5.30am starts have never been cool in the first place especially when you have an 11hr flight preceded by a 6 hour transfer in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, the plan to to go out into the city (in Amsterdam) did not carry through as you have to be back ridiculously early for long hurl flights. Instead I enjoyed a cultural McDonalds and numerous Starbucks whilst trying to work on my thesis. The flight itself was with KLM and as a frequent Ryanair flyer, I was surprised at how much they fed and watered you for free - I could definitely get used to it. Also, unfortunately I was not able to sleep so as I am writing this I have to keep correcting typos. Sigh!
Arriving in HK itself and the process of collecting luggage etc was less stressful than I thought. Even going through immigration was relatively simple and despite a huge queue for the bus into Yau Ma Tei (the area I am staying), it was also an easy experience. The currency here is something confusing though, everything seems so expensive but actually £1 is equivalent to 10 HKD. The rain though was something else. I remember getting off the plane in Thailand some years ago and you get that damp, humid smell that tells you what part of the world you are in. HK was no different and it was also awful torrential rain to the point where you couldn't even see out the window due to the stream of water. To add to the pain, the hotel did not let me check in till 1pm (I arrived about 12, they said at first 1.30pm but must have felt sorry for me).
The room is nice for the money I paid and smack in the centre. It is located on a long road called Nathan Street which runs straight into the Victoria Harbour and overlooks Hong Kong Island itself. I couldn't help myself but take some cheeky tourist pics (see below) and then off for some authentic food in the style of Korean BBQ buffet. I was introduced to it by a friend and you basically get your own meat and fish (all raw) and cook it at your own table inside a small, round heater metal thing in the table. I'm sure they exist in London but never found one, it tasted amazing!
Walking down Nathan Street proved quite hilarious. It was packed with people and the famous flashing lights everywhere. It also had random Indian guys trying to sell pocket watches and rolex watches to all the white westerners. Surely not you say? But yes, they literally moved through the crowds and only seemed to target us. Strange - does that mean they think we have money or are mugs - or both?
Anyway, a successful first day with lots more to look forward too :D
It's not supposed to be rainy in HK in September, very strange weather indeed...
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