The trip broadened my horizons in ways I didn't expect.
Destination of the Day
Hong Kong
Having spent decades as a British colony and enjoying a vibrant recent history as an Asian financial powerhouse, Hong Kong has managed to become all things to (almost) all travelers: a traveling executive's playground; a shopping hotspot; a party destination; a foodie haven; a high-tech vision of tomorrow's city, as immortalized in movies like "Ghost in the Shell."
Things to Do
First time in Hong Kong? You'll want to see the famous Hong Kong skyline and harbor from a distance, ideally from the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, from high above on Victoria Peak, or from a Chinese junk boat on the harbor itself. Dive into Hong Kong's shopping scene, but stick to the markets for real atmosphere and low prices—the Ladies Market in Mong Kok or Temple Street Night Market for after-dark shopping. Check out Hong Kong's wilder side by hiking through trails in the New Territories and outlying islands, or by taking a dip at one of the local beaches.
What to Eat
Hong Kong is home to the world's best Cantonese cuisine (a far cry from American Chinese-food takeout), evident in both five-star restaurants and cheap char siu stalls alike. Upscale areas like Central and Soho cater to high-end eaters looking for Michelin-star options. For more bang for your buck, check out the Dai Pai Dongs, or street food stalls, in the back streets of Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Hong Kong extend far beyond Hong Kong Island's concrete jungle to the densely-packed lanes of Kowloon to the wide-open spaces of the New Territories. Most of the five-star hotels can be found in or around Central's financial district, and prices for hotels in nearby Causeway Bay and Admiralty may be almost as expensive. If you're traveling on a budget, check out the hostels and budget hotels around Kowloon, particularly around Tsim Sha Tsui.
Your Packing List
Fall in Hong Kong (September to mid-December) is firmly the best time to land in Hong Kong. During fall, humidity is low, while temperatures are warming and skies are bright. It's T-shirt and shorts weather for most of the season, although you're advised to bring a sweater for evenings, especially toward the end of fall.
If you're traveling in the summer, bring plenty of T-shirts and shorts, although those who easily burn in the sun may want to consider long sleeves or high-factor sunscreen.
Summer visitors should be prepared for the constant threat of summer showers, thunderstorms, and Hong Kong typhoons. A raincoat is useless, as the sun beats down and the air is laced with humidity. Pack an umbrella instead.
Henry Chapman Mercer's Fonthill Castle, built between 1908 and 1912, is a stunning Pennslyvania property with 44 rooms, more than 200 windows, and 18 fireplaces. See Mercer's handcrafted tiles, part of the Arts and Crafts movement, and original furnishings on a tour before visiting the on-property Mercer Museum. Fonthill also contains more than 6,000 books, many of which have notes and annotations from Mercer himself.
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