Travel
It seemed right to experience the ‘ second class ’ option , and mingle with the local people in what can only be described as deafening chatter , overcrowding and a strong smell of diesel .
The ferry itself was quite an experience as well as having a great history attached to it . There were four vessels in service and all beautifully preserved , painted green and white and offering a shuttle service across the harbour some 450 times a day , ferrying thousands of commuters and tourists between Tsim Sha Tsui , Central and Wan Chai .
We learnt the service had been around for over 100 years and boasted two decks , with the upper being ‘ first class ’. Each had special names attached ; such as ‘ Celestial Star ’, ‘ Twinkling Star ’ , ‘ Morning Star ’ and ‘ Electric Star ’. Although this was clearly a regular short trip across the harbour for thousands of people , every passenger seemed to be intently looking out to take in the remarkable views on this short hop across the harbour to Hong Kong and Hong Kong Island .
Although I was aboard a bit of Hong Kong history , that had not been modernised in more than a century , it somehow did not seem out of place in the dynamism of today ’ s Hong Kong . As we moored up on Kowloon Harbour , despite the volume of people disembarking , everyone left in an orderly , prompt fashion to go about their business . I was fascinated at the sheer noise , chatter and bustle and the clanging of bells and flashing green
“ I was fascinated at the sheer noise , chatter and bustle and the clanging of bells and flashing green lights signalling that boarding would resume shortly .”
lights signalling that boarding would resume shortly after we had all moved off to make way for the hundreds of people queueing to return .
The name Kowloon is a corruption of the Cantonese ‘ gau lung ’ ( nine dragons ) named for the range of rugged mountain peaks which back the peninsular of Kowloon . Sadly , most of these peaks have now made way for the modern development that now forms part of numerous skyscrapers around Victoria Harbour and over an area of some 19 square miles . It is believed to be one of the most crowded spots on earth , and Kowloon certainly appears to be packed with high-rise commercial and tenement buildings - but I was pleased to note that it did not lack any modern architectural splendour , or take anything away from the natural beauty of Hong Kong Island .
We made our way to an area of Tsim Sha Tsui , which is one of Hong Kong ’ s best known tourists shopping districts where fashionable hotels and nightclubs exist alongside a lovely waterfront promenade just to the east of the Star Ferry Terminal . We made our way further
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