Hong Kong

I have finally managed to find an internet cafe where I can make my own posts - hurrah for Hong Kong and its liberal internet policies.  I can also use a computer in an internet cafe without needing to show my passport, which I also regard as a bonus.

After coming down from the mountain, we had another night in Tungxi before heading off on a 6 hour bus journey back to Shanghai followed 2 hours later by a 20 hour sleeper train to Hong Kong.  We had a lovely journey - a couple of games of chess and draughts and a long sleep.  Last minute hotel deals abound and we are staying in a lovely spot - I'm most taken by the outdoor pool, Eve is more taken with the high quality western buffet breakfast - all that Chinese food had been taking its toll.

The weather this time of year is a little unpredictable.  Yesterday it absolutely threw it down for most of the day as we tried to get good views from up on the Peak.  However, today was gorgeous - blue sky and sunshine abounded.  We met a someone I know through work for a fine lunch looking out over the Harbour and then headed off East to take in a quieter side of the Territory.  Hong Kong is really a city of extremes.  The northern strip of Hong Kong Island is packed with high rise - as is the southern strip of Kowloon.  Where we were today was the flip side of the coin: a sleepy fishing village where the sea is peppered with beautiful little islands where you can have a cold beer and watch the sun go down.

Having said that, our peace was disturbed a little by two budding bugle players who are no doubt hoping to hit a note soon - although it is not entirely clear how long "soon" will be in this case.

Jump on a bus for 30 minutes and you're back into the hubbub.  The shops are so well lit and advertised that it is as light as it would be during the day.  We were also treated to further musical treats - a lady (initially thought it was a bloke) in her 60s playing rock classics on the electric guitar carefully observed by her rather weary looking dog (which was clearly more vicious than it looked because there were 3 signs warning people not to stroke the dog for fear of violent consequences).


Eve had a real high point this evening - she spotted a Marks and Spencer and it looks like it has food!