Hong Kong. Wet, hectic, comfortable, modern, expensive, friendly, wet and expensive.

Off to Sydney in a few hours, arrive on New Years Eve, catch up with my little sister and Junior Jacobs and then the celebrations start. Apparently it's chucking it down for the next few days there so stormy New Year here I come.

Had fun during my brief visit to Hong Kong. Just wandered around, soaking up the pace of life and vibe here. Did the obligatory trip to the Peak, couldn't see anything, even down which really freaked me out. Don't be fooled by the night photos from the Peak. That's me taking a photo of a giant poster of the view......

Went on the Star Ferry, again, as you can see the views were amazing...... There was a poster on the ferry saying "top five views" in the National Geographic. Mmmmmmm - another Hong Kong - ism maybe! Great place to live and work I would imagine, but as a (flash)backpacker travelling through you don't get long enough to really experience it and see everything.

I did however go for the most amazing dinner at a friends house - Anil; who I met in Vietnam was on the same flight as me and was staying with his sister and entire family in Hong Kong for New Year. I was invited to dinner to experience Hong Kong 'local' style. Was amazing, they were so accommodating and friendly and the food was incredible - proper home cooked food as they described. Was mental though since there was me and about 20 of them! Anil and I were then taken out to the local bars by the son Danny. Played Hong Kong version of Perudo and darts. Nice!

So, time to leave Asia. Again, it's been a fantastic experience of sights, culture, food, travelling, drinking and meeting people. Really looking forward to South America now - I feel it's time, (although still only on Spanish lesson 3 of 8 on my iPod).....

I wish you all a very Merry New Year - hope you have a fantastic time and that you are looking forward to 2010!

Be good!

Matt.