high tea and dancing skylines

Hong Kong wakes before we do and I greet this harbour in pyjamas. A cloud sits low, giving hints to its grander. 

This morning a fine mist blankets everything including my mood. I have just learned high tea at The Peninsula Hotel is fully booked. Trevor informs our new friend of the news and a cloud now sits low over me. To shake off disappointment, I change location on the ship, pour a green tea, put music in my ears, and collect a few musings. 

Upon my return and mood adjustment, I learn our new friend has quite the pull and high-tea is on for 3 PM. Delighted, I dress for the occasion with a skip in my step. We are right in the Chinese New Year holiday season so the crowds are extra thick. Heards of tiny dragons with children inside are spotted all over. I head out with our new friend as Trevor stays back for a slice of silence. Dogging humans and traffic in downtown Hong Kong is a wild experience. Though a two-minute walk, the cacophony is overwhelming and I try not to wear it. 

The entrance to The Peninsula Hotel is stunning with red lanterns suspended gracefully above a small fleet of green Rolls Royce. The doors part with pristine hospitality and we step into the sanctuary of the lobby. Vintage beauty with high-end jewelers hug the walls, I spot one of my favorites - Graff. A few pieces catch my eye and make a mental shopping list. 

We are seated below an orchestra that plays melodies ranging from childhood to epic movie soundtracks. The table is adorned with a single red rose and later expands with two silver teapots and three tiers of tiny delights. Visitors and attire from across the globe fill the lobby as stories are shared. 

In life there are souls you meet that feel so familiar they are akin to family. I am privileged to now sit beside one and share this exquisite moment. It feels regal in all the best ways. 

After a few hours, we head out into the fray and return in time for sunset. This is when the harbour turns on and I learn of a light show that plays out over 47 buildings. But wait, there is also an app with music one can play to match this vibrant show. Trevor locates a secret deck at the top of the ship and I grab our wireless speaker, the countdown hits and I press play. The result washes over me in a kid-like sense of wonder - I cannot stop grinning. Who’s imagination conjured this magic up?

One more show will be enjoyed tomorrow before sailing out of port surrounded by the lights of Hong Kong.

Now is time for sleep, an adventure is waiting for morning to break.