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13 October 2009
Hong Kong
We have arrived. A sensory overload of colours, aromas (smells if I'm honest) and people met us as we stepped off the A21 on to Nathan Road - about 1km too far up Nathan Road but I'll get to that in a sec.
Air China to Beijing went smoothly, the apprehension was unnecessary, as although the air hostesses have attitudes that would show Mariah Carey a thing or two, the flight was safe and comfortable and definitely better than my recent Mexicana airline flights. Beijing airport (as that is all we saw of Beijing) is in one word - AMAZING. A word I feel we may come to use a lot on this trip. Modern, clean, my initial thought was of Cape Town International - and how we are going to struggle with the influx of people for the soccer next year. An hour and a half there passed quickly with my eyes shut and onto another flight we boarded. This one waited on the runway for 45 mins before we departed. Somehow I think they factor this into their schedule as we still landed in Hong Kong on time!
Through immigration (with already 3 stamps!) and we're onto the city bound bus. We were in awe. And I know we haven't seen anything yet. The skyscrapers amazed us… and this place isn't a scratch on the cramped London living we've become accustomed to. Its insane.
So right, Nathan road. Well, the first thing we have learnt is that writing down the address to the hotel you have booked is always a start. Apparently the Novotel Kowloon isn't as well known as we'd hoped. Sweating (did I mention its insanely humid here?) with WAY too heavy backpacks (I really did try and pack lightly) we walked and tried to find the blue and orange sign. Without luck needless to say, otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it. We did find starbucks however, and I took an executive decision to start the 'backpacking' part of the holiday tomorrow and indulge in some frappacinos to relieve us from this heat. 2 ordered, for the price a meal at a noodle shop, Mark went off in search of an internet café to find the address and I settled into adjusting back packs and sipping on my cool and familiar frappacino. Mark came back all smiles - with stories to tell, friends having been made - and gratefully the number and address of our hotel. Feeling refreshed we headed for 348 Nathan road, and checked in to what can only be described as a taste of luxury! Thanks to my sister for organizing a fantastic start. Popped to 7 11, and grabbed some beers, its time for a shower and bed - even though its only 3pm UK time, we're already shattered. Excited for what tomorrow brings in this loud, bright, busy city!
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