Gone but not forgotten
Trip Start
Jun 15, 2007
1
165
Trip End
Ongoing
Hong Kong, China
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
We arrived in Shenzehn super early on Monday morning and then had the ever boring job of border control so that we could get into Hong Kong. But shock, horror, this border control was actually very efficient. People did what they were meant to do and fairly quickly we were on our way on the subway into Hong Kong. We found our hostel but were disgusted with the attitude of the man who was supposed to greet us and show us our room and so we moved on to the first hostel we stayed in the very first time we came to Hong Kong, only this time we stayed in a different part of the hostel.
Once we were showered and refreshed we hit the streets to shop! We bartered our socks off and ended up with a very good price for a digital SLR camera and a Jimmy Choo bag for me – the only designer bag I will ever own, albeit a fake one! Our feet were well and truly aching after a hard days shopping!
On Monday night we headed over to Hong Kong Island where we met up with our friends Heath and Sarah for dinner and drinks. It was lovely to see them and catch up. Hong Kong Island is a great place to be at night time too with all the lights and activity going on. It’s a place we could come back to again and again and never get bored!
On Tuesday morning we had a bit of a sleep in to catch up from the train ride on Sunday night, where we hardly slept at all. We then went out for breakfast in a café where we watched the hustle and bustle of the busy streets pass us by. After that we took a stroll down to the harbour where we sat and watched the water and the boats for a while and soaked up our last bit of Hong Kong sun! We also went to look around the exhibition centre at the art exhibition that was taking place. There were loads of paintings for the World Air Games done by young children. They were excellent. Obviously they have very good art teachers in Hong Kong!
On the way back to the hostel later on in the day we felt compelled to stop at the Haagan Daas shop for an ice cream! It may have been one of the most expensive things we bought foodwise in a while but it was totally worth it!
Once we had been back to the hostel for a shower and change of clothes we set off out again for our evening entertainment! We walked down to the harbour and found a good spot to watch the Spectacle of Light show that is on every night at 8pm. We then settled in and waited, while watching the boats that were still crossing to the island and back. The light show was amazing. They play music while doing a laser light show in time with the music, using the buildings that are on the island so it looks like the lights are dancing up the sides of the building. It has to be on a par with the dancing water fountains in Las Vegas!
When the light show had finished we decided to walk all the way up to the vegetarian restaurant we found last time we were here, as the food is good and its an all you can eat buffet for a really cheap price. We didn’t expect to be joined by the odd rat though! Lets just say it’s a good job we saw that after we had eaten and not before. Or maybe not!!!
We both felt quite sad tonight as it was our last night of our trip and the last time we will spend together until Christmas. So we took a slow walk around after dinner, savouring our last look at Hong Kong and our last night of the freedom travelling has given us.
On Wednesday morning we took the ferry across to Central Pier on Hong Kong Island, and then followed the signs to the Peak Tram, stopping to look around St John’s Cathedral on the way. It is being restored at the moment but is still beautiful, with mosaic tiles on the floor, showing a dove, Jesus on the cross and God.
Once we were on the tram we went right up to Victoria Peak. Man that trip is steep!! We practically travelled at 90 degrees! It was a really clear day today and so the views across Hong Kong Island were incredible. We went right the way to the sky peak at the top and looked at a panoramic view of the Island. That was amazing! There have been many times over the last two years when I have realised how lucky we are to be travelling and seeing so many fantastic things, and that has to be one of those moments. It is something I will never forget.
We had to take the trip down in the tram again, only this time we were travelling backwards. That was quite nerve wracking as we were at such a steep angle and yet we couldn’t see anything below us – just the sky above!
By the time we got down to the bottom again it was time to head back to the ferry and back to the hostel to pack my stuff and head for the airport on the train. Then all too soon it was time to say goodbye again, while I came home to work and Ed returned again to China to carry on his work in the brain development centre. (No, not his, the childrens!!!)
Saying goodbye was really hard and I know the next few months will be difficult while we are apart. But we have had such an amazing time over the last two years. We have seen some wonderful places and done some incredible things, challenged ourselves in ways we never thought we would. Some of the trip has been tough but every minute of it has been worth it. We have had a fantastic and inspiring journey and have made many new friends. We have learned a lot about life and about ourselves and we have learnt to value what is truly important and not all the other little things that really don’t matter. And above all else, we have survived this journey together and come out the other side, stronger and more determined in our goals. People have asked us if we regret putting our lives on hold to do this trip and selling everything, but we can never put a price on what we have done and seen. This experience will live with us forever and nothing can ever take that away. Neither of us would change our trip for anything. It has been by far the best thing we have ever done. Thank you all for following our adventures and we hope that you have enjoyed reading of our escapades!! Lots of love and see you all soon!!
