After a stop for coffee we navigated our way through the morning foot commute traffic toward the tram station.

Took a side trip through Hong Kong Park where we had a good view of some of the skyscrapers in the surrounding area.

We also checked out the view from the little viewing tower.  We were still below the fog layer at this point and could see through to the harbor.  The twin LIPPO Center towers and the Bank of China building are in the center of the panorama below.

The route to the Peak covers just under one mile in distance and 1300 feet in elevation. Some parts are VERY steep – not sure what was more surreal, going up or down.  Another good deal, too, at US$6 round trip.  Too bad we couldn’t enjoy the view.

Once up top, we walked a few of the side trails to see if there was any view at all, or looked like there might be one soon. No dice. I did take a nice panorama of what would have been the view, including the map that points out the buildings on the skyline …. just imagine it, I’ll wait.

We’ve walked by this building a few times – that connecting piece is probably 25-30 stories up. The hole through the middle is a nice touch.

The architecture of the skyscrapers here is fantastic.

Buying ‘Made in China’ chochkies when you’re in China doesn’t seem as weird.

The sheer volume of them is staggering.

Continuing our tour, the area west of Central begins to transition to an older Chinese neighborhood. One of the unique features along this transitional area is the Mid-Levels Escalator. Completed in 1993, it is comprised of 20 separate sections running 2,600 linear feet;  it’s the longest outdoor escalator system in the world.  An estimated 55,000 people ride it every day and having been on it, that number sounds legit.

We rode it from Wellington St. up to the top, then took the stairs that run along side it back down through the busy pedestrian commercial areas.

The side streets were packed with market stalls and since it was about lunchtime, all the tiny restaurants were bustling with people. The traffic in this area was completely snarled – delivery trucks, taxis, private cars, construction – it was a mess. Fortunately we were on foot!

The quest for the best burgers continues, this time at The Butchers Club. When doing my homework to find someplace unique, this one caught my attention for its simple menu; they make one burger with aged beef, pickle, tomato, cheese, bacon and sauce.

They have one side: duck fat fries.

To drink: Peroni, or soda or bourbon.

Boom. Nothing fancy.  And it was awesome.

Later we got on the dessert train and had ice cream: coconut almond in a waffle cone.

Fortunately, the Apple Activity app says we’ve walked over 10 miles already today so I don’t feel guilty.

 After more walking, from Central back toward Wan Chai, we stopped in for a beer at a Belgian bar we saw yesterday, Frites.  I tried the Hoegaarden Rosée – it was crisp, like a cider. Perfect after a long, sticky walk.

P.S. By the way mom, I know I told you Pleepleus does more than eat and drink on these trips …. you’re right, he doesn’t.

Jeff is shocked by this revelation.

I have never seen so much high-end shopping anywhere. Multiple locations of Burberry, Chanel, Dior, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Kate Spade, Ted Baker, Jo Malone.

A couple of the “malls” were actually individual boutique spaces, about 10×10 – really unusual, edgy textiles, footwear and accessories. No wonder all the women here are so well dressed!

Finally, dinner at Bloom Bistro.