Star Ferry

So for this first post let me share my impressions of the Star Ferry, an institution surviving from the early 20th century. The Star Ferry is a service that allows tourists (and the odd Hongkonger with time to spare, no wait, there's no such thing) to take a trip around the Victoria Harbour. One lap takes an hour and one is allowed to hop on and off the ferry, getting back on later in the day, depending on whether a half or full-day ticket was acquired. Stepping out on the deck guarantees a bad hair rest-of-the-day, but for that small price one is afforded some really good views of the HK skyline. The vessel itself (Shining Star) is comfortable and the trip can be very relaxing after a hectic day of running around in the city. For more details refer to .

For me the Star Ferry harbour tour is a highlight of Hong Kong and a refuge from the city. Where else can you sit comfortably and let the eye roam over space, hear the soothing sound of water, and watch the city - all of it - go by as if on a super wide screen.

Now from my room I can still see the Victoria Harbour. At night its contours are made out by the wobbly ghosts of the reflections from surrounding skyscrapers. There are boats of various shapes and sizes traversing the section I can see from between two structures that restrict my view on either side. This body of water dilutes an otherwise intense city. As more of its basin gets "reclaimed" (an implicit admonition to the harbour for claiming it in the first place) I wonder what can possibly replace its value. The answer - some of the world's most expensive real estate.