N_M has spent more time in Fish Shop Street - more than 100 shops in one road, all selling tropical and marine fish and all the necessary equipment. And it's all about a quarter or less of UK prices. He's like a kid in a toy shop at Christmas! The trouble is that a lot of his purchases are bulky, so I'm dreading the packing.
On one of our "shopping like a local" trips, we saw a little cat who was obviously being kept as a mouser by the shops, but was incredibly thin. So we went and bought a small tin of Whiskas and went and found her again. It took her about 20 minutes to consume the whole canful of food, bless her.
We have had several trips across the bay on the Star Ferry to get to Hong Kong Island, (that's the view above ^) followed by a ride on the "Ding Ding", the local trams which cost the princely sum of $2 (about 15p) each no matter how far you go.
The public transport here is second to none, efficient, clean and on time. It was rather funny last night as we travelled on the MTR in rush hour and there are "pushers" on each door with long red sticks to push you into the carriages so that the trains can leave, haha.
As I said before, we have lots of the athletes for the East Asian Games staying in our hotel. As I emerged from the lift the other morning I couldn't believe my eyes! There were security guards, Police and all sorts of fellows with radios and cameras all trained on the lift doors and lobby. It turns out that China's top athlete, Liu Xiang the former 110m hurdles Olympic and World Champion, is staying just 7 floors above us. There are roped off press areas and fans areas downstairs, but we are allowed to come and go as we please, albeit watched and no doubt photographed!
Yesterday we went to Causeway Bay for lunch with N_M's parents and a look around. There is a huge Times Square there with lots of very exclusive shops. But just outside Times Square, we chanced upon this little boutique and very happy looking elderly Chinese lady.... hahaha
Last night we met up with our friends for a goodbye meal, then took a long walk along the waterfront. The lights on the buildings are always special, but coming at this time of year they are amazing and must cost a fortune in electricity!
Going back to our hotel we took some snaps as we approached. The footbridge across the road is all lit up,
as is the roundabout outside with Doni and Ami, the mascots for the East Asian Games.
The hotel lobby also has a lovely nativity scene and Christmas decoration.
Well, we come home tonight, so have got most of today to do some last minute shopping and sight seeing. It feels as though we've been away for absolutely ages, but sadly work beckons again on Monday. So au revoir for now, thank you for reading and for your nice comments.
