Hey folks here we are again, twice in one day!

Ok this may be long but here goes we have lots to tell you. We arrived in HK on sunday morning after an uneventful flight, passed through all the usual customs/immigration oh and the temperature check in order to get into the country. We obviously got the ok. Although Karen did let out a small sneeze that could have jeopardised her whole trip!

Hopped on board the cleanest train to take us to Kowloon where we then got a free bus that literally dumped us in the middle of the street (with oncoming traffic) - interesting. Checked into the YMCA - no people in costume however although the uniform could have rivalled the builder or the policemans! Checked in early (result) so got showered and ready for the day. It was hot and luckily a clear day so we headed up to the Peak having crossed Victoria harbour on the star ferry for about 50p. BARGAIN! Took the tram up to the peak which was an experience not to be repeated standing up, but the views at the top made it worthwhile.

Sunday night brought us our first dining experience. Struggling to find somewhere that served food that appealed to our tired taste buds we opted for a japanese sort of noodley restaurant that was full, hence we thought it must be good. And it was. The whole experience was made much more comfortable by the 'friendly' locals sniggering at us very loudly without shame (we were THE ONLY westerners there), we tried the tea, we used chopsticks and we made a suitable mess on the table so not sure why we were of such interest, but we are glad to entertain.

Monday we went to Lantau Island to see the big buddha and gee he is BIG!! Took a gorgeous ride on a cable car that gave great views of the surrounding area and then wandered around the village -Ngong Ping where we ate our first cantonese food. Pleased to say a better experience and pretty decent food washed down with a noce local beer. We needed the fuel to climb the 268 steps to the buddha but totally worth it as really was amazing and again some great views. Then strolled around the Po Lin Monastery - sadly no monks to be seen but lots of chanting going on. Returned from here via a ferry trip which was very leisurely and gave us a chance to source the next eating plan.

8pm - symphony of lights. The much hyped lighting spectacular that has made the guinness book of records...well lets just say we have renamed it the symphony of s****. Total waste of energy! And Karen did ask when does it start approximately 7 minutes into the 13 minute show.

We opted for a bar called Aquabar on the 30th floor for dinner. However this turned into a VERY expensive cocktail and some nuts. Amazing restaurant and setting with great views of Hong Kong Island and Victoria harbour, but not in our budget. Good mojitos tho!

Next day - JB's birthday!! Opened cards and pressies, whilst karen served me coffee! We were staying right next to the Penisula hotel (VV posh!) and had the joys of watching the rich be helicoptered into the helipad on the roof. Oh how the other half live!

Today was action packed - starting with the Big bus tour of Hong Kong. Did Kowloon side first which is more traditional and has the markets and gives a glimpse of everyday HK life, then went for dim sum the traditional mid day snack served in bamboo baskets (well sort of, depends on the order) and it was very tasty. Again a local affair so Karen and I got stared at. Again. Then got star ferry to HK to do second part of the trip which was based around the business and retail parts of town. By retail we mean designer. They do love their designer shops, almost as much as their cleaning!

Then we took a local bus (yep stared at again!) to Aberdeen a posh harbour housing the jumbo floating restaurant. A short sampan boat ride took us across and we then went into the restaurant which was like titanic or something! It was a palace fit fro a princess! Or two! Food was good, although tad pricey but only to be expected as a tourist attraction!

Hotfooted it back to Kowloon via Tiffany and Co, but we left with our hands in our pockets and credit cards safely stashed away. In stark contrast we then went to the night markets on Temple Street and had a nose at what was on offer - pretty much anything from jewellery, bags, watches, electrical goods and traditional chinese tack - ir the waving cat!! Purchased very little, some of youmay be lucky to recieve a small gift from here - bet you can't wait!!

Finally 'home' to pack so we could get up at 4.45am to catch flight to Melbourne and here we are!

Qantas delivered us safely into melbourne, we negotiated the bus to the city and then had the pleasure of a taxi ride with a driver who we presume just arrived yesterday due to his lack of communication and knowledge of Melbourne. So not the best start however we got here.

The hostel is ummmmmm... well.... ok. Maybe we are being harsh due to arriving in the dark and being tired, but tomorrow is a new day and we will face it with renewed joy!

We know it is long but we tried to be brief. HK was amazing and well worth the stop. We will be in touch over the next few days, please feel free to leave us messages. The pics will be on soon!

Lots of love J&K xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx