HONG KONG:

I'm now on my last two days in Hong Kong and what I have learnt is transport is ridiculously cheap, compared to England - where else can you upgrade your boat journey for 5p?! - and their national sport should be shopping. The place is full of opportunities to spend some money from the markets in Wan Chai and Stanley to the numerous office block each equipped with atleast a Louis Vuitton, Armani, Dior and designer jewellry and watch shop. I have been shopping and trying hard to exercise some restraint for the sake of my luggage every day, although it's been very fun haggling down the prices in the markets and I've come away with a compulsory chinese fan amongst other things. Shopping aside, there are opportunities to do some sightseeing - took the Star Ferry to Kowloon the other day and meandered down Nathan Road and their Avenue of the Stars (all hail Jackie Chan!). We also took a hairraising bus journey across the island to Stanley with so many bends I pretty much held onto the side for the whole journey!

Most importantly for Hong Kong though has been the Rugby 7s over the weekend, with all of its associated sportsmanship, beer jug tossing and fancy dress! The atmosphere in the stadium was infectious and incredible with regular intervals of footage from the south stand and the cheerleaders in front - even the gorilla man fancying his chances on the pitch! Rumour has it that the north stand will be vying for the south stand's reputation in future years though...

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SENTOSA

I had a little more time in Singapore before arriving in Hong Kong, so we fitted in a few more attractions. Went on a duck tour (which is an old army truck used in Vietnam that is half bus half boat) which took us on an amusing and informative tour taking in sights such as the Singapore Opera House which resembles a durian, the new Sky ride - supposedly taller than the London eye but they cheated by adding a building at the bottom! and the Supreme court where my great uncle worked as Lord Chief Justice when Singapore gained its independence. Later on had to stop at the Long Bar in the Raffles hotel for an infamous Singapore Sling and littering peanut shells on the floor. Kitty and I also went around Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa for a sky luge ride ( bit like go karting) and mini golf and a cable car ride to the main island which was quite high up and fun.

We left Singapore in good spirits - even if we didn't get upgraded to first class like some people we know! and with so much development going on including casinos, hotels and theme parks there seems every reason to go back soon!