The Calm Before the Storm

As I stayed with Mark and Grace on Thursday night, I needed to wheel my case a short distance to check into the Silvermine Hotel for the remainder of my stay. I could have economized by staying the whole time with Mark and Grace, but with the forthcoming wedding kerfuffle, I played it safe and avoided getting under anyone’s feet.

We met up with Mum & Joep who were also staying at the Silvermine – both were looking a bit ragged after their hit-and-miss journey escaping the Scottish winter travel lottery. After a restorative midday all day breakfast in the China Bear pub next to Mui Wo ferry pier, we headed into Hong Kong proper. The groom needed a haircut and the rest of the clan needed to stretch our legs after dicing with deep vein thrombosis the day before. I really enjoyed the ferry ride over – great skyline, unusual sights and smells.

As Hong Kong still retains some fading connections to the old empire, I took the opportunity for a pint of Boddingtons and an accompanying bowl of sticky toffee pudding whilst my parents and I waited for Mark to return. This was followed by further beers in The Junk Pub and Pier 7, a rather nice waterfront hostelry with fantastic views out over the harbour and surrounding skyscrapers. It was a bit chilly sitting in the beer garden but the amazing buildings made it feel a bit special.

Friday night saw us all return to Mui Wo to sit outside the Turkish restaurant in for some more socialising. Lots of pints of Carlsberg, spring rolls, and chit chat. A successful, yet predictable end to Friday night. All in all, a very nice day getting reacquainted with Hong Kong and a welcome change from Tokyo.

And the main event was still to come....... The highlight of Friday had to be the amazing harbourfront night views. Loved seeing the fantastic buildings and colourful lights of Hong Kong. The ferry journey back to Lantau Island offered a fantastic opportunity to see the sights - unfortunately the camera shake (which I blame on the choppy crossing) resulted in an array of useless photographs.