TDN Weekend

Let's begin our journey at arrival. The Hong Kong In- ternational Airport is one of the best in the world, modern in look and efficient in operation. After a long trip, you are wide-eyed with anticipation and the excitement is building. Your luggage arrives much quicker than expected, the trolley to wheel your bags is complimentary (this is not the USA) and you are on your way. Forget about a car rental, it's not an option. Transportation is left to the profes- sionals and you are spoiled for choices. The MTR is clean, safe, on time and occasionally crowded. Taxis are plentiful. Remember to look for the pop-up "for hire" sign in the center of the taxi's front windshield when you are flagging one down. You can also move around by tram, bus or boat. All are excellent value for the money. There is no ste- reotypical definition of a Hong Kong taxi driver, but you will definitely experience the guy who loves to tap the brakes repeatedly – which is herky-jerky an- noying. Grin and bear it, if it happens to you. Almost every taxi driver speaks enough English to get the job done and most will engage you in a bit of conver- sation. The Octopus card is your friend and if you plan to use the MTR, ride a ferry, hop on a bus or a tram – do it like the locals. You can pick up your Octopus card at an MTR station and I suggest you start out with about a HK$200 initial investment, plus the acquisi- tion cost of about HK$50 to gain access to the card. It's worth it. One U.S. dollar is worth $7.76 Hong Kong. You slap it down at entry or exit point, both when riding the MTR, and it acts as a debit card. You can also use it at a supermarket, 7-Eleven, Circle K, McDonald's and so many other places. Running low 45

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