Every now and then, I go to a library. For me, libraries are an enjoyable way of getting away from the hustle and bustle of a city, especially one as hectic as Hong Kong. I spent two consecutive afternoons in libraries: Yau Ma Tei on the mainland, which was close to me, and Central Library on Hong Kong Island.
On the way I passed Kowloon Park. There was also a park opposite the Yau Ma Tei library:
Yau Ma Tei has a study area, which you can access independently of the main library. The study area has its own hours, as I accidentally discovered. At one point, everyone vacated the area. I thought the library was shutting, which was earlier than the advertised time. However, some of the people leaving immediately started queueing to re-enter! The library wasn’t closing for the day: it was closing for disinfection! So, I went outside, sat in the park, and had some lunch (fruit and nuts).
On returning, I saw fewer people in the study area. I fired up my laptop and carried on where I’d left off. At 8pm, there was an announcement and, again, I thought it was closing time. This time, however, I noticed I was the only person packing up! The main library was shutting but not the study area. We were lucky to spend another 90 minutes — and on a Saturday. Some people are very dedicated!
The following afternoon, wanting to walk along the Hong Kong promenade, I went to the Central Library first. I passed the Causeway Bay intersection renowned for being extremely busy. It’s like the one in Shibuya, Tokyo.
I also popped into the Rabbitland Cafe, which lets you stroke their rabbits. When I got there, I found out that you had to book a session. Since one had just finished, they let me look at the rabbits.
One of the above photos shows people holding some cuddly toy. At one point, there was a crowd holding up their cuddly toy to a large LED screen and taking a photo. I didn’t know what was going on!
The Central Library is plush. If you didn’t know what it was, you’d mistake the interior for a shopping mall. It had twelve floors and a glass lift that whisked you up and down. There was a large English language collection of books on all subjects.
On leaving the library, I made my way via a circuitous route over a few flyovers to the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade. It was a pleasant temperature to walk. The view of the mainland was dazzling, with all the skyscrapers lit up. I also came across a dog park! When I reached Central, I took the Star Ferry back to the mainland.
One of the ferry routes takes you to the mainland’s promenade, called the Avenue of Stars. It’s like Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Hong Kong’s most famous export has a prominent place there.
