The Big Buddha probably needs no further description, although its setting on the stunning island of Lantau certainly deserves it. A densely forested and mountainous island to the west of Hong Kong, it harbours lots of interesting wildlife, turquoise lagoons, and is the home of the Po Ling monastery - which lies at the base of the Buddha. It wasn't long before I am being offered some vegetarian food cooked by the monks. Having missed out on the nuns' concoctions...

Wong Tai Sin District is home to some of the ancient and mystical attractions of Hong Kong. In the early morning light I wander round the circular path of Nan Lian Garden. Partly crammed beneath two flyovers it is nonetheless very peaceful with lots of flowing water, Chinese structures characteristic of the Tang dynasty and lots of nice smelling plants. It really is a beautiful setting and a very positive surprise. It is also the home of the Chi Lin Nunnery. Ap...

And the award for "Being Quite A Lot Hotter Than India" goes to...Hong Kong! The thing is that I don't notice for the first 2 hours after my arrival - from air conditioned airport, onto air conditioned train, into air conditioned shopping mall. Only when I try and walk to my hotel does by weary body (after a uncomfortable night flight) feel the strength of the sun. The streets are virtually deserted. Most are inside in the shopping malls which seem - i...

Wanted. BCom, preferably MBA, with clean habits and good communication skills essential - maybe with experience as a software engineer. Not an advert for a top job, but a personal ad, which, coupled with a horoscope (which should be compatible with any potential partner) places very specific demands on would-be husbands or brides. It is a perfect example of India's unusual coexistence of high aspiration and a belief in fate and destiny. The journey to the air...

The first rain since arrival arrives in the early hours of the morning. It does not last for long, but for long enough to attract enough mosquitoes to leave me a little more lumpy than when I went to sleep. I read in the morning paper that the cases of malaria and dengue fever in Mumbai are on the increase - it acts as my reminder to take one more of the 160-plus malaria tablets that I have been prescribed. Outside, a crow is snacking on a roti (chapatti). Crows...