Found a lion, mostly glad I'm not run over

I've managed to mostly recover from the trip from hell that was my flight here. The hotel is nice, if not particularly remarkable. Clean at least, but in a very busy part of town call Kowloon, in particular the Mon Kok [inset immature giggle] area. There are sings hanging over the roads and stores in every square inch od space. Its very noisy with a lot of traffic and people! oh God so many people! I was completely overwhelmed this morning, that tired/scared feeling hasn't been completely shaken off yet. But I swallowed whatever awkwardness I felt, grabbed a bun and dove in. Got some supplies in the grocery store across the street. The benefit of being in the middle of everything is that at least everything is nearby. Grabbed another disgusting roll (eggs? eww) and headed to Tsim Tsa Tsui to see the visitor center and see if I could but a cell phone. Success! Its cute and white and not too expensive. I kept the receipt, well see if its justifiable with my committee.

I have to remember to take it easy, to stop and take breaks, especially since I'm still kind of jetlagged, and of course oh-God-the-people. After the cell phone extravaganza (well not extravaganza, 'event' I guess) I ended up wandering around TST a bit, it was easier than I thought once I got to the ferry terminal. I stumbled on Chungking mansions. If you're ever in Hong Kong and you wonder to yourself 'I wonder where I can find some Indian men in really tight quarters' go to Chungking mansions. It wasn't the shiftiest place I've ever been to, but I think you'd have to be pretty bold to stay there. And by bold I mean cheap.

Found the Peninsula Hotel and my first lions. Huzzah, I have begun to justify my coming! Afterwards I spotted a dinosaur head across Salisbury road, so of course I had to check it out. And of course, crossing the street took 10 minuets and a trip to a mall because there are no actual cross walks for Salisbury. Found the art and science museums (the latter the reason for the dinosaur) and that led to the walk of stars which had fabulous views of central and a statue of Bruce Lee. What more could you ask for?

A bit tired, I headed back. As I got back the nearby schools let out and I was surrounded by dozens of teenagers in uniform. Not to sterotype, but they were nowhere near as terrifying and obnoxious as American teens. My hotel is walking distance from ladies market and a funny little street that specializes in pets, its the only place I've ever seen people walk their dogs. Oh! and there is apparently a hospital up the street from me, good news in case something goes wrong.


I got more accustomed to the noise and sound as the day wore on. But its evening now and I'm wiped. I think I'll take the hotel shuttle back to TST for evening lights and dinner, then go back for bed. Early day tomorrow, I want to see the nunnery and some temples.