Ready to start the tour.

I'm getting very itchy feet to start my tours through China... so thankful that my first tour starts tomorrow. It's been painful staying in Hong Kong for a week given the weather and abysmal drink prices... painful when I consider the pristine beaches and excellent value of the other locations I've been to over the last 3 months including Phuket, Hat Lamai (Ko Samui), Langkawi, Phi Phi etc. I can see why backpackers rate Thailand as being one of the best destinations in the world... so far, no other place rates as highly as it.

Centre

As I write, I'm also very keen to get to Europe. I've cut my time in Asia by 10 days (mainly due to my decision not to return to Bangkok on this trip)... will arrive in London on May 12th. My time in China is totally non-flexible because of my planned tours, and non-refundable, non-changeable air tickets. The Oneworld ticket on the other hand is excellent... I can change the dates at will for no charge. I've decided to stay in Dubai for only 3 nights instead of my planned 7... mainly due to the fact that I want to spend more than my planned 7 nights in England.

Hong Kong Island

I've spent the weekend exploring Hong Kong's nightspots... Boris has introduced me to a variety of spots, some local and some frequented by westerners. By international standards, they were ok, but the drinks were probably the most over-priced I've ever experienced anywhere in the world. For example, at one nightclub, it cost me $HK48 for a glass of lemonade ($AUD10) and the cover charge was HK100 ($20). I'd hate to think how much the alcoholic drinks cost... tip... try to make the most of happy hours when you come here when the price of drinks are slashed. In terms of real estate, Boris informs me that this rates behind Tokyo as being the second most expensive in the world. I suppose for locals earning big dollars, it is ok to spend that kind of money, but for backpackers, it is enough to turn you off the place (which it did for me).

I tried!

For those interested in following my tour through China, log on to www.intrepidadventures.com - the tour I'm doing has the code CSH, Hong Kong to Shanghai. Very much looking forward to this 13 night, 14 day tour through what promises to be some extraordinary scenery and culture. I'm also doing the Beijing to Kunming tour... not sure of the code, but it is 23 nights.

Kowloon

Locals

Sincere House Room

Skyline and Weather

Stanford Hotel Room in Kowloon

Stanley Beach

The 10th floor

Tram on Hong Kong Island