h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A very good friend in Hong Kong has been/is seriously ill. So the Spearcarrier and his lady treated me to the fare out to visit'

The cheapest way of getting there was Grimsby-Manchester(train),Man-Dublin(plane),Dublin-Hong Kong(plane with a 2 hour stopover in Dubai). This cleverly got me to my grand=daughter's 4th birthday party en route.

I took too much luggage. T shirts were too hot as the temperature didn't go below 30 all the time I was there. Certainly couldn't wear even my very light summer trousers. Didn't have to pay excess on it though.

Lots had changed (of course)in the four and a bit years since I left, especially the Chinese shops have nearly all gone. It took me hours to track down some replacement silk long johns and it wasn't possible to find a silk dragon with red tassels that I was going to get for one of this year's babies (it's the year of the Dragon. I suppose that's because most of the tourists come from the mainland these days. Disneyland had over 7 and a half million visitors last year (more than the total population of Hong Kong).

I was treated very well: several splendid meals, two parties and a barbecue and a champagne brunch. Also spent a lot of quality time with my friend who was much better than I expected a week after a major op.(I also went to a rather silly play)

I would love to be back there, but only for the friends and the weather. The department that I worked in happily for ten years has collapsed and become very much less professional. Nearly everyone I knew has moved on. The others do nothing but moan.

Back to a cold and untidy house where I was caught out yesterday by an old friend who "always clears up" before she goes on holiday, so she doesn't have to face it when she comes back.

wow, what a great trip!
and thank you! my postcard came today

I didn't get a postcard. I still have some very Chinese teacups, though!

You are a very lucky girl, WS, seeing the world and being so at home in it, and with such lovely children who help you out like that.

It's nice to have you back.