Nov 2006

Sorry about the lack of updates but China still does not want its people to know about the world outside. Only internet access was in hotel and very expensive. Now in Sydney, Jan has had food poisoning since we arrived and been very ill. In bed at present, 12.30 on Wednesday here in Sydney, so you will have to put up with my story of Beijing.
On arrival something of a disappointment poor visibility due to awful pollution and just masses of concrete buildings, could have been anywhere in the world.
Once we got into the heart of Beijing and did the tourist sites, Forbidden City, T'men Sq.,Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and the Zoo then everything was as wonderful as we hoped.

The most amazing day of all though was the hash trip to a non-touristy part of the Great Wall. 3 coach loades of hashers arrived in a small village about 100k out of Beijing.We followed a trail onto a long climb up onto the Wall. Still in dis-repair and with lots of prickly vegetation the trail went for about 2 hair-raising miles along this magnificent creation with stunning views every way you looked. We had hit on a clear day and these are evidently not as common as one would hope. Getting down was tricky as well but we all made it back including Jan, on her first hash, although she did a short cut trail back off the Wall.
Loads of drink and some great local food was waiting for us on our return to the village followed by a boisterous "circle" at which Jan (virgin) and I (worried as to where she was) both got down-downs.
Lots of other tales to tell not least of my "massage" in the hotel, the story of this will wait until we return, a good tale to dine out on for many a month!!!!!

Well, what a contrast!! We arrived in Hong Kong to be met by a limousine and were whisked off to the Intercontinental in style. This is going to be the luxury bit of our tour and it has certainly proved that so far!! We were taken straight up to our room by our personal guest advisor - no hanging around at reception - and given a tour of the room and facilities.

Included in our package is access to the Executive Lounge where we get complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, pre dinner drinks and access to a computer - all very swish!! There is also a lovely pool and spa with views to die for across from Kowloon to Hong Kong island. We have the same view from our bedroom - we can lie in bed and operate the automatic curtains for a breathtaking view (no not Bob first thing in the morning!!). We are also treated to the Laser Light Show every evening at 8pm across Victoria Harbour!!

Hong Kong is very warm, busy, and a shoppers paradise. So far we have been across to Lantau Island to see yet another buddha (we thought we had seen them all in Thailand!!) and been on the cable car up and down the mountain. We have also sampled the delights of the MTR underground, the Star Ferry, a double decker bus and a tram up to The Peak. All in two days!!! We also went round the Science Museum this afternoon - an excellent place with lots of interactive displays to keep us amused. We both have sore feet but are overwhelmed by Hong Kong and all it has to offer.

Unfortunately we now have to move on and tomorrow are off to Beijing (typhoon allowing) but are looking foward to another contrasting city.

Oh - just a footnote to make you laugh - on arriving in Hong Kong Bob realised that he had left several t-shirts, shorts and underpants (oh the embarrassment!!!) in the previous hotel. Thankfully they have been rescued and are winging their way to Beijing as we speak. The wonders of DHL!!!! As you can imagine, we will be making a careful sweep of the rooms from now on!!!