I recently got back from Hong Kong. What a fantastic city!

You have the choice to stay on Hong Kong Island, or you can stay across the bay on the Kowloon side and look at the breathtaking skyline from your dinner table.

The shopping is world-class and a big reason why people come here. The food is also fantastic. Top chefs from around the world set up shop in Hong Kong, and the choice is pretty unlimited- traditional Hong Kong style, dumpling houses, top western or fusion cuisine.

It’s very easy to get from one side to the other using the metro. But at least once you have to take the short Ferry ride across the bay. There are reminders everywhere that this was a British colony. Many locals speak the Queen’s English, and they drive on the other side of the road like in England and the buses are double-deckered. It’s a tropical climate with palm trees, greenery, water, and high rises everywhere.

The Peninsula Hotel is the place to stay on the Kowloon side. Oh yes, they have a fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms waiting outside to whisk you off shopping. There is a wonderful traditional High Tea in the Peninsula lobby, but I prefer the less-known membership club, “China Tee Club” on the Hong Kong side (see the picture).