Hong Kong Jockey Club, Happy Valley

Tonight all of the 330 something Around the World passengers were taken to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for dinner, racing and entertainment.  It is right in the big ol' middle of downtown Hong Kong. It brought in a record $216 BILLION U.S. dollars last year. (Billion is not a typo)

 

That was this evening but, we got into port and had a slip right in the middle of downtown, and what a downtown it is. There is a port mall directly as we got off the ship that is far larger than most U.S. malls and diffenatly more crowded and busy. It seemed that most of the passengers from the ship were lost and coudn't find the ship. Believe me, it is easy to get lost in there, even if you are looking over most locals heads.

The first thing I did was search out a tailor. It wasn't that hard as they were out in force trying to get your attention and business.  I picked one and went over to his shop.  I picked out a dark grey  wool/cashmere blend and got measured. I picked a style and options as well as a beautiful shiney dark grey and purple pasley liner that sounds awful but it is actually pretty sharp. I also had two dress shirts made and picked out two ties.

I am having my second fitting tomorrow at 2:30. The shirts and suit will be delivered to my sister's house in a week or so. At least that's one less thing to pack to go home in 3 months.

One mall was right next to the ship.  We had to go through it to get out on the street.  They sold every designer brand on the planet from Rolex watches to Mercedes cars. From clothing to perfumes and cosmetics, shoes to jewerly, if it was insanely expensive they had it. Every store had several armed security people but, they all wore ear pieces and very nice suits.

They weren't just show cars. They were doing hard sales and had a large accounts desk and Mercedes acessories store.

Desiner brand emogee bears.

It was a short ride to the HKJC, or Happy Valley as it was also called. We had drinks; the beer was good. We had races and a great dinner.  It was a buffet but, a really fine one, everything was good. We also had entertainment, first by a 4 peice traditional music group that included a hammered dulcimer, then later during dinner by kids in full traditional custume and make-up.

Dessert waffles and beer. Does it get any better than this?