Hong Kong. Phooey. Well after a month back in England, im finally back on the road again. For the history books, let me add that i left England with the coldest and snowiest time for over 20 years. Even the day i left we had 8inches of snow. But nothing could stop me leaving, for the sun.

So, after another upgraded flight, (thanks sis!!) from terminal 5 (rather disappointing, great place to travel from but still no free wireless in UK airports and the most ridiculous prices for food/drinks!!). i touch down in Hong Kong (free internet everywhere) for a couple of days before my leap over the those Philippine islands.

So what did i think of Hong Kong? It actually was rather fun. Really as expensive as Europe, even electrical goods where the same price. I feel like the last European to land here as everyone talks about trips via Hong Kong and ive never been.

In truth i would like to spend more time here as its great. Its no-where near as English colony as i thought it would be. The street signage in Kowloon needs to be seen to be believed and i loved the food and culture. I cant wait to spend a bit more time here on the last leg of my trip.

I had a day and a half here, and to be honest this place needs a bit more preparation. As everyone knows i have my moments but in china you need to be more organised. I must have spent at least 60% of my time completely lost. And i mean completely. With no guide book, map or any idea of anything other than where i was staying i spent hours and hours retracing steps to find my way home. And Kowloon is based on rather long street. Nathan Road. It may be about 3 miles long but i think i have literally covered nearly all of it on both sides. The illiuminated signs all look the same so every time i left a shop or building i went the wrong way. It was hilarious. Really. Even as i passed the Jordan metro stop for the third time thinking i was going the right way.

But i worked it out in the end. Had some awesome street food and loved the culture. I must return and do some sightseeing.

PS The photos show the most surprising thing ive seen in a while (although you cant see much in them). Having been kept awake all night in my guesthouse (jetlag and nigerians) i decided to sleep at the airport so i left before about 5 to make my way to the airport. Only that it was the day of the HK marathan and the start line was outside my front door. So over 5000 people seemed to be warming up.. what a welcome!! Only to find that the buses were all suspended for the morning....doh. Not very exciting but a very strange spectacle.....!