The Markets of Mongkok

Go down the right alley in Mongkok and you can find a market selling everything you want. All other alleys and streets have more markets to sell you even more stuff.

Taking photos at the different markets in Mongkok is one of my favorite things to do in Hong Kong, it is great just strolling around but by taking photos it makes me focus more on the individual interactions.

Some of my favorite markets are the bird and the fish and aquarium markets. The bird market especially is a nice mix between a park, temple and market all in one.

Of course, a highlight are also the fish markets although some places might not be ideal for people who don't like to see blood.

The markets also change a bit throughout the day so you get a different atmosphere depending when you there.

This was one of the busiest days in terms of photography and I ended up with lots of photos but also with all Epson RD-1 batteries being dead by the evening so I switched to the Ricoh GR.

I could have taken way more photos and keep wandering the streets till late at night but I decided to go and see the Victoria Harbor light show in the evening so started to head there after it got dark.

The last photo is one taken with the Ricoh GR and the one that doesn't fit in the series but I figured I had to post at least one photo of the skyline at night.

Atapeu to Da Nang to Hong Kong

I knew this was going to be a long day. Waking up at 6am in Attapeu, I had to drive back the 360km to Da Nang, repack my bag and catch my 6pm flight to Hong Kong.

Since I couldn't take any chances or delays with the borders or roads, I went back the same way I came, via Bo Y.

I am not usually one to get up too early but whenever I do, it's always worth it. The sunrise and morning fog make for some great photos, especially when driving around the mountains.

Despite being in a rush, I did stop to take quite a few photos on my way to the border. I figured that should I miss my flight at least I'd have some nice photos to show for it.

Crossing the border was again no problem at all and very fast, not many people that early in the morning and the border guards were all friendly. Well, aside from the guy at the exit of the border area who was a bit grumpy so it seems they always find the grumpy guys to put there on the Vietnamese side.

I made good time, despite taking photos but to avoid any delays, I didn't take that many photos once I crossed the border and focused more on driving.

I made it back to rainy Da Nang just after lunch, a bit later than I would have ideally liked but it gave mea time to freshen up, get some rest and lunch before heading to the airport.

The flight was pleasant enough and arrived early in Hong Kong so that was nice as it gave me some extra time to take some photos on my walk to my hotel.

I left my hotel booking for the last minute so I ended up staying in a nice enough hostel but it must be the smallest room and most expensive room (given the size) I stayed at in Asia. Still, it was located right in Mong Kok so ideal for what I had in mind for my Hong Kong trip.

It will certainly be a nice change again to walk everywhere and take photos instead of taking my motorbike everywhere.

Two from Saturday

Ok, these pictures are not from today but I could not post them on Saturday since they did not fit in so decided to post them now. Both are taken with the Ricoh GR lens at f2.8.

More from the Mong Kok Markets

Walking around the markets in Mong Kok is a great way to spend the day and something everyone coming to Hong Kong should do.

People in Mong Kok

Just a few pictures from my walk around Mong Kok this morning, I wanted to have a theme so kept it to only these pictures for today.
Afterwards I went to the Walled City park and walked up to the Peak in the evening which was a bad idea (note to myself, next time walk down rather than up).

As a special I have a bonus picture of the Ginger Man.

I took pictures of him last time I've been here in 2008 (see one here) and was really happy to see him again. He either recognized me or always has a smile for people taking pictures of him but whatever the reason I hope to see him again next time I come to Hong Kong.

If you are in Hong Kong and wander around the markets in Mong Kok, keep an eye out for the Ginger Man.