Hong Kong Phooey

Bear with me as I try and remember the events that have happened since my last post!  We went to Guangzhou for the weekend and went out both nights to a place called 'Party Pier'- I was a little apprehensive at first due to the 'pier' part. I had images of skanky Wigan Pier (back in England) that was infested with trogladites, Janice Battersby's (Coronation St), druggies and just down right plebs (on the whole- not everybody). Alas we arrived and it was anything but it was great fun, even though there were a few prostitutes knocking about but you can't escape that in Asia or so it seems. We met up with Anna's friends and danced the night away. Anna unfortunately had her bag stolen which had her purse and cards, mobile, camera, make-up etc inside. What a nightmare! Not meaning to sound bad but most people in England would have handed the bag in if they saw it unguuarded for a second, not steal away with it, no matter how hard up they were. It is little instances like this that make me miss England. Good ol' Blighty. Don't get me wong- I know England has its flaws like th benefit system etc but lets not get into a debate or stray off track. Anyhoo, Anna lost her bag and it has been a bother ever since. Th next day was a total write off and then we went out again. I am getting too old for this shit. I would have been happy to stay in with a cup of tea, treats and a book. on Sunday we went to another district of Guangzhou called Shunde to meet up with Poopsie (Dad) as he was visiting China for business. We took a long stroll through the city to an Italian restaurant he knows and it was delicious. Along the way we stopped off to play with all th caged puppies and kitten that were caged up. Dad then revealed to Mike that it wasn't actually a pet shop (I could sense Mike crying inside at this next bit) and that they were actually there to buy to be eaten. While I take a Cruella DeVille attitude to the puppies the kitties tug on my heart strings. I would love to save them all but this is life and how their world works. Other cultures would be just as sickened as England eating Cows or Pigs etc. After dinner we went back to Dad's hotel to wait for his driver to pick us up and take us back to Anna's and had a drink. The next few days were chilled until Anna got home from work and we would go and walk around/go for dinner. We keep going to this place for massages where it feels like they are trying to kill you- it freaking hurts! Although I try my best not to make a noise in case it gives them some sick satisfaction to hurt the pasty white girl (they seem to laugh everytime they do)- Mike and Anna however can be very vocal. Especially when the workers are chatting away loudly so they need to be told to be quiet- which then sets me off laughing at their guts in telling them to be quiet. You have to be there I guess. Below are a couple of photos of a hungover Anna:

 

On the Tuesday Mike and I set off to Hong Kong as we had to sort out a few visas for the next leg of our trip as if w had gotten them in England- tey would have expired by the time we were going. we hopped on the mtro with Anna as she was heading off to work at the Canton Fair, and then we went our seperat ways. Whilst waiting for our train to Hong Kong, we decided to get a spot of lunch at Burger King- I was watching them prepare our food by getting old burgers and dumping them in the microwave for a few seconds- gross! I lost my appetite a bit :/ Not to mention the 'meat' looked grey- it was probably pigeon. The train journy was only 2 hours so nothing major. When we arrived to HK we just jumped into a taxi and went through the underwater tunnel to Wan Chai which is where our hotel was. We thought we would be in a deluxe hotel do to it being redued from £170 a night to £50 but it wasn't. It was nice- but tiny. However, HK is so so expensive and people would pay that price for the room we would have- it was a room you would think £50 was fair/ ok for what you would pay back in the UK. We went exploring that night and went to Nathan Rd which is famous in HK and to Temple St Market. I have been to HK a few times before but it is always nice to b back. We went to an authentic eatery outside on the street that you would avoid upon appearance in the UK but it was so busy.

 

God knows what's in that tank- it was moving whatever it was.

The next day we had a lie in, got up and went in search for the Cambodian Embassy. Me being the massively organised dork that I am, had already researched the address and details back in England and had it stored in my trusty travel wallet. We walked to the ferry terminal and got the ferry to Tsim Sha Sui (TST) which takes 5-10 minutes and cost 50p for two adults. We arrive and have a scout around- I was getting distracted by all the beautiful shops that were surrounding us (Louis V, Gucci, Hermes, Chanel etc) but Captain Sensible Mike reminded me we weren't there to shop and that I a meant to be learning the value of saving money and not just wasting it. So head hung slighty I walk on until we find the building. The visa took no time at all and was quite cheap. Pleasantly suprised. We then went for a walk along TST promenade where the Asian version of Hollywood's walk of fame is. I didn't recognise any of the names apart from Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, Mike was horrified i'd never heard of Jet Li. We has an average lunch which cost us £40 (no alcohol and one dish each) which made me remember fast that HK is mega rip- maybe it was the Victoria Harbour view that was chilling me out about this, although the view is far superior at night. That evening we ordered to the room to save on costs.

Mike has found his hand twin- Jackie Chan.

Victoria Harbour by day.

The following day we got up and set out to go and obtain our visa for Laos. After the metro and walking we found it and paid double the price to get it done in 20mins instead of 3 days. It was still only £40 each but it all adds up- especially on a travel budget. We then went to the famous Victoria's Peak to get the tram to the top for stunning views, however we saw the queue and decided against it and headed for HK Central Harbour where we would be catching a special Chinese Junk Boat complete with red sails to go and view Victoria Harbour by night at the time when they do their 'Symphony of Lights' show.

The Aqua Luna boat we went on.

 

 The view of the harbour from th boat was out of this world- but I was a bit disappointed with the laser show. I think it is better from a higher point like Aqua restaurant on the 30th floor. It was still lovely though and a nic experience. Below are a cople of snaps of our view. Victoria Harbour at night:

After this we went back to our hotel and waited for Anna to arrive as she had Friday off work. When she arrived it was quite late but we headed out to 'bar street' anyway in HK Central. We ended up getting quite tipsy and having a great time- despite the fact I had a 35 year old lecture me on life when I probably had more life experience than him and an old millionaire sugar daddy who gave his email address to Anna and I and said if we ever need anything to get in touch and he will sort it (at this point that gorgeous bag from Louis V and other deliciously beautiful things popped into my head- every girl needs a little frosting- joking) but I already have everything I want in life to date and none of it is materialistic.

Th next day we got up and headed for DISNEYLAND HONG KONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anna and I felt like we were young again. It was magical. Mike got into the spirit too! There were a few new attractions from the last time I went but on the whole the Paris one is superior- yet to go to the Orlando one with Gemma and Anna- it is very important to keep in touch with your inner child, it provides wonderful escapism from the real world filled with stresses and responsibilities. Whether it is going to Disney, rolling down hills, water fights etc.

So as we entered through the gates we were greeted to the soundtrack of all the great Disney songs. The air smelt of pure sugar which is probably on purpose to hype the kids up. We had such a fantastic time! I went  bit mad with shopping and got myself a special Jack Skellington made out of glass-very delicate but awesome. We went on every ride near enough- even the baby ones. We gathered round to watch 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' parade which was good but in Chinese which upset me. It could have been a lot better in all fairness. Anna and I managed to get Mike to go on the Cindarella Carousell and the Whinnie the Pooh ride- which was freaky! We didn't know it took a picture at the end and it truly was a sight to see! Mike looked possesed, Anna looked scared and you could tell I was thinking 'what the f**k?!)

Anna and I recreating  a pose from home. Mum will know it.

The whole park was decorated for Halloween

All hyper off the sugar air, standing in line for Space Mountain ride.

Mike loving the carousell

Anna and Mike at Pooh Corner

Jack Skellington

Nightmare Before Christmas parade

Mad Hatter Teacups- we were all dizzy after we spun it that fast

Enterance to 'It's a Small World'. We had to go on this for Dad- it brought back memories of him wanting to go on it all the time when he took me and my 3 big sisters to Disneyland Paris.

There is so much to tell about Disney but I shall save that for some other time maybe.

We stayed overnight in the Disney hotel and headed back to China the next day to go and meet Dad and some of his business pals for dinner and drinks. Since then it has been quite chilled. Anna, Mike and I went to the cinema last night to watch the only English showing called 'Bait' about a shark. It was so comical- it as terrible. It was also hillarious that everytime someone got hurt or died the Chinese would burst into laughter- as you can imagine I felt quite at home with this. I wonder if they laughed when Dobby from Harry Potter died too?! They probably thought the film was a cooking show with all the sharks and fish. Tonight is our last night with Anna but I don't want to think about that. I'll end this post here :(