Transportation

Hong Kong is well known for easy and cheap transportation. Certainly, there are many options. And in our short time here so far, I'd agree they are both cheap (relatively) and easy.

Taxi



This is the mode we started out using the most at first because these cute little red cars (plastered with advertising) are EVERYWHERE. And don't require a schedule.



There are rules about where they can stop (not near double lines). So sometimes you need to find a taxi stand and line up.



They begin with a minimum of roughly $3 USD. The farthest I've taken one cost me $25 USD. That got me from southside to middle kowloon. That's far less than a cab from the airport to our DC house. And even the most expensive ride cost half what we recently paid from Ferndale to Bellingham.



You never know what kind of driver you will get or whether they speak any English. It's helpful to know a couple Cantonese phrases like "stop" or "it's here." And "thank you". We've also picked up "left", "right" and the beauty of Chinese-translated GPS on the smartphone. Some cabbies have their things organized in a special way... Like a mobile office. Some have little figurines, stickers, or a totally bare space.



A few times, I've found myself clutching the seat and holding my breath as the taxi skirts around a tight bend along the mountain edge, or around another fast moving vehicle. The driving is decidedly NOT smooth.

So. What else? MTR. (Like the Metro).


Cheaper. It's not on the southside where we live, but in every other part of hk. And we can catch a nearly free shuttle from our apartment to several mtr stations.



These "cars" are connected all the way through with swivel sections. There are very few seats lining the sides. most people stand.



It can get very crowded!



That's when these folks stand between each set of doors barking out directions to mind the doors, queue up, step back, etc. (The goofy looking sign is a foil to the loud though controlled shouting these traffic directors do).





Gorgeous and clean, hyper-organized and high tech, these tunnels give dc metro a run for its money.


And the escalators! Hold on tight! These move fast! And are narrow. And steep. And they can suddenly halt with a jerk.

Bus
Cheap. Cheap. And frequent. Hardly a need for the bus schedule. These are great.



The top of the double decker can leave your knuckles white and your palms sweaty, but it's a fun, wild ride! Just use your octopus card! (for bus, metro, tram, or even groceries!) Brilliant.



Tram. Cheapest by far. Like, cents! These run along the north part of town and are fun. They are called the "ding ding's" because of their sound. There is one that goes steeply up the mountain to the Peak (terrific view... When it's not overcast. Ahem. )



Walking!
One of our favorites. With Sky-high sidewalks, interesting smells and sights this is a great option. (tho don't forget deodorant!)







This woman is out every day sweeping our walk to school and keeping it clean:



Good thing, too! because with tiny puppy potties like this... You have to watch your step! (little heed to the sign around here...)





And last,
This post would be remiss if I didn't tell you about the freakishly cool cars zipping by. Every. Single. Car. Is. Cool. The plethora of Mercedes, Jaguar, BMW, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Maserati are ridiculous!

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