Hong Kong.

What can you say about Hong Kong..... We knew that it would be frenetically busy, noisy and polluted. It did not let us down and we spent several days just wandering around the shops which range from huge modern malls full of those high end brand names that I daren't even ask the price to small and fascinating stalls full of dried 'things' of which you could only guess the origin and purpose; fascinating antiques shops, Chinese art and restaurants of every continent and taste.

We visited Soho and then the botanic and zoological gardens by the amazing 800m mid levels escalator but only ate out a couple of times as the hotel breakfast was so good and filling. However, the one time that we took courage and ate in a local (untranslated) restaurant we were delighted with the food although the quantity was a bit too much.

Huge thanks to Alison and Martin who were so kind as to collect us, show us the bird, flower and fish markets of Kowloon then take us home to Sai Kung and treat us to a wonderful sea food lunch on the waterfront of this charming town. In the evening they took us to he Peak where the view of Hong Kong lit up was staggering even though the layer of pollution did rather obscure the spectacle. Our very profuse thanks to them for their very kind welcome and care for us.

Yesterday we took a ferry to Lamma Island which is so unlike HK that it makes a very peaceful change. A nice little fishing village; a gentle amble across to a pretty sandy beach and a couple of beers...Perfect!
Emma found a little silk shop in Western market which amused her for a while and wounded our account.
Finally yesterday we had a 'scenic sunset cruise' of Victoria Harbour .... not quite the romantic voyage that we had imagined but amusing.

Tonight it's back to the airport and 12 hours to Heathrow.