travel. So, what's better if you want to see the World?

The streets of Hong Kong. Bustling with people and architecture, shapes, colors and what connects them - the movement. Continued here.