Thursday 18th March 2004 - Hong Kong - Causeway Bay

Left Mumbai on 5 .30am flight so spent night at airport - but not so bad reclining seats provided in airport so managed to get a little sleep. Got fed twice on the plane and Derek helped out with their spare portions!. Arrived Hong Kong 4.30pm local time. It's like a breath of fresh air. I don't think we realised how dirty and manic India was until we got back to civilization! Everything is very, very clean. Everyone is really friendly and helpful, they go out of their way to help you. Public transport is a dream and cheap. We are staying on Hong Kong Isaland which is very modern. The high rise buildings are fantastic.
Had to complete a health declaration on the plane - so we declared that we had coughs. When we went through immigration we were marched off to various people and eventually had our temperatures taken. No fever found thanks goodness, however we were isseued with nice masks to wear. Photo to be attached!
The hostel is very central and clean (sorry to keep on about 'clean' but we aren't used to it!). First job was to try and find someone that might be able to repair the MP3 player, but no luck . In the end decided to buy a new one and transfer the music from the old one to it. Tested it before we actually bought the new one and seemed to be fine. Went back the next night with the new player and we couldn't believe it the old one had conked out completely. So that's it, we were never destined to have music on our trip. Never mind- worse things could happen.

Friday 19th March - Hong Kong Island

Spent the day sightseeing on Hong Kong Island. First stop the Peak Tram which takes you way up so you can look back down on the buildings and harbour. Couldn't see too far as it was quite cloudy. Then caught the green minibus to Stanley Market and then on to Repulse Bay (didn't realise there are beaches in HK!). Went on boat trip around Aberdeen Harbour around the floting restaurants. Finished the day with a wonderful meal at a 'Mr Steak' restaurant close to the hostel. Derek says he had the best curry he's ever had (Thai curry).

Saturday 20th March - Kowloon, Hong Kong .

Another great day in Hong Kong. Got the Star Ferry over to Kowloon which is completely different to HK Island. Much more of a Chinese feel to the place. Went to the Jade Market. I bought a ring and Derek bought himself a bracelet so he looks more like a 'traveller'!. (It's a hippie masculine one!). Then on to the Flower Market and Bird Market. Beautiful flowers which smelled lovely and the birds were even more colourful than the flowers. Visited the Kowloon walled city which used to be a high rise slum but has been transformed into an award winning park. Nice lakes and pagodas.In the evening went to the harbour to see the 'Symphony of Lights'. A light/laser show from the top of the buildings to music. Then on to the Temple Night Market which was very busy and basically sold a lot of rubbish. Typical 'made in HK' stuff! Although I did buy a table runner for less than 4 pounds.
We must be getting old because rather than go out for a saturday night drink we went back to hostel to sleep!

Sunday 21st March 2004 - Honk Kong Island .

You wouldn't think you could get too excited about getting a hair cut but we had a great experience this morning! Went to a trendy salon and the service was excellent ( and cheap too compared to prices at home). We have never had anyone pay so much care and attention to us, head massage included. Constant drinks (non alchoholic) provided. Puts English hairdressers to shame!. The price also included a free head massage which was fantastic too!

First domestic job of the trip today - had to do some ironing. In India the laundry came back ironed, but not here!
We are off for a trip on the local tram this afternoon - after we have been back to 'Mr Steak' so Derek can have another Thai curry. Went back to the Peak Tram for a view of the city at night and followed that with a trip to trendy Soho for a few beers with Harry from Australia. Almost had a hangover but not quite !

Still no photos but be patient!

Differences between Hong Kong and India

Hong Kong India
A couple of bikes Bikes galore!
No 'crappy' cars Crappy cars everywhere
Signposts everywhere No signposts (well nearly!)
No harassment shopping Constant harassment
Tourist information maps No tourist info or maps
Perfect weather for walking around Hot and sweaty
No poverty whatsoever Extreme poverty
Clean and comfortable Dirty and dusty
Calm and order Noise and chaos
Seats in public places No seats
Safe driving Constant dangerous driving
Expensive (compared to India) Cheap as chips
Extremely helpful and polite No manners
Modern-day metropolis Old-style farmyard

Similarities between Hong Kong and India
Very safe - never felt threatened by mugging or theft
Great food!

Next stop Bangkok