And so it begins...Manchester - London - Hong Kong

Okay so its about time I got my act together and put my first update and some pics up of my own on here!

As I sit here writing this looking back over the last 2 weeks...
I still can't actually believe we're doing this, and also can't believe how much it feels like we've done is such a short time.

After so much planning and the hectic events over the weeks before departure, actually sitting down in Terninal 3 of Manchester airport with bags checked in, boarding pass in hand and cold beer in the other - this was one of the best feelings - EVER!
Hhaving the entire Ozzie cricket team on our flight to Heathrow as company was quality also, good old Bret Lee obliged me a photo.
I was soooooo tempted to take the mick about the Ashes, but decided against it since they gave us a right pasting in the one dayers!!
Just a quick stop off Heathrow and we on our way to Hong Kong... hell of along flight and I didn't get much sleep due to excitement levels hitting fever pitch! I did kick Bens ass at Chess on the inflight games tho... the crazy guys we are! ;o)

So after a long flight and no sleep we arrive in a VERY WAAARM Hong Kong, on route to the hotel, we pass by my dads old barracks which was is now being used by the Chinese Army, quality to see Winkies old stomping ground! Took the opportunity for a photo or 2.... and headed to the hotel.

We had not been checked into the room for more than 5 minutes and AJ rings the phone in our room! Very strange AJ rocking up out the blue... he only decided to take a trip there randomly about 3 days before and had no idea we we're going to be there at the same time! Was great to see him... he'd been there a few days already so showed us the sights, then off for some food and beers... and a few more beers.

Next day was our only full day in Hong Kong so we wanted to get as much in as we could. We made our way to the famous Red Star ferry to meet AJ, and headed over to HK island. From there we got the tram to the "The Peak" where there some fantastic views of HK and Kowloon and had a walk round peak which takes you right round the top and takes about an hour to walk round! There's also a shopping mall up there - who the hell decides to build a shopping mall on top of a mountain!! After all that walking we decided to take in the views with a beer! Had to be done!

Next stop the water front in Kowloon to see the world famous and pretty damn amazing light show on Hong Kong Island. Basically 43 skyscrapers all lit up to music, making a spectacular sight. The pictures probably don't do it justice, but a must see if your ever in HK.

Then back on the red star ferry, back over to Hong Kong island... stopped of to get some authentic chinese food! Was interesting but but all good, then a quick tram ride (think Blackpool Tram) and we arrive at Happy Valley racetrack. Pretty damn amazing as well... bang in the middle of all these skyscrapers a race track neeee Redcar Races tho! ;o)
Soooo good - had a few cheeky bets and some beers and took in the atmosphere... didn't win a thing but quality all the same!

After the races found a little bar full of ex-pats and played darts, and got some advice on where was good to go catch the Utd game.
So made our way over to another area of HK island and found a place to watch the game, we beat wolves 1-0. After a that and a few more bars it was time to call it a night as it was getting very late and we had a flight to catch the next day to Singapore.

So we said our emotional goodbyes to the boy AJ, and got a taxi back to the hotel in Kowloon...

Next morning we slept in slightly and had to hot foot it to the airport... at the time we were slightly concerned we may miss our flight to Singapore. But looking back we had loads of time, we were just worrying and slightly hungover.
Made the flight with loads of time to spare... Next stop Singapore!

Hong Kong was amazing and a great start to the trip...
More to follow on Singapore, Puket and Koh Phangan but I'll leave it there for now.

Hope everyone is well, much love!

Dave
x x