Dec 2006

It is now 31 December and I have been unable to update anything on the internet due to the earthquake in Taiwan recently. It seems to be up and running again so I should be able to keep you all updated over next few days posting some photos too.....

From Hong Kong Airport I took the train to Kowloon, which is where I was staying. The Airport express shuttle had me there in no time and a shuttle bus awaited, taking those to their respective accomodation. Saying respective, I was staying in a place called Chungking Mansions. Although it sounds nice, it not. The place is a like a concrete jungle, a world within itself. It is as wide as it is high and looks as if it needs knocked down. The bottom 2 floors are full of stalls and booths filled with counterfit watches/bags and other random goods. It is mainly occupied by indian/african people though the odd Chinese is knocking about. The next 15 floors above are made up of guest houses offering cheap accomodation, hence the reason for my choice of lodging. At first it is a bit nerve wrecking when you come and go from your digs as there seems to be a lot of people hanging around watching you, gathering on each corner. You pass the stalls and it's always, "phone card sir", "Cheap watch sir". Though its the same even on the street when I'm walking about, "You want fake watch". I've learnt to keep walking, saying "NO THANK YOU", waving my hand as if using the force of the Jedi, "This westerner does not require a watch" and away they go. "Foot Massage?", "NO THANKS", few seconds later, "Nice suit for you sir", "NO THANKS", again, keep walking, waving the hand. "Nice lady for you sir, show you good time," "Em, no thanks".......

After dropping the other passangers off at their Hotels, I was left on the bus snaking throw the back streets, missing out all the traffic. We eventually stop at a Holiday Inn Hotel, which is way above my budget. "Your Stop!!!!" I knew this wasn't where I was staying so I hurried off before the porter got to me to take my bag off me, only for me to say I wasn't staying. I had no idea where he had dropped me and nor did I have a clue where I was...... I was standing out like a sore thumb so hurried towards the lights of the busy street, trying to merge with the crowds. I turned the corner, not even having time to think on what I was going to do or where to stop to get my bearings when I was fastly approached by a small indian guy. I had done enough reading to know that they approach you trying for you to stay at their hostel. "Accomodation sir", "No thanks, I'm already sorted", "You stay at my place sir, we're waiting for you", "Sorry though I have already booked with a place and have already paid", which I hadn't paid, I was just trying to shake this guy off. "I know sir, where are you staying, Paris Guesthouse", "No", "How about Singhs Guesthouse", "No", at this point, I was totally unaware of my surroundings as I scurried down the very busy street with Mr Singh in quick succession. "Where you staying?", "Em, City Guesthoue" "Oh, that is my place.... I have been waiting for you... You come, come, I take you", He pulled his business card out which had the name of the 3 hostels on which he obviously owned and away we went, bypassing the other touts as they watched on in envy at Mr Singh and his catch. "Yes, Mr John, we have been wating for you. You will enjoy" And off I went, ushered into Chungking Mansions, through the bronx and into the lift. 7 floors later I had arrived. "You see Mr John, City Guesthouse. Its mine, City Guesthouse"

It seems a bit sureal with Mr Singh pulling me out of the crowd saying that he had been waiting for me when I have never met him before in my life. I realise he must approach all westerners, especially with backpacks on, though I was just glad it was him, the guy from the hostel where I was already booked at, unless I could still be there now, walking the streets of Kowloon, fending off touts and counterfit watch salesmen in search of the "City Guesthouse".....

I cant beleive that there was no dramas for me arriving in Hong Kong. Flight was fine and the customs were a breeze. Even my luggage turned up without me panicing as I normally stand at the carosel, getting a bit nervouse after 10 minutes and my bag still hasn't turned up.

My seat on the plane was alot better than what I had been used to. The only down side was the constant noise coming from the air conditioning fans being fed into the cabin. It's the same noise you get when you put your car heaters on full to de-ice your car in the morning, which you'll find is that annoying that you would rather put it down to 2 and continue your drive to work cold and with a restricted view for the 1st 5 minutes of your journy. I cant really complain as my seat was more like business class. I was sat in a row of 2 seats that reclined with the leg rest rising enabling me to sleep. Which was possible the worst thing I could of done, hence the jet leg. Saying that, I think British Airways are fully responsible for all those walking around Hong Kong, shattered due to our body clocks being back to front. Within an hour of boarding the plane, we had eaten and the lights were dimmed, which was fine, since it was 11pm. All the window shutters were pulled down and everyone was ready for sleep. This was the case up until an hour before landing when the captain woke us, announcing BREAKFAST was to be served prior to us departing. The cabin crew came round serving the continental breakfast wishing everyone a good morning. 45 minutes later, we had landed in Hong Kong. So there I was, yarning and stretching, walking down the isle, leaving the plane, being wished well and thanked for flying with British Airways. I felt good after my good nights sleep and was ready to face China. Too ready though, I was was fully charged and it was 6.10pm........ Yes 6.10PM..... How was I expected to have a full nights sleep in 4 hours time..... Hence Jet Lag.....

Well here I am...... Sitting in Heathrow, as I have been for the past 4 hours waiting for my boarding call; well its not even a boarding call as I still haven't even checked in as I'm not due to take off for another 4 and a bit hours. I'm Bored!!!!!! I have nowhere I can sit and chill. Its dirty, dull and noisy with the sound of luggage trollies being pushed over the tiled floor. There is people buzzing about everywhere and the heat is a joke. I wont mind once I'm able to go through to the international depature which is clean with soothing background music, where I can endulge in a bit of duty free shopping, along with shifting this backpack which I've been humping about for the past few hours. It's like an annoying younger brother.... Every where I go, it follows...... I can't even go and have 5 minutes without it being on my back..... I wouldn't dare leave it as you hear constant security annoncements saying that if any luggage is left, it'll be removed and DESTROYED!!!!!! I should be so lucky....

The flight from Teeside was fine, arriving 30 minutes early here at Heathrow, which makes a change. Fingers crossed the next leg of my trip goes as smoothly.

Well I'm getting bored and restless sitting in this tiny internet booth so I'm going to head off into the crowd......

Next stop, Hong Kong!!!!!!!