October 3, 2022
Sunday, the 2nd of October was also the championship competition for dragon boat racing in Stanley main beach resort. It was supposed to be last June but was moved to this month. I set my alarm to wake up in the morning so I could watch the event. However, at 7:30 in the morning this Sunday, the weather was gloomy so I was hesitant to go. But later at 9 in the morning, the sun came out and, so I packed my things and head out.
It was already 11 when I arrived in Central. The city was busy as usual and there seemed to be more people than the previous weekend I visited it. After buying some food, I head out and look for the bus going to Stanley.
The journey was almost half an hour, but I enjoyed the view along the way. We passed through other beaches on Hong Kong Island, and other views were worth capturing.
I reached Stanley premises at noon, and the bus stopped at the back of Stanley Plaza. I didn't know where exactly the competition was, but I thought the beach I was seeing from the top of the plaza was the main beach.
I ate my food on the outdoor benches with parasol umbrellas before going down to the center of Stanley. I was having a video call with my family while eating.
I traced down the alley after eating to where I thought the competition is held. However, at the of the alley was the market, and I was stunned by the number of stalls and shops in the area. The place isn't just a beach, but a town.
There were boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, hardware and housewares stores, school supply stores, different merchandise shops, and restaurants, as well as bars.
The view from the waterfront promenade was relaxing, so I spent most of my time wandering in the area. I thought the farther beach in the photo was the venue of the competition, so I kept looking at it. But there were no signs of boat racing competition.
Rather than be disappointed, I just roamed around Stanley town and visited different attractions. The one below is the Murray House. Inside are different shops and restaurants.
There was even an October Fest in one of the restaurants where customers could eat all they can, depending on the buffet they choose.
Several people were fishing on the pier.
Later at four in the afternoon, I've been hearing a crowd, cheering and chanting along the waterfront promenade. I was curious and went near them. Only to find out that they were the participants of the boat racing competition. I was confused about why I wasn't able to watch it when I was just along the promenade and looking at the beach.
I visited the secluded beach near the town. Only a few people were there. I went up the stairs and met a lady, and I asked about the location of the main beach.
That's when I know that the main beach was on the other side of the town. D*mn, I missed the competition because I stayed at the wrong place.
I followed the direction instructed by the lady to locate the main beach. And there you go, cleaners were already clearing the mess from the competition.
In the end, I just laid my mat on the sand, sat down, and relax while looking at the calming water, and people basking and swimming until 5 in the afternoon.
Photos here are incomplete because I'll be posting a complete travel blog about this place on Pinmapple one of these days. See you there. 😁
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Pure chillin, just you and the nature