Hong Kong Part 2...

Wednesday

Heading back to Hong Kong Island, but to the south this time, we felt joyful. The day was yet again sunny and bright, and I couldn't help wondering about the day ahead. Chris had head of a place called Ocean Park, something I had completely missed in all that I read, and so I charged him with sorting the day out. Firstly getting lost, we finally managed to decipher where we were meant to be going, making our way by bus to the south of the island, we met some excited girls who wanted to know if we were going to Ocean Park. Later we told them and they seemed even more excited by this! How cute. We got off at Repulse beach. the temperature seemed to have soared, and we were feeling the heat. The beach was neatly decorated with bins every 10 or so metres, the trees are equally spaced out too. It makes me wonder why there aren't more trees on UK beaches. We sit on the lip of the bank and eat some snacks we just bought. I watch as some families play in the foamy water, shrieking and running away when it comes near. A little while later walking along the beach I dip my feet in the water, but it's FREEZING. A little too cold even against the warmth of the mid day sun. Still it's nice to be beside the seaside.

We find the little temple at the end of the beach, it's very small and not as good as we hoped for, so we headed to Ocean Park for an afternoon of fun!

Not sure what to expect, we buy our tickets (and at less than £25 who can complain!?). Looking at what we've been given with our tickets, we discover a 50HK$ voucher for use in the park. Crazy! We head in to find some food, but stumble instead upon a circus extravaganza. Boys and girls between the age of maybe 8 and 18 are dressed up in multicoloured costumes. Pinks and purples, blues and greens, reds, whites, yellows, oranges, pinks. All of them have face paint on and flying goggles, and are mighty jolly. The run and jump across each other, barely making it, but looking perfectly practised and enjoying themselves too. We wonder why they aren't in school, but with skills like these, who needs school. We maneuver through the crowd to get a better view of the action. It's amazing to watch them. When we thought they couldn't get better they started doing some tricks, where they were thrown from a see-saw onto another guys legs, where they balanced perfectly and honestly looked as if they loved their art.

We ate at a really nice Chinese place before making our way up to to the other part of the park to explore the rides. The food was great, we watched the carve the fresh duck and beef and the rice was nice too. I wasn't sure how I would cope with the rollercoasters at the top site, knowing how my body reacts to being thrown around like a rag doll. I braved the 1st one, and had a really good time, no feelings of sickness, only mild woosiness. But I survived. While I made sure I wasn't going to be sick Chris went on another ride and met me at the bottom. We went on one more ride before heading for the aquarium. I love fish, so this was where I wanted to be! I loved spending time sauntering through the madly busy place, but still felt an ever increasing calm come over me. Seeing sharks and rays really made my day and I was happy. Chris took some awesome pictures and we were on our way. Walking through the Avery was nice too, but mighty warm. On our way down we saw the seals and watched our afternoon playground disappear as we headed back to the lower part of the park.

My favourite bit of the afternoon was walking through the Panda enclosure and seeing all the Pandas there. I was innocently watching a panda trying to get some bamboo out of a giant block of ice when he thought he'd come and see what I was doing. What can I say, Mr Panda like me! After managing to get away from the window with my life intact (everyone squished!!) we saw some funky fish and then went home. A day well spent I say.

Thursday

We decided to get up early and head to Macau for the day. after all we were so close, and it's only really a day thing. I was also hoping to get a glimpse of the post Portuguese ruling influence. And we did. But we also saw into the very busy Chinese side of life. We were very quickly disorientated by the confusing road signs and the abundance of huge Casinos. We headed towards St. Paul's Ruins, making our way through throngs of people. It was loud and busy, and very very hot. Finally breaking through the hoards we got to the steps and made our way up. Resting on an ancient uneven brick wall to get our bearings, Chris reading all about the ruins and me watching a photographer and his models posing and laughing in between shots.

We walked around the ruins, but with not a lot to see, we quickly thought of what else we could see. Opting for another museum (we really wanted some nice cool aircon) we made our way up the escalator. The museum was interesting, with dioramas, cool bugs, fake houses, movies and lots of other things I think we stayed more than the hour we thought it would take to get round it. On to the Temple of Ama, but after walking and walking and walking, we still hadn't found it. I was ready to give up, but Chris egged me on. After a while more we gave up and took a well deserved rest by a lake. Taking pictures and playing the alphabet game until we made it back to the centre of town.

I was so disappointed we hadn't made it across to the southern island, and had a custard pie, but we decided that the day was probably over. Making our way back to the ferry port, we saw Macau lit up at night - something I was really excited about. But after the day we had I wasn't all that enthused by it.

Stopping at a Japanese restaurant on our way back I ordered whole host of food for us to share and enjoy. It was a little greasy but really made up for the lost day. And we left feeling full and happy. Passing an arcade we couldn't help but pop our heads in, just to have a look. It was so cheap we couldn't help but spend some time playing the many games we played as teenagers. Laughing and racing each other we decided that the day was not lost, and made our way back to the ferry harbour. We managed to find a kind lady who rushed us through the process and got us onto the ferry that left not even 8 minutes after we arrived at the terminal...we were impressed, but very happy! We crashed into our beds and slept soundly for the night.

Friday

After a long week of cramming something into every available minute, we were feeling the strain on our eyelids. We decided not to set our alarms and enjoy our restful holiday. We woke up and relaxed for a while, watching American TV and laughing at the adverts, which Chris had almost memorised since arriving. We headed to Kowloon Park, to see what the fuss was about. It was amazing. We had a picnic lunch of Pret sandwiches, crisps, brownies and cookies. It was fun. Then we wondered around, looking at the beauty of the park. We watched as a gardener delicately trimmed his hedges. It was wonderful and so calming. Definitely what we needed after our hectic week.

We found a quiet spot where we sat and read until it was too cold to stay still, the light was starting to fade and the hunger was making its presence known. Chris had promised me a trip to The Peninsula Hotel for afternoon tea, so we headed over to the hotel. Walking past the fountain and towards the doors I could feel the vibe already. I'm not unused to places like this, when I was little tea parties and grand affairs were more common. The doors were opened and we took our line in the queue. All around was grandeur. An air to the place. I missed the little dark restaurant from the other night, with the home made food, friendly staff and buzzing atmosphere. But we were eventually seated and we ordered the afternoon tea. It was fun in the end actually. Chris completely loved it, which was awesome to see!

Walking Nathan Road back to our hotel via some shops and the wonderful market again I felt buzzed. We chatted and watched TV while I packed. Then slept soundly.

Saturday

After Chris' wonderful gift of the Peninsula I felt it only right to buy him breakfast at the hotel. It was a buffet and we filled up and drank coffee to wake us up. Is was fun. Finishing packing, we left our bags with the porter and headed back to the park, where we relaxed for the majority of the rest of the day. We headed for Dim Sum and then back to the hotel to get our shuttle to the airport, where we would leave each other for who knows how long. I contemplated the wonderful whirlwind holiday that occurred while I attempted to sleep on a slightly uncomfortable set of air port chairs. And then on the very long bus ride home the next day.

Well I hope you enjoyed this blog, and well done for finishing it!!! I'll write again soon, I'm sure! Kat xx