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Hi Everyone
It's been quite a while since we've written a blog - we had no internet access in Hong Kong so had to wait till we got to Bangkok.
After an 18 hour train journey, we arrive in Shenzhen which is just on the border of China and Hong Kong. It was about 6 in the morning, and neither of us had had a particularly good nights sleep. We'd been told by our hostel in Shanghai that we'd have to get taxis and buses from Shenzhen into HK, but as we got off the train there was a big sign saying Hong Kong. We followed it, and literally walked across the border. Had to go through a temperature screening monitor at HK Customs - we were both boiling from carrying our bags but still got through. We soon realised HK would be very different to China. People there are much more concerned with health and hygiene (its illegal to spit on the streets in HK, which was a welcome relief!) We stayed in central Kowloon for two nights, just next to Nathan Road, one of the major shopping streets and night markets. It was a very strange hotel and we had the worlds smallest room, but we survived.
Our first day was spent exploring Kowloon and the waterfront. We watched a Cultural festival with local children performing, and the daily lighting show which happens on HK Island. We also managed to find an Irish Bar, called 'Murphy's' would you believe, was good to have a bit of familiarity. Sunday was a very exciting day - we went to Disney Land! Space mountain was the only big ride, but we also saw three different shows, the Lion King one especially was fabulous! Also got our picture taken with lots of the characters, and went on 'It's a small world' (twice). That night we found our way to Lai Kai Fong - a road with lots of bars etc. on Hong Kong Island. Lots of different people there, and had a great atmosphere. Some Mexican businessmen introduced us to Corona beer, great times!
By luck we were in HK at the same time as Jasmin (our flat mate from uni). On Monday we met with her and spent the rest of our time staying in a small village in Fanling which is out in the New Territories. It was really nice to see a different part of HK, a part that not many tourists get to see. Was also nice to not be in a hostel or hotel for a few days.
We did lots in the next few days. We went to Ocean World, another theme park a bit like Sea World. Had a brilliant dolphin show, and a beautiful Jellyfish exhibition, was really unusual. We took the tram up to Victoria Peak, it's the most expensive piece of real estate in HK. At one point it feels like the tram is going up at almost 90 degrees (was worse when we were coming back down backwards). The area had stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the mainland, we went early evening, so we saw the view at day time, and at night. Ladies Street night market in Mong Kok was an experience, we realised how much sellers try to scam tourists(not that we fell for anything). We also went to see the world's biggest Buddah - it's 111ft tall, an incredible sight. It took 25 minutes in a cable car to get there, went over mountains, lakes etc. Again stunning views, but the cable car was definately not for the faint hearted! There was also a Buddhist temple, lovely peaceful place. We had a ride on the ferry between islands, the water was a bit rougher than it looked. We had planned to get on another ferry straight after, but thought better of it and took the MTR instead.
Hong Kong is definately the place to go on holiday if shopping is your thing. No end of designer shops, there's a Chanel shop on every corner. Or if you're on a budget like ours the not so real designer bags, wallets and watches are also very easy to find!
Think that's enough for now, we'll update you with Bangkok soon.
Love From
Joanne and Emma x
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