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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!
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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This is the first bank holiday weekend I have had off in a long time and today I am nursing a rather niggly hangover. I say niggly, because it isn't bad, just rather annoying. All I want to do is sleep, but I have too much to do and it is getting in the way of what was going to be a productive day. The weather isn't too bad today, so I've managed to get some washing done, pop into town and am cooking a lasagne for dinner this evening; I am doing my best to be positive today...I could make the same old statement - 'I'm never drinking again,' but that wouldn't be true, so I wont!
Yesterday I met a mate, Deb's from work, she was going to take me on a tour of her local haunts, the places she likes to go to - pubs, clubs and a restaurant on the coast . The weather was pretty much spot on for a day out, despite the odd few drops of rain and we enjoyed an afternoon drink followed by a good old traditional roast in the Thatched House pub, at Milton Locks, Southsea. I have been here once before, when I returned to the UK about a year ago, but not since.
The Thatched House, is a traditional public house serving British food at fantastic prices. I chose to have a carvery at a cost of 7.99 and it was huge. Three meats, roast potatoes and all the trimmings, I couldn't fault it and had absolutely no complaints, which is unusual for me. Suitably full, we went outside for a chat and beer, two things I love more than anything!
After the Thatched House, Deb's took me to The Duke of Devonshire in Albert Road. This traditional back street bar, is similar to the Newcome, where I work and was welcoming and friendly. We continued talking about life, the universe and everything, rather like being on a first date, but we weren't if you understand what I mean. Debbie and I were born a few hours a part at the same hospital in Portsmouth in 1971, so we kind of have a connection and we get on well, having a very similar sense of humour. Friendship is an important part of all our lives, but for me it is even more crucial in order for me to cope with living away from my husband. I have a lot of family and acquaintances around me on a daily basis and Debbie is another welcome addition to my close circle of friends.
After picking up two of Debbie's mates, we headed to Palmerston Road for more beers and a trip to the infamous Kingsley's, a nightclub that I can only describe as enlightening. To be honest I haven't been to a club in years, not since I lived in Spain and I rarely set foot in a straight venue, but the music was great, for an oldie like me and I enjoyed it for what it was. The average age must have been 60 years old and I did feel like the youngest one there...Another first for me. After getting propositioned by a lady old enough to be my Grandmother, I realised all the rumours about this place were true. It was like a cattle market for pensioners; I kid you not. Despite the obvious downsides I had a great day with Debs and felt more relaxed than I have done in a while; I look forward to our next 'Debbie Brown Tour,' there's nothing like letting your hair down to relieve stress, kick back and have a little bit of me time!
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I've had a welcome day off today after working for sixteen hours on Wednesday. I actually slept right the way through until 7am this morning, which is amazing for me, especially after waking up at 3am everyday since I have returned from Asia. I guess the jet lag is well and truly over now and my sleeping pattern is back to normal!
I had a few things to catch up on first thing today, but essentially I have spent Thursday cooking up some meals for the rest of the week - not something I have done in a long while!
In Spain money was tight and I embarked on a cost cutting exercise, cooking in bulk and freezing meals, the most economical way to live. It was particularly difficult to buy ready refection and snacks, especially in the urbanization where I lived. So by making healthy nutritious lunches and dinners myself, I was able to create my own convenience meals, eating a balanced sensible diet, without the need of high calorie and high sodium prepackaged food from supermarkets.
Money is no longer tight, but my busy lifestyle prevents me cooking for myself on a daily basis, so today I went back to basics and began doing what I did best in Spain, cooking hearty meals, to eat quickly in between the two jobs I currently have. Today I made a 'Spicy Spanish Chicken Stew with Pinto beans and Quinoa' and it tasted great and reminded me of my time living in Gran Alacant.
I have to admit, since returning from Spain, my eating habits have somewhat slipped. I have been consuming the most convenient pies, pasties and sandwiches, rather than spending a little time out of my week pre-preparing something a little more salutary. Annoyingly I have put on a few pounds to say the least and was not feeling happy about the direction I was heading in. Today I hope to begin to change that and organise my week more effectively, being able to eat well, without the need to buy high fat food; fingers crossed I keep it up!
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Today my Aunt went to Halong bay, where I was supposed to join her - I bottled it! I started to feel rather anxious last night, when I returned to the hotel after dinner. My head didn't feel right and I just couldn't be confined on a boat feeling the way I did. At times anxiety can be a real bitch, but I have been living with it for a long time and sometimes just have to make the best of a bad situation.
I have stayed in my hotel room, feeling like crap, winding myself up about residing in a skyscraper, on the next leg of our tour of the far east in Hong Kong and researching escape routes should I have a panic attack, which is quite likely the way I am at the moment. I hate how anxiety can overtake your life; dealing with it can be hard. On occasion I can get myself in some terrible states and today is one of those days. I feel like I have reached a critical juncture and am panicking all the time. Of course this isn't an everyday occurrence for me, it is just fleeting moments of trepidation that I have to try and control.
This will probably be one of the last times I travel to this part of the World and I am meeting my husband tomorrow, after seven months away from each other, yet I get strange sensations of alarm and horror overtaking my everyday thoughts. These are based on ridiculous notions that do not make any sense and are purely a figment of my imagination.
The big problem for me, holidaying in Asia is my fear of tall buildings or to give it its proper title batophobia, which has got gradually worse over the years. In the past I have holidayed in New York and Kuala Lumpur, both with towering awe inspiring buildings, which I did go up, even if it was reluctantly at times. I even climbed to the top of the tower in St Marks Square, Venice, in February, during extremely windy conditions, yet today, I can't even stand close to a tall high rise...Stupid isn't it?
My level of anxiety increased when I left my job in the charity sector at the end of 2015, which is understandable given the circumstances. My fears are always at the forefront of my mind and when I am in a situation that I can't control, like flying or staying in a large busy city, I do find it harder to cope. The emotions that manifest themselves during periods of stress are not real or normal in the tangible sense, but they are pretty genuine and authentic to me, at least at the time.
I love Asia and this part of the World, Vietnam is spectacular, but negativity can overtake my ability to relax and enjoy myself. My Aunt was more than happy to do the cruise alone today and she has met some wonderful characters, so my absence really didn't make a lot of difference. The only person who suffers on days like today is me and I miss out on what could have been a terrific experience; still what's done is done, there is nothing I can do or turn back the clock, so I just need to look forward to tomorrow when Darrell and I will be reunited...Onwards and upwards as they say!
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It was an early start for my Aunt and I in Hanoi and a trip to the hotel restaurant, with views looking over the city. The vast amount of food for breakfast was impressive and it was hard choosing exactly what to eat. Like my Aunt I chose an English breakfast, with eggs cooked to order and it wasn't at all bad, I thoroughly enjoyed the Light Hotels offering, it certainly set me up for the day!
On our first full day in Hanoi Aunty T and I were out and about for most of the day. The 1st of May is a public holiday in Vietnam, like nearly everywhere else in the World. In true British Bank Holiday form, the sky was grey and cloudy with a distinct chill in the air. We left the hotel early at just gone 9am and headed down towards Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the city centre.
The roads surrounding the lake, on every side were cordoned off, people were strolling along the large open boulevards, chatting, holding hands and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. With fantastic views across Honoi's historic centre, the day began gently, calmly, as we explored this beautiful part of the city. On one side of Hoàn Kiếm, large imposing Government buildings dominated the skyline, directly opposite the beginning of construction for the new 'Four Seasons Hotel' and further on down the road, grand opulent properties left over from Vietnam's colonial past; a bygone era.
My Aunt and I were heading towards Ngoc Son Temple, just across the Huc Bridge, a beautiful 18th century building honouring the 13th century military leader Tran Hung. Jostling with the locals, who were out in force, we made our way over the bridge, greeted by stunning Vietnamese architecture, like I had never seen before. Vast rooms, richly decorated in gold, statues of buddah, iconography adorning the walls, the smell of incense and 360 degree panoramic views across the lake. The red Vietmanese flag, with a golden star in the centre fluttered peacefully in the slight morning breeze, as people looked in awe at the spectacle of oriental history on display.
Inside the Ngoc Son Temple people were laying offerings of food on the altar directly in the centre of this vast open space. A Buddhist monk was chanting in Vietnamese, what I can only imagine to be prayers of some sort, though I can't be sure. As I walked around the room, I noticed more and more art work, beautiful artifacts and cats lounging lazily in doorways or corners, sheltering from the outside. Inscriptions of dedication, silk coverings and ancient books neatly on show for visitors to browse and ponder about the history that made up this delightful, atmospheric structure, a homage to Vietnam's past!
The red flag waved to us as we bid a fond farewell to the temple, situated in the middle of this modern metropolis. I was struck by the number of people out and about on the national holiday, some much needed family time in this busy part of the capital. Everyone looked happy, kids enjoying a go kart race outside a row of restaurants and singing from school children opposite the school they would otherwise be seated. This was the peoples day in Communist Vietnam, not dissimilar to Labour day in other parts of the World.
Our next destination was another temple a short distance away, equally as enchanting, set back from the road between two unassuming office blocks. A local lady approached my Aunt and asked if I would take a photo for her, which I duly did. In return she offered to do the same; I don't mind telling you how reluctant I was to hand over my phone, in case she did a runner with it; not very trusting I know, but you can never be too sure these days. After a brief few moments of hesitation, I gave her my camera and she took our picture enthusiastically. Believing we were a couple, she asked us to stand in a rather awkward way, that only couples would normally do. We obliged, not wanted to offend her and she was delighted with her work. Handing the phone back she waved goodbye, as Aunty T and I laughed and joked about what had just happened!
After a long 20300 step walk, we arrived at our next destination, Hao Lo Prison, a rather macabre venue, where we learned about acts of barbarism committed against the Vietnamese people. Walking through dark, damp, cramped cells, we realised the horror of this countries past. The tiny prison cells made me feel down and depressed, philosophical and quite upset. I spent time sat on a bench reflecting on mans inhumanity to man. You think we have moved forwards in life as a species, but nothing really changes, wars and conflicts continue.
I wouldn't have chosen to go here normally, but am glad my Aunt made me. As human beings, we should all have a connection to past events, bad or not, to learn and grow and understand circumstances that shaped our World.
After a brief trip to the Catholic Cathedral and getting lost on the way back, we finally made it to the hotel, where we both collapsed. While my Aunt went for a further evening walk, I decided to relax for the rest of the day until we both went out for dinner in the evening - Fine dining at its best, overlooking the city skyline, chatting about our experiences so far!
