Hong Kong

It was a cold start in Seoul this morning, barely reaching double figures. Luckily for us, we only had to get to our car from the hotel lobby, which had very warm heated seats. It’s about 53 kms from central Seoul to Incheon airport, but being Saturday morning we were able to beat most of the traffic. Incheon Airport has been recognised as the world’s best airport for the last 11 years and is also one of the world’s busiest airports. It has had to accomodate large passenger volumes for the World Cup Soccer and Winter Olympics. We were impressed with the ease at getting around and getting processed.

We caught our flight to Hong Kong with out any incidents, but did find it difficult to locate our hotel transfer on arrival. After quite a bit of running around we found that we didn’t have our normal private car to the hotel (how appalling), but more of a shuttle service which we shared with a couple that had just flown in from the UK. They were more than a little concerned that our driver was in fact Lewis Hamilton. I did notice him reaching the 120 kmph mark along the way. We did however, arrive at our hotel safely. The Harbour Grand is on Hong Kong Island and has great view towards Kowloon… (more of that in coming days). The lobby has an amazing chandelier and an occasional harp player… who knew?

Upon our arrival we were escorted to the 41st Floor to check in over a cocktail. I chose a Cosmopolitan which excellent… almost as good as the one Tony made me in New York in 2009. Debbie settled for a Pina Colada which she quite liked … I am relieved though that she doesn’t like getting caught in the rain and she’s not into yoga… but on the upside she is into champagne…

Following ‘check in’ we went to find a restaurant Debbie had identified nearby. We fund the venue, but it was ‘cash only’ and having just landed, we’d not yet sorted out cash. So we went next door and had Italian instead… because you always go to Hong Kong for Italian food. It was nonetheless an excellent meal.

So after a couple of quiet days, I think I am largely over the ‘Man Cold’ and tomorrow we will set out to explore Hong Kong in much more detail.

Until tomorrow!