The neon lights of Hong Kong

Hong Kong Wednesday 4th March 2009

Well its a small world, the first person I meet in Hong Kong is from Cambridge above all places! He has just arrived from Heathrow and is spending a night here before going to New Zealand. I've booked into a hostel in the centre for something like 10pound. Sturth, the English guy has reserved a hotel but that's going to cost about 50notes so he decides to check out the hostel. When we arrive they say they haven't a bed available for him but will put a matteres on the ground if he is willing to take that. He's not bothered so he takes it. The lady shows us to the room we are staying in and its tiny, not alone that we are sharing with three others, a single man and a couple. The beds are are so tight together you can role from one to the next, no joke. As for the bathroom well thats a similar story, I think the size of the bath says it all...then again I guess we were lucky to even get one!By the time we get the room sorted its about 7.30 pm and generally at this stage in Asia the evening is dark. As we venture out the main door you are immediately hit by a blast of light...the streets are littered with neon lights like you wouldn't believe, even the sky is bright from them! The place we are staying is know as Kowlong which is the other side of the harbour to Hong Kong island. As you venture down to the harbour front you can see all the lights from the island. Its impressive, every electronics manufacture seems to have their sign glowing the distance and at about 8pm every evening a light show is put on. This is where the lights of most of the buildings on the island flash in sequence with some music they play, its very surreal but well worth a watch.
One thing I am greatful for when I get to Hong Kong is that they have some decent pubs and and after been pretty much dry going through Malaysia & Singapore I think I deserve a drink. So on the first night we venture to a pub around the corner from where we are staying, Ned Kellys Last Stand. My luck is in, they even serve Guinness (I later find out so does ever other place in Hong Kong). I haven't had a pint of Guinness since I left for the trip so I'm salvating at the mouth for this one, that is until I get the bill...6.70 a pint!!! To be honest in the end it was worth though.I have to say Hong Kong is defenately worth a visit, certainly for a couple of days anyhow if not just to see the city & all its lights. Hong Island part of it seems to be where all the business is contucted but along with that there are more bars & clubs over there than you could imagine. Also on the island side you can take a train to the peak of Victoria Hill to get some stunning views of the City...you won't believe the number of high rises. Another thing about Hong Kong is its not a bad place for choice of food, Chinese, Thai, Jappanise so with a few pound in my pocket that I needed to us I decide to treat myself to some fantastic Sushi followed by a few pints of Guinnes & some Jazz...not a bad way to finish my trip in Asia ;-)