Around the World III

Day 10 - Fri 13 Apr 07 - Hong Kong

I was going to get up early, have a swim and get a few photos, but the weather is a bit misty so I decided to stay in bed. Up at about 09:00, got my stuff ready, checked out at 11:00, and got them to hold my bag.

Walked up to the Science Museum only to find that it doesn't open until 13:00! Luckily the Museum of Hong Kong is right next door, and it is open. It starts off with the geological stuff, onto the first Chinese settlers, and finishes off with the British, Opium wars, and the hand back to the Chinese. All for 10HK$, not bad!

Back down to the harbour and the Space Museum, which if I'm honest, is a bit poor. Across the road to the Peninsular to collect my bag and 1.70HK$ to get across to Hong Kong island in the cheap seats on the Star Ferry. Why do people pay the extra 50cents for the top deck?!

By pure chance I ended up in the ITC tower and found out that I can check in for my flight here. They also have left luggage, so for 35HK$ I can be bag free while I get something to eat. I head up the mid level escalators and find a Pizza Express. It was almost 16:00 by the time I got back to the ITC tower to check in. No bulk head seats. Caught the train out to the airport.

HK airport is good and spacious. I didn't really remember it that well until I found the free Internet terminals, then it all came flooding back. I checked my e-mails, and by that time my flight had a gate number.

HK is as good as I remember, you can have fun just by walking around, and I'm glad I did the Peninsular but I doubt if I'd spend that amount of cash again. The Cosmo Hotel is better value, even if it's not really in the centre of things.

Dozed for a bit while waiting at the gate and then spotted activity. I asked if there was a bulkhead seat and low and behold they took my boarding card for 33H and gave me on for 30H - so it pays to ask!

I'm on board now and just had my veggy meal, given out first and collected first - spot on! I'm hoping they will dim the lights and I'll see if I can get some sleep (some hope!)