50. Hong Kong

We are now on the return leg of our epic journey but have one more short stop here in Hong Kong before returning home. After an overnight flight from Perth with little sleep, the last thing we needed was a mix up with travel arrangements but sadly that is what we got. Our travel agent booked us in to the Regal Oriental Hotel, but arranged transport from the airport to the Regal Kowloon Hotel, hence when we got off the coach, we were as confused as the hotel check in desk. Anyway, they got us a taxi and a short while later we were checking in at the correct hotel. We also decided to pay a pittance for an upgrade to an executive room and inclusive breakfast....the only downside was the view...our room overlooked what remains of Kai Tek airport and it's currently a vast building site.

Although tired, we ventured out for the afternoon and had a look at the local area. We entered the Kowloon walled city park, a little oasis of peace and tranquility and as its name suggests, used to be a walled city until it was knocked down and redeveloped in the late 1990's. From there we investigated some of the district's many shops and market....the range of things living, half living, and dead that are for sale never ceases to amaze. One thing is for certain for the locals...at least you know that are buying fresh produce..so fresh in fact that it is still moving.

For our remaining day in Hong Kong we had to decide on the best way to use the time...and upon reflection, I think we did reasonably well. We had been warned about using the MRT as it can be incredible busy, but we went ahead and used it anyway and found it no worse than the London Underground. We had also been warned about finding the right exit for the sights we wanted to see, but again, we found everything to be well signposted.

So we went down to the Kowloon harbourside and caught the Star Ferry for a trip around Victoria Harbour. Billed as one of the "must do" experiences, it definitely lived up to expectations as we cruised slowly around taking in the views of the office blocks and apartment towers that dominate the waterfront. 

Once the cruise had finished we took the MRT again over to the Hong Kong side and took the tramway up to Victoria Peak. The views from the top must rank with any of the best cityscapes anywhere in the world...they were fabulous...all of Kowloon, much of Hong Kong and across to many of the nearby islands and territories. There were also more than enough shops at the Peak to satisfy the most enthusiastic of retail therapists.

We made our way back to the hotel as rush hour was in full swing and the sun beginning to set and in time for dinner. After the expense of Australia it was refreshing to know that we could have a nice four course meal with drinks and coffee for a little over GBP25 a head. 

So now we are packing our bags for the final time and will be heading to the airport for the flight back to the UK tomorrow.