Hong Kong

Our flight was split in two – we had a 12 hour journey to Hong Kong, with a 12 hour lay over, followed by another 12 hour journey to San Fran.

Our first flight went fine (for me anyway, as I fall asleep on transport like I’ve just finished a marathon and jumped on a bed). Luke was a little worse off, which didn’t bode well considering we had just arrived in Hong Kong at 7am, ready for a full day of sightseeing.

We hoped we’d be able to get out of the airport to have a look around for a day as we didn’t need a visa, but thought we might have a bit of trouble as technically we were in transit.

Turns out there was no need to worry, and before we knew it, we were on a train into the centre of Hong Kong.

We arrived to towering skyscrapers, reminding me of a bigger version of canary wharf. Everyone was on their way to work and heading along the walkways that seemed to be everywhere over the city streets. Oh, and did I mention how hot and humid it was? We walked all over the city, first visiting the soho area of town, which was still asleep at 9am. We munched on some delicious lychees and decided to go to Victoria peak to see the city from up in the clouds.




View from Victoria peak

We took a cable car up the short 5 minute journey that went almost vertical! The view was spectacular of the city, with skyscrapers everywhere. You could spot the sea and more skyscrapers on the other side, but unfortunately it was a little foggy so it wasn’t the clearest view possible.




Streets of HK

Not wanting to walk, we took the cable car back down and walked back into the city to do a bit of shopping before heading back to soho to see the marketplace in action- the bakery was buzzing with lunchtime clients, restaurants hanging peking duck in their windows, the fishmonger was busy with all the tanks of fish, crab and lobster lined up outside (mostly all live), and the butcher’s with meat hanging from an open window whilst he was busy in the back, standing topless, hacking at a carcass.

Further we went, into the spices and medicinal district. Dried mushrooms lined the streets, some as big as your face, and a smell lined the street that I can only describe as 5 spice!

We strolled back to the pier and took the Star Ferry across to Kow Loon to get a view of the city from the other side. It was a really interesting city with so many cute little streets, but dominated by the skyscrapers.


Open show butcher's

It was time to head back to the airport for our second flight. We were both shattered and ready to fall asleep as soon as we got on the plane. We found our seats quickly and hoped that the woman dragging 2 young kids and a baby attached to her weren’t going to be anywhere near us…NO CRYING OR SCREAMING PLEASE. Yes, I might sound unsympathetic, but we’ve all been there…don’t lie to yourself! J

The second flight went a lot quicker, and after a good sleep (aided by 2 glasses of wine), a couple films and bog standard plane food, we arrived in San Francisco, and I stood on our 3^rd continent, albeit with massive swollen ankles!




View from the Star Ferry