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Published: August 18th 2011
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Afternoon all,
So, having loved our time in paradise, it was time to leave Fiji and get on the 10 hour flight to Hong Kong. We had decided in New Zealand that it would be nice to end the trip staying at a nice hotel, and having found a great deal on Agoda we booked 3 nights at the newly opened Hotel ICON in Kowloon.
We arrived mid afternoon and caught the airport express train which was very modern and very fast. It indicated what was in store for our three night stay in this crowded, exciting city. We got off the train in Kowloon and caught a connection mini bus to the hotel. As soon as we saw the hotel we knew we had chosen well. The reception was lovely and we were taken to our room which was fabulous, really modern with lots of cool gadgets and a lovely bathroom. Included in the price of the room was free breakfast, afternoon tea and then cocktails with hors d'oeuvres from 6-8 all served in the club restaurant and bar on the top floor of the hotel. We headed for afternoon tea straight away and it was so nice
to have some luxuries! After filling up on mini cakes and muffins we went for a wonder around Kowloon, our main aim was to find Heather an engagement ring, but as I had no idea of what I could get for my money we decided to go browsing. The first shop we went into managed to keep us there for about 45 minutes (non of them want you to go away and think about things!) and we were running a bit late for the free cocktails and snacks so we dashed back to the hotel to freshen up (its really really hot and super humid over there!). After some very strong but equally delicious cocktails we went for another venture to find some jewellers, in hindsight this wasn't the best idea as we were both pretty tipsy and I remember me being very close to buying a ring I cannot remember anything about! Lesson learnt, don't go ring shopping after cocktails!
After a brilliant sleep in our king size bed I woke up early due to a bit of jet lag. I went and used the hotels PCs to read up on diamonds and the 4c's so that I
had a better idea of what we were looking for and so that I didn't get ripped off! It was still early so I went to check out the hotels gym and pool which were both fabulous. After a quick blast in the gym (which highlighted how off the ball I have become since leaving the UK) Heather and I went for breakfast which was again brilliant, with lovely views over Hong Kong Island. We then got ready for some serious ring shopping. My dad had given me the details of a shop he has bought stuff from before so I wanted to check that out, but most shops in HK don't open till about 10:30 so we went to one which was open, again they really didnt want us to leave without buying anything and the woman started shoving any ring on Heather's finger which highlighted that it was time to leave. We then went to the shop my Dad recommended but they had limited stock and we didnt have long so we couldnt wait for them to order stuff in. I then tried a more established looking place which I assumed would mean higher prices but to my
surprise the rings were very nice and pretty reasonably priced. They didnt have quite what we were looking for but then told us they had one in the workshop that they thought we would like and it would only take 10 minutes to bring it over. 40 minutes later it arrived and it was perfect! As soon as we saw the diamond we knew it was the one. So we chose a band and were told to come back the next day to pick it up... job done! The rest of the day was spent browsing and soaking up the atmosphere of Kowloon which feels safe, modern, affluent and HOT! That evening we went to the bar for more cocktails and a cheeky bit of champagne (all on the house!). I thought it would be worth going to the jeweller on the off chance that the ring would be ready early and to our surprise it was. We were really happy with the final outcome and I would highly recommend 3D-Gold on Nathan Road to anyone who needs a decent, honest jeweller.
We were yet to venture to Hong Kong Island so the next morning, after another brilliant brekkie,
we headed to the star ferry terminal and took the short ride over to the island. Straight away it felt like the much more serious, commercial brother of Kowloon, which wasnt all bad because some of the office buildings were great to look up at. Hong Kong also has lots of cool raised walkways over street level that leads pedestrians through the middle of some of the skyscapers, usually with high end fashion stores inside. I liked this aspect as it cut down on having to cross the roads and gave us some time indoors away from the oppressive heat! We then arrived at The Peak Tram Terminal, The Peak is a popular tourist acitivity, it is essentially a really steep tram ride to the top of the hill in Hong Kong, leading to an observation deck with amazing views of the island and of Kowloon across the water. Having enjoyed the views and taken some photos we ventured back down and had a further wonder around. We caught the MTR (Hong Kong's answer to the tube) back to Kowloon and spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in the hotel (with more free drinks.... naturally).
The next morning it was time to catch a taxi to the airport and catch our flight home. We were sad to leave Hong Kong as we really enjoyed our time there, it would have been nice to have 1 more night but I dont think any more than 4 nights is necessary. I was so glad that we stayed in a nice hotel as we appreciated it so much after 4 months of travelling!!
Our trip has been absolutely amazing and Heather and I have had a brilliant time together. If you find yourself warming to the idea of taking a similar trip DO IT! I have met lots of people back home who say they wanted to do something similar but never got round to it. Be spontaneous, get to a travel agent (STA gave us a brilliant price on our flights) and BOOK IT. We have seen so many amazing places, met some brilliant people and done some awesome activities...... what are you waiting for?
Thanks for reading, I hope you have enjoyed it!
Over and out
James
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