Breakfast was included in our room price and the buffet was very extensive, with hot & cold offerings to cater for a range of cultures. We were also able to take coffee back to our room. It was time to explore Hong Kong.

We set out along Nathan road towards the harbour and promenade. All along the way there was mass construction taking place, making it very noisy. Interestingly, the scaffolding around these buildings was made of bamboo sticks fastened with some sort of twine, a technique unique to this part of world.

The view from the promenade across the harbour to another part of Hong Kong was thick with smog. We took some photos in the Star Gardens, a popular tourist spot, and then stopped in at the Intercontinental for refreshments. The bar wasn’t open so we ordered two cappuccinos and a sparkling water. When the bill came it equaled around $45 Australian.

Upon checkout we asked for a recommendation for a traditional place to go for dim sum lunch. She sent us to a restaurant around the corner called Tao Heung. On arrival we saw that the venue seemed to be filled with local people. We were provided with a menu and ordered yum cha style. Our meals were steamed pork buns, deep fried pork buns and chicken spring roll. They were delicious and ended up costing us a total of $16 Australian. Such a contrast to our morning drinks!

Back to the hotel for a drink and then to collect our bags which were being stored for is. It was the end of our holiday, the streets were very busy, and we had no more desire to do any more shopping. Our shuttle to the train station was once again fuss free and we found that you can actually check in for your flight at the station (we had had trouble when we tried to check in online). We tried to do this but, as we wanted seats together, the kind man told us that there were not any at the moment but some more would be released later. He called ahead to let the airport staff know that we wanted seats together and he told us to see the Cathay Pacific information desk when we arrived. When we got there, they took our bags and advised us to come back an hour before our flight when our seats would be released. They also gave us four $40HK vouchers to spend in the meantime.

Now we are sitting in wait of our flight. It feels like so long ago that we left Australia and we have had a great holiday. That said, we are looking forward to coming home, seeing our family & friends, and scratching the doggies. Until next our Europe adventure, good night!