In February 2000 ...

Submitted by:
Joyce, Victor, Hayley and Evan Smirnow
Montreal, Quebec

In February 2000, my family was lucky enough to travel to Hong Kong. Our first view of this magnificent city was unbelievable. Skyscrapers as far as the eye could see draping glorious Victoria Harbour, busy with every type of boat possible.

We toured the city on foot, sometimes hopping a double decker bus when the children tired. We investigated every museum from Fine Arts to Science and Space, scoured almost all the markets where bargains galore can be found and sampled the cuisine, from dim sum and noodles to French quiche and MacDonald's.

Ocean Park was a remarkable experience. Set by the South China Sea it is truly breathtaking. There are attractions for everyone: gardens, marine/aquatic life, the majestic giant pandas, great rides for the kids (a roller coaster that seems to dip into the sea!) and a cultural area where one can learn about the history and culture and even sample the cuisine as well.

We rode the tram and toured the Peak - that is the best photo opportunity around. Then visited some jewelry factories where you can purchase precious pieces at a much better price. We even took part in a solemn memorial service to remember the fallen Canadian soldiers from WWlI at the Sai Wan War Cemetery.

We were guests at the Parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dragon. The festival of colors and talent was extraordinary. We even got to meet Jackie Chan, who sported the Canadian pin that we gave him. That night, it was fireworks over Victoria Harbour. What a sight!

After days of touring, we would sit in the outdoor hot tub at the InterContinental Hong Kong, sipping ginger tea to soothe the soul and imprinting the view of the harbour in our memory banks. This was a trip we would never forget and we would definitely return one day.