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Published: November 22nd 2007
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We love Hong Kong!
We left Beijing last Wednesday and headed for the train station for our 24 hour sleeper train to Hong Kong. After heavy traffic on the way, we ended up having to rush for the train - the cashpoint was out of order so no money to get food for the journey either. Got to the gate just in time, only to be told we were at the wrong gate as we had to pass through passport control. Cue a chinese uniformed lady "follow me!" It was a mad dash across the railway station with huge backpacks on - finally got to the passport control room which was locked! Cue chinese uniformed lady banging furiously on the door and shouting. Finally made it through but then it was just the small problem of 24 hours on a train with no food or money. Mikey came to the rescue and plucked up the courage to ask an American guy for some cash - without a seconds thought he handed us 200 yuen (about 15 quid), which he refused to take back once we arrived at Hong Kong. Cheers Mr American guy wherever you are. The train journey was
pretty cool and we had a whole cabin to ourselves (nobody on the top bunks). Saw some lovely scenery through southern China.
We have been staying in Kowloon, which is on the mainland opposite Hong Kong Island. Right in the centre of town which has been very handy. Our room was possibly the smallest room we have ever seen - although it had everything we needed and the shower was fantastic!
To get to Hong Kong island we used the Star Ferry which gives you great views of the Hong Kong skyline - it's very cheap and very reliable - nice way of travelling. Making our way up to Victoria Peak was great - we took the peak tram up to the top - it's so steep! Once at the top we had an amazing view of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong offers the best of both worlds - a great city atmosphere and also fantastic beaches and country walks. We did the Dragons Back walk (thanks Anja) which took us through woodland, along a ridge of hills on the south east corner of Hong Kong island - the views were spectacular. The walk took about 2-3 hours
...happy after some food
...courtesy of Mr American guy and we ended up on Shek-O beach!
The Giant Buddha is the largest seated Buddha in the world and we travelled by ferry to Lantau island to see it. The hour long bus journey from the ferry terminal was hair raisng but well worth it. The Buddha is gigantic - you can walk right up to it and even inside. Great experience.
Every evening at 8pm on the harbour there is a symphony of lights show. All the buildings light up and there is music which plays. The lights then start flashing in time with the music - it's very impressive. We watched this on the front and also one evening from the Felix Bar in the Peninsula Hotel - very posh. The show is the largest permanent light and sound show in the world!!
Other highlights
Enjoyed some dim sum - delicious! (thanks again Anja). Stanley Market is a scenic bus ride away from the city (the scenery is fantastic) and is by the coast. We strolled around and had a beer whilst watching the sun go down. This was a lovely little town.
On our last night we headed off to the races!
There is a horse race track called Happy Valley, which is right in the heart of Hong Kong city. We took the tram there and had a flutter! Kaz won! The track is fantastic with a great atmosphere - we had loads of fun :-)
Hong Kong has been a fantastic experience and the weather has been hot - even though they call this their winter! They also celebrate christmas here so lots of decorations up and christmas tunes playing.
Thanks Anja for your brilliant tips of the city!!
We arrived in Bangkok today and we will soon make our way overland through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore.
Until next time......................
Mikey and Kaz.
PS - thanks for all your messages on our blogs - great to hear from you all.
PPS - hope everybody back home is well. Found out about England not qualifying - very embaressing to be English right now - even the passport control guy laughed at Kaz!
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Jackie Cooney
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Great photos
Hi guys, great photos, very jealous. See you soon, happy travels. Love Jackie xxxxxxxxxxx