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We spent a wonderful three days with Bill in Hong Kong and Macau – December 18-20, 2019. We traveled to Hong Kong early before boarding a cruise ship, and what a great decision that was. Bill met us at our hotel on Day 1, around 8:30 a.m. and we planned the day. He asked us great questions about our interests and abilities and tailored the three day adventure to that. He produced a diverse set of experiences that never ceased to please us. Day 1, we explored several parts of Kowloon and Hong Kong - mostly by walking and metro. Of course you could spend a whole week doing that but Bill amazingly tailored our adventures to keep us seeing new things and experiencing incredible vistas and human interactions in daily life. We saw Victoria Peak from a whole new perspective, thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the Chi Lin Nunnery with unusual rock sculptures, bonsai collection, and glorious blooming camelias, and revisited old haunts like the Bird Market and the Flower Market. Day 2 found us in Macau, right along with President Xi who was there to induct the new Governor. Security was tight but we never felt restricted or abused. Bill is extremely conscious of guests’ personal safety issues and we trusted his judgement completely. One of us had visited Macau previously but we saw it with new eyes - neighborhoods previously unexplored and an amazing Portuguese lunch. Both of these days involved lots of walking and we returned to our Kowloon hotel each evening exhausted but invigorated. (We learned that ibuprofen is very expensive in Hong Kong pharmacies so bring your own – wink.) Day 3 involved the ferry to Lantau Island – another completely different experience. A public bus ride to a fishing village on stilts – once again, amazing food – a taxi to the Buddha, and a well worthwhile cable car ride back to Hong Kong. These are just the highlights and perhaps don’t capture how the magic of these three days was only possible because of Bill. He is a well-educated man who is knowledgeable about a broad range of topics and can discuss just about anything you are interested in. He is a citizen of the world and understands well the history of Hong Kong and how that contributes to present day circumstances. Bill is also a professional photographer and we have the best vacation shots ever because of his skills – he does this in an effortless manner – never intruding – but rather, encouraging one to try different approaches, be it with a cell phone or high-end camera equipment. Bill is very attuned to the people of Hong Kong – he is one – and is adept at quietly pointing out scenes you would not probably see on your own. Needless to say – we are fans. Book him early because his skills are unique and he can get booked up. Hong Kong is going through challenging times but we strongly encourage you to visit – tourism is down but that means you get to see things unimpeded – it’s fabulous! Coronavirus was not an issue when we visited. With time, that too will resolve – visit Hong Kong and have Bill show it to you.…
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Date of experience: December 2019
1 Helpful vote
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Response from WilliamBanzai7, Owner at William Banzai7 Streets of Hong Kong
Responded 28 Feb 2020
Dear Pam, It is always rewarding to receive a great review. However, to receive a terrific review like this in the middle of this virus turbulence is truly up lifting. It elicits memories of a wonderful three days spent with two wonderful clients in much happier times. God willing we will all pull through this period safely and laugh about it another day. All the best to you, Bob and your family! Warm regards, Bill
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Bill is a long term resident with extensive local knowledge. He took me into some old neighbourhoods which were absolutely fascinating and clearly not on the tourist trail as I did not see any other foreigners. I also learned a lot about Street photography (never tried it before) and he knew exactly where to go to get some amazing shots. I really enjoyed this tour (4 hours, evening) and want to return later in the year to do a full day tour…
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Date of experience: January 2020
1 Helpful vote
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+1
I booked Bill three days out from arriving in Hong Kong. I wasn't confident he would be free, but he was, and his communication was excellent. Before meeting, I let Bill know the sort of things I was interested in seeing and photographing, and he intuitively took me to every place I had recorded on my 'list' without even seeing it! Bill met me at my hotel, which meant I did not have to traverse an unknown city to find him - this was most appreciated. We then set off on our walking photograph tour. In addition to the places he took me (markets, interesting street scenes), Bill provided a knowledgeable and hugely interesting casual commentary, which gave context to the places we were visiting and photographing. What also impressed me about Bill was that, knowing I was not keen to get involved in any protest action, he messaged me outside of our time together to let me know what areas to avoid when the protests were in action. This pastoral care of clients is not always found and was greatly appreciated. Bill is a genuine, easy going and informative guide. Also a top notch street photographer, who I have enjoyed continuing to follow on Instagram. I will definitely look him up again if back in Hong Kong.…
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Date of experience: October 2019
1 Helpful vote
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Bill was an amazing guide! I had an excellent experience in Hong Kong due to his insights, knowledge of the history of area/recent political happenings, photography skills, and great conversation. Bill showed me around some great spots for night photography and taught me a lot of new skills! I would highly recommend him for a photography tour or any type of tour!…
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Date of experience: December 2019
1 Helpful vote
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Me and my wife had a 27 hours layover scheduled in Hong Kong on our way back from Vietnam. With the protests going on and the short amount of time available, we figured a guided tour would be best. We met a gentleman from the UK living in Vietnam a week prior who gave us bill/William’s contact. I’m glad we called. Will was awesome, really knowledgeable about the history of this city and the current political situation which was very interesting to get caught up on. We also both really appreciated his photography skills. We now have great memories to cherish. He also took us to nice locals places to eat and made the best out of this short time to visit Hong Kong. Some pictures he took of us :)…
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Date of experience: November 2019
3 Helpful votes
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