Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Nature Calls. #Peng Chau.

The HK island bounce gets old: Cheung Chau, Lantau, Lamma, main island.  Cheng Chau, Lantau, Lamma, main island. Rinse and repeat. Yes, I get how spoiled that makes me sound. What can you do, at some point, everything gets tedious- even paradise.  Which is why, after two years, I finally made the trek out to Peng Chau island. Why did it take me so long? 

The most notable aspect about Peng Chau is how devoid of tourists it is.  While waiting for the ferry, I was amongst a crowd that were fairly relaxed and seemed to have an air of returning home, instead of going out for a day of exploration. IE, I was the only ex pat on the ferry that I could tell. Mind = blown.  

That being said, it became quickly apparent that Peng Chau lacks tourists, because it's entirely residential and nothing of note to see. According to a local friend of mine it's also rumored to be haunted.

There are approximately two little cafes in a square where people are gathered to hang out, one of them being a French resto that boasts a menu of charcuterie, fromage, et le vin.  Unfortunately the day I went the power had been turned off for a few days, rendering all charcuterie services null and void.  The toothless weather worn face informed me all he could offer was hot water with insta coffee.  It was cold, I took it. But I also asked directions to a local noodle house, which he gladly personally escorted me to.  Service!

People are really allowed to enjoy their personal space in Peng Chau, there were zero times when I even came close to bumping elbows with anyone.  I did a few cartwheels to celebrate.

The island itself is so quiet and calm, you can actually hear the sounds of nature.  I took thorough advantage of that while walking its outer perimeter.  Mainly because my phone died and I had not choice.

There was a really quaint trail that takes walkers around and through the island, plopping you right back at the ferry pier, but giving you a pretty good idea of how the island functions in the meantime.  It is covered front to back in small personal gardens, and fairly (for Hong Kong standards) clean beaches.  I made a few mental bookmarks for summer's sun baking reference.


Architecturally, Peng Chau is a bit like stepping back in time.  Things are outdated and run down, but still clean and well maintained.  It's super multicolored, just like Hong Kong back in the day, according to the old school post cards I've seen.