Hong Kong There is so much to do in Hong Kong it is hard to know where to start. So I will cover as much as I can. Getting there Qantas often have deals to HK. Another way to go is Virgin Atlantic Premium EconomyThese flights are somewhere between business & economy. It is a busy route so not normally many free seats. Try and get window seats on the way back so you have something to rest on. Arriving in Hong Kong HK has a fantastic rail network the best in the world. When you arrive at HK airport come out of customs and go to the Airport Express counter or MTR counter and purchase an “ Octopus Card “. It will cost about AUD$60. With this card you can travel on the very fast Airport Express from HK airport to the city. Depending where you are staying it will be around 40 minutes to the city. You can use this Octopus card on MTR ( Rail ), bus, ferry, McDonalds, 7 eleven stores – all over the place. You can top it up at most MTR stations. The MTR is a very quick way of getting around HK. When you leave HK you can cash your Octopus card in if you have anything left on it. Where to stay ? HK is made up of the mainland and Hong Kong Island. It is not very far from each area. I use to stay on the mainland however found the Island much better for places to go and places to eat. If you stay on the mainland I would suggest the Kowloon area of Tsim Sha Tsui, where there are many hotels. I prefer to stay on the Island in an area called Wan Chai. We are staying at a very new hotel opened in July called “ The Fleming “ – it opened in July.( email : sales@the fleming.com, www.thefleming.com.hk ). As I said it’s new and I haven’t stayed there before however it looks great and the staff have been very efficient. You can book directly with them. Other hotels in the area are The Wharney ( www.wharney.com ). You can book this one on the internet through heaps of places. Another hotel a friend of mine is staying with her kids is Harbor Plaza North Point, Island side – she is getting a suit with two bedrooms at a great price. There are lots of ATM machines around HK to get money out. What to eat Even though I love Chinese food I don’t really eat it in HK. They say all the good chef’s have come to Australia. There is just about any food you can name in HK. All you have to do is look around as there is somewhere to eat on nearly every corner. There are also heaps of 7 Eleven stores everywhere to buy drinks and snacks. Culture The Chinese tend not to be the friendliest people around. They are polite. If you have an issue with them don’t yell. Be firm but don’t yell they see this as a very bad sign and losing face. Also they have a bad habit of saying yes to something when they mean no. So if in doubt ask the question again in another way. And keep asking it until you are satisfied. HK is a very safe city however as in any city keep your valuables close to you and use the safe in the hotel for passports and extra money etc. What to see and do ? Here is a list in no particular order – Ladies Market ( Tung Choi St, Mongkok ) Take MTR to Mongkok station. Kowloon side. Lots of cloths, trinkets, gifts. Opens at around midday. Bargain on price. Normally go down 30-40% and if not accepted walk away and see what happens. If you see something and you want it buy it for it will be very hard to find it again even if you think you know where it is. Temple St Markets ( Jordon MTR station ) Kowloon side. Again lots of clothes ( some copy ), watches, electronics, gifts. Bargain on price. Normally go down 30-40% and if not accepted walk away and see what happens. If you see something and you want it buy it for it will be very hard to find it again even if you think you know where it is. Stanley Markets ( Bus 6, 6A, 6B from central ) Island side. Different markets than others in HK. Some real clothing items at cheap price. Gifts. Great place to have lunch as it’s on the sea. Great bus ride too. Sit on the right hand side there and the left on the way back for the best view. Lots of expats and tourists here. Americans saying that things are so cheap. Well they use to be before the Americans kept opening their big mouths. Bargain on price. Normally go down 30-40% and if not accepted walk away and see what happens. If you see something and you want it buy it for it will be very hard to find it again even if you think you know where it is. Disneyland ( Airport Express back to the airport and then onto Disneyland ) Has only been open for a short while. Smaller than a lot of the other Disneylands however I like it the best. Compact. Big Buddha ( ferry from Central ) Island side. There is a huge golden Buddha on Lantau Island with Monks. Interesting ferry ride and you can take in other things to see. The Peak ( cab to the base of the Peak Railway the special train ride up to the peak ) I like going up to the Peak around 4.00pm as you get to see the Peak during the day, then at sunset, and then at night when all the city lights come on. Often smoggy. You can have dinner up there however most places tend to be expensive. Nice to have margaritas on the balcony. There are a number of things you can do up there. Also a fountain show. Aberdeen ( bus from central ) Aberdeen is a bustling town at the bottom on the Island. You can hire a junk to cruise around or have lunch on the floating restaurants. Ocean Park ( not far from Aberdeen ) This is a theme park with water slides, rides, marine animals and a great chairlift ride over the mountain. Repulse Bay ( Just on from Ocean Park but not as far as Stanley Markets – again bus) It’s not called Repulse Bay because it’s repulsive, it’s named after the HMAS Repulse which was wrecked around this area. If you want to get away from the busy city this is a nice place to have a swim and a relax.