September 12

Next to last day here in Hong Kong. We have been in Kowloon since September 9, so I am getting used to the MTR on this side of the bay. It's definitely a more cosmopolitan area, with wider streets, less fish smell, and fewer merchants in old fashioned stalls. I actually miss the stalls, but the stores here are very specific in their focus and aside from SASA and Manning, 7Eleven, etc., most of the stores are very local. Yesterday after Hana took the taxi to the New West Territories, I walked a couple of miles to go to the Joyful Vegetarian and either it no longer existed or was hidden in the building somewhere. I found a great little restaurant called the Main Cafe on Nathan Road that featured Japanese food such as sushi and tempura, with more vegetarian options. When my food was delayed, the delightful server brought me absolutely schrumptious miso soup. I had tried it before and it was bitter, but this was rich with multiple flavors. I lapped it up. I had tempura veggies and them hibatchi chicken and leeks. Will definitely return for dinner tonight as it is so close to the Madera where I am staying. The Madera has a much bigger, more elegant room than the Butterfly, but no espresso in the lobby. More about the hotel later, as I will be taking pix to share. Today, I am exploring the north end of Kowloon, where the flower, goldfish, and bird markets are. I have been trying to see all of the tourist spot from the various books that don't involve spending load of money. Then will go for lunch at the Langham Place hotel (where there isn't a mall). In some respects, this reminds me of south FL, because of the heat and humidity, and endless shopping malls. I probably will leave without any major jade purchase, but maybe a little something to help remember the place (as if I will forget!). More later after my adventure.