From Beijing to Hong Kong

I follow the signs to the Star Ferry. At the harbor, it takes a moment to figure out which pier I need. When I ask someone, he offers to take me across for thirty dollars. That seems a bit much. When I inquire about the green line, the ferry to Kowloon, he points me to Pier 7. The ticket machine is open for maintenance. The man standing there offers me a ticket for four dollars (fifty cents). I receive a blue token. It feels a bit shady, but a few meters later, I pass through the gates using the token. The historic green ferry is just arriving. Since 1888, ferries have been running between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Within minutes, I'm on the other side at the Clock Tower.