Hong Kong

Day 1:

We landed in Hong Kong very early and tired after the long flight from Cairns. Made our way to the hotel, dumped the bags and set off to explore. I must say I wasn't very impressed at first, but after an hour's sleep and something to eat, everything started to look a bit better. We got the metro to Kowloon, arriving after only one mishap, where we went through the wrong gate and ended up having to pay twice!

Found a night market and bought a few bits of tat. Then had our dinner at a pavement cafe. It was all very good. Hong Kong at night looks just like the photos we see of it at home. Metro back to the motel, we've got the hang of it now.

Day 2:

Got up on Saturday to a grey and misty day which was unfortunate as it spoiled the views of the city. Took the metro again - it's really good and very cheap. This time we made our way to the cable cars which took us up the the village of Ngong Ping and the statue of the Big Buddha. There are 250 steps up yo the Buddha and then a few more at the top to walk around it.

Had a look around one of the many shopping malls. Full of designer stuff. Nothing cheap her, but the shops are so busy and everyone seems to have loads of carrier bags full of stuff. No recession here I think!

Day 3:

Another grey and misty day. First had a look around the botanic gardens on the Hong Kong side. It's amazing the way they make use of the little space available here, with various bits and bobs squashed into small spaces, making use of building upwards where they can. We were told that there are over 7 million people living in Hong Kong, in an area much smaller than London or New York. I must say that that will be one of my lasting impressions of the city, the crowds everywhere. We travelled on a metro train at about 6pm on Sunday evening and it was absolutely packed. I have a picture which I will put here as soon as I can. Travelled back to the hotel at around 10pm, and it was exactly the same!

Anyway, I am jumping ahead. After the botanic gardens, we intended to take the tram to 'The Peak', which is the highest lookout point for city views. After deciding that we didn't want to queue for 2.5hrs for tram tickets, we caught the number 15 bus instead which took us there in about 20 minutes. Buses are also very good and very cheap. The 15 cost £1 each instead of £40 on the tram!

Misty views from The Peak, bet it's glorious on a good day!

Back to the hotel for a quick rest, then out again for the light show, which occurs every evening at 8pm. The buildings on the Hong Kong waterfront are lit up with lasers and flashing lights. To view you need to get to the clock tower on the Kowloon side, so we took the famous Star Ferry across the bay to watch.

 I must say that the light show was a bit disappointing, but we needed to see it, and I enjoyed seeing all the buildings lit up from the ferry and Kowloon. So back to the hotel and to bed on the last full day of our trip!

Day 4:

Took the A11, another great bus, back to Hong Kong airport. Time of trip, about 30 minutes, cost £4 each, made Andy's day! Had to get here around midday as Andy's flight to Hanoi leaves at 14.30. Unfortunately, my flight to London leaves at 23.30 so I have a long wait at the airport. Never mind, can catch up with the blog and do a bit of reading. Looking forward to getting to London tomorrow.

So, today I said goodbye to my travelling companion of the last 9 months. Can't believe how quickly it has gone by. Will see Andy again in 2 weeks time in Grange, where we can see what has happened to the house whilst we have been away. Looking forward too to catching up with family and friends very soon.

So that's it, the Big Trip is over. How lucky we are to have had the opportunity to see so many different places :), where next?