April 5

Hong Kong

One problem with the Harbourview is that in a couple of years it may not have one. The land reclamation in front of it has been going on apace and, in a couple of years, a new crop of multi-storey buildings will spring up in between it and the harbour. Information gained later suggested that the view might be saved. Most of the reclaimed area will be used for a new road and also an underground rail line along the harbour front. These should be low level and might not obstruct the view. I had a poor night's sleep. Blaming jet lag would be convenient but there's no time change between Singapore and Hong Kong. There appears to be some sort of sleep in protest outside the Arts Centre. On the way back to the hotel this afternoon, I will investigate. I have breakfasted at Tsui Wah before. As usual, I was the only white face and I ordered one of the "sets". Left: The view from The Harbourview

This was scrambled egg with a toasted buttered bun and a bowl of satay beef, noodles and soup. The other combinations were similar and that's what everyone else in the restaurant was eating. I did watch the young lady on the next table pour her scrambled egg into her soup. They are strange folk in Hong Kong! Chinese tea wasn't available so I had a hot lemon tea, instead. Right: Scrambled egg & a bun

In Singapore, I trained myself to stand on the left side of  the escalators. Over here, where anyone does follow the rules, they stand on the right, just as in the UK. Given that all three countries drive on the same side of the road, it is all a bit confusing.

I caught a bus to Stanley but have no photos, partly because the bus lurched around a lot - they always do - and partly because I sat on the side with the windows obscured for advertising.

Stanley Plaza isn't attractive but it has good views and lots of proof that they are mad about dogs.

The certificates were for Guinness Book of Records stunts involving lots of dogs doing very strange things such as a dog yoga class of 270, 109 dogs balancing treats on their noses simultaneously and 268 dogs having their teeth brushed simultaneously. I assume that the local expatriate community provided most of the dogs.

I had some success in the market in my search for jewellery boxes and took several photos with my phone to email over to New Zealand for approval. One of the shops let me access their wi fi but it wasn't fast enough to let me email large photos. I will have to take them back to the hotel and email them from there.

I looked for shirts but there was nothing ridiculously cheap and nothing interesting enough to be worth buying at a normal price.

The Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum is about ten minutes walk from the centre of Stanley. It isn't wildly exciting but it does try to explain the history of "correctional services" here. They put huge emphasis on training and rehabilitation - but I think they do that in the UK and it is more in word than in deed. Perhaps they really are better at it out here.
	Not an exciting walk ...
... to not an exciting building
The Museum Garden	A model cell

They did display lots of equipment relating to both capital and corporal punishment. I expect you can find similar stuff in the average London brothel.

Next door is the prison and the parade ground, where the recruits were drilling. I felt it inappropriate to take photos!

A litter tray for a doggie	One of the locals

I walked back into Stanley, once again failed to find any shirts and settled into The Smugglers for a beer. It is the local for many expats and, while I was there, one who had moved away returned and was greeted like a long lost friend. It has a nice atmosphere, albeit a slightly rowdy one as soon as the aged Australians in cricket shirts arrived. Presumably, they are here for the 7s.

The Smugglers Inn	Singapore noodles - a native of Hong Kong

The restaurants along the Main Street near the pub are pricey and pushy. I might have eaten at several of them if the proprietors hadn't rushed out and tried to drag me inside. I chose the waterfront, instead, which is cheaper and less aimed at robbing tourists. The sea view would have been excellent if it hadn't been so misty and dull. The Singapore noodles were spicy and full of crispy vegetables. The tea was good.

I had another explore of the market but found nothing to buy so caught a bus back into town. This time, I made sure to sit on the side with clear windows. I fired off a few shots but doubt anything decent will result.

Back in the city, I resumed my quest for jewellery boxes. I found some beautiful ones but at nasty prices, so made my way back to the hotel, photographing the sit-in en route. I've no idea what it was about.

After a few emails and phone calls, I walked towards the Wan Chai ferry terminal, through the posh offices and over what used to be the bus depot. The is now a scene of utter devastation, straight out of Tolkien. A notice suggested that it is preparatory work for a new train station, although I might have got that wrong.

The ferry was quite bouncy and we had to wait a couple of minutes before it was calm enough to disembark.

I visited a couple of chemists in a vain hunt for razor blades. There were some here six weeks ago but none now. I should have bought more on my earlier visit. I did find a shirt which fitted, although it was a trifle loud.

The Kowloon Taproom was fun again. I had another pint of Lion Rock IPA which, as I said last time, tastes good and hoppy but is too fizzy. I must encourage the local brewers.

	Dusk over the harbour
The Kowloon Taproom	Dinner in elegant surroundings

The train took me back to the hotel where I prepared for dinner. The American Restaurant is old and dignified, as are most of its staff. Most of them, in fact, are older than I am. I ate a large and well prepared meal in elegant surroundings. I returned to the hotel and performed my usual evening chores.