Hong Kong (Part 1)

Arriving in Hong Kong after a long flight inevitably brings about feelings of disorientation. I'm not sure that anything would adequately prepare a first time visitor for the noise, hustle and bustle we experienced after wandering around the Sheung Wan district of Hong Kong...which is famous for its dried sea food...a Chinese gourmet delicacy. If shop after shop of bewildering and curious dried sea foods wasn't enough to throw a weary traveller into a state of confusion imagine turning a corner and being confronted by a pink Rolls Royce complete with personalised number plate...

A real life 'Barbie' car!

The next morning and ready for anything that Hong Kong could show us we took the famous Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour and after an hour or two of meandering around a flower market which was full of stunningly beautiful displays. Less attractive was a bird market...with cage after cage of birds ranging from tiny finches to parrots. Ladies Market sells copies of branded goods and was predictably busy but there were no real bargains. A visit to Tin Hau temple provided some peace and respite. The aromas of sandalwood, colourful alters and atmosphere of peace revealed some of the contrasts Hong Kong has to offer. At night the pace in Hong Kong seems to intensify. The skyscrapers are lit up and neon signs draw you into the markets - including Temple Street. If you ever needed a mobile phone cover this is the place to come!

There are many high end fine dining places in Hong Kong but one of the aspects of Asia I really like is the tasty street food, cafes and eateries in shopping malls. Dining out is a communal experience with shared tables, unfamiliar food choices, chop sticks and its all incredibly cheap by UK standards. Lunch comprising a sandwich (for Mrs B)  chicken soup, beef noodles (for me) and drinks cost the equivalent of £2.80. I did promise myself a trip to Tim Ho Wan..famous for being the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant in the world. We ordered a veritable feast of dim sum, wonton and his famous bbq filled pork buns which didn't disappoint. Sadly Mrs B wasn't enamoured with all this 'strange' food...and having to eat every meal with chop sticks...describing the pork buns which have earned rave reviews from food critics as "that bloody pork rubbish". Oh well...as least the bill didn't break the bank..£6.50 per head for Michelin starred dining isnt too shabby!

For our next experience we decided to travel 20 miles to Lantau Island..to see the Big Buddha. I'll describe our cable car ride and more of our time in Hong Kong in Part 2.