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Our first day proper in the the "pearl of the orient", and what a sparkler she is. Thunderstorm warnings (with hail stones the size of golf balls no less) were predicted, and eventually the predictions would come true. However, before then we had a hotel breakfast to enjoy...
With a tempest on the horizon, a biblical breakie was needed. A Euro-Asian feast awaited us. Coffee too. Yum yum. With an overcast sky, and a light dusting of moisture in the air, we decided to head to the cultural centre of Hong Kong. We ambled around a modern art gallery. The theme of the collection was self imprisonment or internal struggle or something. I just remember three stuffed cockerels and a painting of a duck. It was good though.
On to the "Avenue of Stars", the Chinese version of the Hollywood walk of fame. Our knowledge of Chinese cinema is limited, and only three names sprang to mind. The stars of Bruce lee, Jet Li, and Jackie chan were all swiftly accounted for, and photos were taken. However, all of a sudden the finger of Zeus was upon us. A whip crack from the heavens, and drops of rain, the size of which only tropical storms could produce sent us scampering for cover into the nearest building. Luckily the nearest building for us was a rather lavish Starbucks, so an Iced tea (Grande) and a cappuccino (Vente) later and we were back on our way. A quick circuit around the Hong Kong space museum, space being at a premium there for all the school children, then off to the markets...
We jumped onto the subway, and alighted at Mong Kok station. We surfaced smack bang in the middle of the classy shopping area called Ladies Market. You can buy anything you could ever think of here. From iPhone cases to sunglasses, to iPhone cases and sunglasses it has it all!! As we ambled through this maze of hawkers and squawkers; traders and tourists, our bags of purchases swelled as my wallet thinned. With her bartering hat on, Laura swathed through the market as if charged by the heady smell of garlic and incense in the air. The stall owners who would normally laugh at tourists for paying way over the odds were left in shock as the "Highgrove hitter" shook these locals down with bargains galore. Once the initial spree would end and shopping bags lain down on the hotel bed, a box of chopsticks and a waving cat statue would be only the start of it.
As I write this, it's late and my eyes are as heavy as Laura's shopping bags so to conclude.... We nipped back to the hotel for a quick recuperate. Our hotel room was upgraded to a harbour view so we have a magnificent view of the skyscraper city. Every night a three minute light show is put on at 19.45. These vast structures come to life, dancing and strutting in their neon threads. Set against the black night sky we watched from the hotel, aghast and swooning with delight. I even took a photo.
After, a trip to Temple Street night market. The beating heart of Hong Kong night time, we kicked around and took in the evening vibe. Bright lights, sharp culinary aromas, and spitting Chinese people made this the quintessential Asian night scene. A pang of hunger led us to an outdoor street food stall. I opted for a kebab of octopus tentacles and some mushrooms generously covered in chilli sauce. Laura, probably wisely, decided against eating here. I fear a troublesome night ahead. Oh well, when in Rome. With a gurgling stomach I bid you good night.
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