East meets West

Friday the 13th started off a tad fraught as I suppose it should. We found out our hostel couldn't accommodate us for the remains of our stay after our three nights, so we had to find elsewhere. Needless to say it was trickier to find a private room than expected but eventually we booked something back in Kowloon.

Once that was sorted we set our sights on a bit of enlightenment and headed for the big Buddha. After a 25 min cable car ride across the amazing hills on Lantau Island we reach Gnong Ping where there's a monastery and the world largest outdoor, seated, bronze Buddha. After we got a bit of neck strain and hiked it up the steps to see the Buddha, I embarrassed myself by taking part in a Kung Fu class from 'the master' up upon the hills. Then before getting the cable car back down we had to force down a mango pudding from 'honeymoon desserts' - well why not eh. It isn't something we'd choose to have again!

Later on, we met up with the lovely Lou and Max who are friends of my sister and brother in law. After climbing the somewhat disappointing (world's longest?) escalator that goes from one side of town to the other, we hit the bars. Being ex-pats they took us to all the best places in Central, though those bars were probably some of the ritziest we'll go in for a while. Including an amazing roof top bar, an Irish place and happening club with a live Phillipino band.

Not only did we consume a tad too much, but Lou was determined to make us eat everything that was available so after a very hearty dinner, we went to the best desert place in HK for sticky toffee pudding and chocolate goo cake, then finally the evening was finished off with some amazing kebabs (halloumi for me) Thanks so much to Lou, Max and their friendly friend Patrick for taking us out, we owe you.