Asian Adventure - Arrival in Hong Kong, meeting Darrell, 3 May 2019

The heavens opened on the day we left for Hong Kong. Both my Aunt and I were sad to leave Hanoi, a place we had only stayed in for a short while, giving us a taster of Vietnam. I enjoyed the few days we spent here and why wouldn't I, the people had given us both a warm welcome and I felt at home in this thriving community. As we drove through the streets in our car heading for the airport, I was struck by just how much of this wonderful city we hadn't seen; this is definitely a place I want to return to again one day, but for now it was time to say goodbye, just not forever!

The Vietnam Airways flight to Hong Kong was short and enjoyable. Despite the turbulence at times, I felt relaxed and happy to be heading to this former British Colony, finally meeting my husband after seven months apart. Of course liaising with ones partner on the other side of the World, in a very public environment wasn't my preferred option, but at least we will see each other and be able to spend ten days together, before he flies back to Australia.

Hong Kong Airport was amazing, surrounded by tall buildings in every direction. Before my batophobia could kick in I spotted Darrell and everything was OK. It was emotional seeing him after such a long time apart, and we hugged for what seemed like hours, after a kiss and yet more hugs, suitably composed, we headed towards the airport station, to catch a train to Kowloon, where we would be based for the next few days.  Walking towards the ticket office with Darrell did seem very surreal. Our relationship has lived through many ups and downs over the years and I am proud we are still so firmly together, despite our difficult circumstances. People often comment on how strong we are as a couple and travelling thousands of miles, to the other side of the World is yet another indication of our commitment together. There should be no barrier to relationships when you truly love someone, no hurdle is insurmountable!

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The train journey to our hotel, The Dorsett Mongkok, was a pleasure; I have always loved arriving in a new place. Watching the scenery pass by as we headed towards Kowloon was fantastic, an unforgettable experience. In truth I was amazed by just how big this part of China is. I have seen Hong Kong on TV and maps before, but it isn't until you actually go there, that you realise the size of the place. As we approached the city itself, the spectacle of this modern, busy metropolis just didn't disappoint in scale. This was indeed a construction marvel and I just couldn't believe how people actually lived and worked in such a vibrant but anxiety inducing city. My immediate impressions were indeed positive; this was unlike any other part of the World I had ever visited before.

From Kowloon Station we got a rather old looking cab to our hotel, all our suitcases tied into the boot, rather precariously, rattling around as we sped along the city streets, dropped neatly outside the door to our modern lǚguǎn for the next few days. The rooms were rather small, as one would expect from an inner city hotel, but they were comfortable and of an extremely high standard. The views across Kowloon from our window were incredible, like nothing I had seen, even after visiting New York. I suppose I was rather taken aback by its size, which did make me feel a little uneasy at times, well I am a country boy at heart!

After an hours rest, we left the hotel and explored the local area; Kowloon was full of life. The smell of fresh fish, Chinese herbs and spices, the traffic fumes. The flashing neon lights located on every building, were just flickering into life, market stalls, packed with colour, fruits and vegetables I have never seen before and street vendors cooking local delicacies for the thronging crowds pouring out of their office buildings, tempted by some Chinese noodles or bowl of dim sum! Hong Kong was alive, gritty, different from what I knew; the sights and sounds of a population on the move, before heading to their tiny apartments on the sixtieth floor of a crowded tower block!

It was nearly 6pm as we headed back to the Dorsett Mongkok for free wine and nibbles in the foyer. We sat chatting with attentive staff and fellow guests alike, asking questions as the lights outside gradually dimmed to dark. Four glasses of red wine later and we left for dinner in one of the streets surrounding our hotel. A Chinese restaurant serving locals, not a tourist in site. The food was different from any Chinese restaurant I had been to in the UK, authentic, traditional, aromatic - I chose Chicken, Fungus and Lily Flower - it tasted out of this World. The chicken still had the bones running through, not something I am used to, but added extra depth of flavour and texture. Of course there was no knife and fork, just chopsticks and an expectation that the sauce was consumed directly from the Chinese porcelain dish.

Fed and watered, three bottles of Hong Kong beer, we headed out into the street, walking around the now heaving thoroughfare. I remember looking upwards, towards the cities in the sky, each building higher than the other, lights illuminating our way, as we traversed the narrow lanes. Kowloon was strangely comforting and secure in a city so vast, my heart pumped harder than ever before!

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