Hello Everyone

After the ups and downs at the end of our trip to Thailand, we made it to Hong Kong. After a seamless and super efficient transfer from the airport, we arrived at our hotel, and were really pleasantly surprised. After some of the dives we've stayed in, this place is amazing. In fact, we walked past our hotel because it was that posh, thinking it couldn't possibly be where we were staying. It is a bit extravagant, but with only 3 days we thought we thought we'd better book in advance and this was the cheapest expedia had to offer. It's brilliant - a bit deco, with cool glass lifts at the front. We're on the 9th floor and have a wicked view of the city skyscrapers. We literally whooped on entering the room! Also have a 3 storey shopping complex BENEATH us, as well as a metro stop to whisk us anywhere we want. And we are really central. And there's a cake shop for Z in the basement. Talk about convenience.

Hong Kong is full of people obsessed with money and status symbols and epitomises consumerism at its worst (or best?), but we love it! You don't have to exert any energy to do anything - it's convenience at its most supreme. There are elevated walkways, an excellent metro sytem, travelators (like an escalator which takes you across town) - you almost don't have to go outside. But you'd be missing out big time if you didn't: it's the best urban scenery we've ever seen - better, dare we say it, than New York. There are also a few remnants of British rule: trams, sign posts, pubs and buses. It's incredible at night when everything is lit up, especially from "The Peak", which is accesible by an old funicular, which has to climb a really steep gradient (Z was worried the driver would lose control and it would plummet back, killing us all-oh dear).The huge HSBC skyscraper is supported by great big pillars and you can actually walk right underneath the building, which has a glass centre, and look all the way up to the top. (Apparently something to do with Feng Shui). Went to chinese markets which sell all sorts of wonderful foods. Z a bit upset though because they keep all there fish/seafood in overcrowded tanks until someone wants it. She was most distressed to see the beheaded fish still jumping around on the fishmonger's slab - that's fresh for you. Wish we could do some shopping, as there are some cool bargains to be had (tax free). Did manage to buy a camera, but pictures don't seem to be as clear as old one, so may try and change it. Had fab dim sum in city hall Chinese restaurant this morning, overlooking the harbour. It was beautiful - really tasty dim sum and tea, and loads of it. It was like Chinese tea and cake. Excellent.

Off to the History Museum this afternoon (free - everything is free including internet and local calls), and then hoping to eat some nice seafood in Causeway bay this evening. Then off to Tokyo tomorrow. See you in Japan. Don't be strangers...