The Southern European mentality, however, comes with some baggage; long siestas which mean stores open late and close early. It was almost comical how people would glance at us upon entering their stores and then return to what they had been doing – eating or reading their newspaper. Who can blame them?

And we are even staying in a Hollywood movie set. Our hotel is on Rua de Felicidade, you might know it from “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” At the beginning of the movie, Indy speeds down a busy Shanghai street knocking rickshaws out of the way. That road is where we are staying. Pure atmosphere.

And the casinos are a blast! Cheesy, kitschy, gold wonderlands with dangling crystal monstrosities suspended above your head. And, where else would you see a guy yodeling in Cantonese with a bunch of supermodels singing backup. Crazy!

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Thomas Explores the Man Mo Temple

Tin Hau Temple in Wan Chai

For a smaller budget and less glitz and glamor, there is an alternative,  – the night markets of Kowloon.

Whether you want to buy a French maid outfit or a gold fish in a bag, you can find what you’re looking for in the markets. Food lovers can also enjoy fried yam cakes, egg tarts, dumplings, street-side seafood, or tons of other exotic treats. We got our yam cakes from the woman below.