On our way to India in March 2009, flew by Cathay Pacific Airlines and due to typhoon alert they had to divert the air route which ensured we missed the connection in Hong Kong. Next connection was 24 hrs later. Oh well which airlines would compensate you for their mistake? Cathay Pacific did! They gave us accommodation in the best airport hotel and took care of our food as well. The next day, we pooled up into a team of 16 people and signed up for a day tour. It was supposed to rain that day but we lucked out. The skies was not clear but who wouldn't prefer fog over rain.

So our tour began; First stop was Victoria Peak. It seemed like a popular tourist spot as it was flocked with tourists and tourist buses. The peak was worth visiting, it gave us a panoramic and spectacular views of Hong Kong city - Victoria Harbour, world famous Happy Valley Racecourse, Kowloon etc.

Second stop was at Aberdeen in Kowloon. Aberdeen is a fishing village. It hosts floating Jumbo restaurants and home to lots of people ( fishermen in specific ) living on wooden boats. Some of these boats are really very fancy and hi-tech as well. "Jumbo Floating Restaurant" seems to be a very popular spot. There are frequent rides aka sampan rides which can be used to get to the restaurant as well as around the fishing village. The sampan driver/captain was very serious and showed no assign of any expression until it was time to collect money :) for the ride.

Last stop was at Stanley Markets. The place had awesome silk garments, art, and a host of other fantastic bargains. Bought an oil painting of Hong Kong skyline for just $10 ( USD ) and the frame till day is steals everybody's attention. On a side note: one of the Photo framing store in US tried to over charge $120 to get it framed. We ended up buying a frame for $15 and fixed it ourselves :)