Hong Kong Holidays

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Hong Kong Holidays



So D day finally came after numerous lovely goodbyes from everybody surprise parties and more days out and food than i can count. Must have gained at least 5lb in getting ready to leave but I suppose that will help in case I don't like anything out there right?



After a very sleepless night I got up and started going through the motions OMG I can't believe this day is here how do I feel scared excited emotional I have no idea but I know if my hands don't stop shaking I'm not going to be able to finish packing this bag! Bring on the wacky races to the airport first pick up Adam what comes on the radio but I'm all time tear jerker purple oh no I'm totally not going to hold this together then pick up Mum and Ryan and off the the airport we go. I feel ill tired and still shaking what on earth am I thinking. Arriving at the airport one emotion takes over from all of the others utter panic. Checked in the bags I can't believe that case was under even if it was only by 2lb and they didn't weigh the hand luggage that I'm trying to make look light when it feels like I'm carrying bricks. Woo part 1 done now to kill time before this goodbye that we know is coming we look like the Brady bunch walking around the airport together so I'm finally stood waiting for the elevator and practically need pushing in after lots of tears and hugs I'm on my way being comforted by a complete stranger in the lift. Walking along the upper platform and my brother whistles me for us to carrying on waving and crying until I'm out of sight time to compose yourself you seriously look daft and people are starting to stare.



The flight was wonderful I have to say seat was as comfortable as could be expected I may have over taken the space of the person behind me with the seat back but after having spent more time crying than sleeping in the last 24 hours I think I don't care anymore so back it went! I was thoroughly fed and watered whilst watching a few films and kicking the arse of the computer at solitaire before I knew it I was on the ground and surprisingly more determined than scared now I'd done the hard bit now let's smash it.



First thing to hit me was of course the humidity while I'm still wrapped up in sweatpants and a jumper soon as I had my case I got changed and went to look for my bus. Found it that was simple re-read instruction correct money only or octopus card dammit forgot to pick that up so dragged my cases back in to the airport and was directed back up the slope to collect winning right back to the bus by this point I look like I've had a quick shower. The bus had the most amazing air conditioning I don't think I've ever been this happy 50 minutes before we get hit again so I sit back and enjoy the sights on the way in to town feeling rather smug if I must say so myself. I did it, I'm here!



Next challenge finding hostel, at this point I was quite ready to just sit in the street and give up I couldn't find it for love nor money and walked round a block with 2 cases and a handbag in this heat about 4 times before a very nice girl took pity on me recognised the pictures I was showing to people and walked me to where I needed to be I actually love you mystery girl! Yay found it so happy then I'm faced with stairs lots and lots of stairs maybe the lift is round the other side....... Nope more stairs I can't believe this I managed to get up 2 flights before mystery girl number 2 helped me out now I look closer to having had a bath rather than a shower but I'm here now it's ok I'm totally getting someone to help me get them back down there.



Mahjong Hostel is nice enough staff really friendly bedrooms clean my mixed room is currently filled with only Chinese men hmmm this should be interesting sparking up a conversation but in just my second day I realise people move in and out so quickly I wasn't alone for long there is now 3 girls in the room with me. Having not wanted to stop moving for fear of falling asleep standing up I decided to freshen up and get back out.



Sitting in the lounge deciding where to go and see and advertised walking trip that starts in 2 hours. That will do off we go little 20 min bus ride and I'm in town not quite as busy as I expected it but still enough people around. After a few photographs I decided to exploring inside the giant mall in Kowloon harbour (it had air con) it would be nearly impossible to put the size of this Mall in to perspective like 3 floors and about 4 blocks wide and as soon as I walked through the door I was met with Channel, Cartier, Vivienne Westwood the list goes on as I walked down the perfectly tiled corridor with door staff to each shop in suits that probably cost more than my flight you know I'm not buying anything in here now how do I get back out ?? So I wandered in and out of the various entrances to this mall for around an hour or so killing time until my tour different entrances seemed to have different types of shops I'm starting to get hungry but I have no idea what I'm going to eat so I'll keep looking. Treated myself to a Starbucks coffee that will fill me u for a while.



So my walking tour had a lot of walking and lacking a little in the interesting tour part don't get me wrong some parts where interesting but others mad me wish for my bed but I kept going as long as I could the streets started to get busier and my feet started to hurt when are we going to look at the street food that we were promised as much as I want a half an hour in depth history of a hotel and a fire truck I need feeding. After a bit more walking and being told not to go in to some big mall alone we headed for food yes yes yes I'm starving what we going to try I'm excited... A mango shop really.... I passed this same shop on the harbour and didn't want it then either dam what's next fish balls ok they ain't tingling the taste buds either I'm making a run for it if I don't eat or sleep soon I'm going to lie in the middle of the pavement.



Making my way back to the harbour to get my bus which was another trek by the way I'm looking for something that resembles a supermarket there has to be something cmon. Oh no I see them the evil ones but I'm so hungry I might just have to Mc Donald's and KFC I got as far as standing in the queue in KFC before I realised they don't do the wraps nah I'll leave it back out on the street we go.



Finally got back to the hostel and spotted a little cafe on the side of the road where the bus stop was so I popped in the lady was lovely and between us we tried to interpret the menu my understanding was that I was getting beef flavoured noodles with chucks of ham and scrambled egg in it ok I can manage that lets eat. My confusion was noticeable when the nice lady put in front of me a small piece of gammon with a fried egg on top there separate ok I can manage that at this point I think I'd eat a scabby horse my noodles followed with spicy beef pieces included and was rather nice.



It's officially evening shower and bed I can't wait to sleep ...... 1 hour later oh so this is jet lag finally got to sleep around 1:30am and woke up at 8 this isn't fair really but don't feel to bad so let's crack on. By the time I got up and out it was around 11 and I went to explore the local supermarket i walked out with about as much as I walked in with milk and a bottle of water I'm going home a size 8 if I can keep this up. I found I nice little cafe and tried a local breakfast might as well try and fit in. And apparently a traditional breakfast is something resembling macaroni in soup with pieces of ham in it served with bread and some random gooey version of scrambled egg yeah I ain't eating that but the macaroni was actually nice even though it was an odd thing to eat for breakfast.



Having wanted to hit the ground running yesterday I think I may have slightly over done it as today has ended up being a write off as I made my way back to my comfy bed and watched episodes of the vampire diaries until now when I have just tried to move my backside to a temple not far away I stepped outside and the heavens opened. It's a sign go back inside and do it tomorrow!



So things I know so far

it's really hot and sweaty

I can eat as many carbs as I like as noodles come with everything

I'm going to be doing lots of walking

People are really helpful if they can understand you and rather confused if they don't

And finally don't cross the road until the crossing makes a really odd weird noise or you will get ran over.



This is just the beginning of my adventure so I think other than a few little hiccups I've adjusted pretty well I wore better shoes to go walking today but then that just didn't happen will just have to walk twice as far tomorrow don't want to miss anything.

Finally thanks to everyone that has been so supportive of me in recent weeks especially my mum sitting up until all hours waiting for texts.



Enjoy!

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Photos

Views from the hostel
How tall are these buildings really

Proof I was here :)
Pictures just don't do it justice it's imense

Breakfast menu.
Spoiled for choice

Comments

[Steph]

Adventure.
Hong Kong sounds "different" but fascinating Gemma and well done with all the walking. Your blog is fab xx