Kowloon Pickpockets and Italian Food

Kowloon was an experience. Karen and I were targetted by two pickpockets, a young Hindu boy and a young Chinese girl. The first was right behind us for ages. He stopped when we stopped and pretended to look lost. I think that he was eyeing my wallet which I noticed looked really obvious in my pocket as I walked. I'd never thought of it elsewhere because Hong Kong Island seems so safe in comparison. The girl was just about to hit Karen when we noticed her. She was with two boys so I guess it was going to be a hit from the girl and then a pick from one of the boys whilst we were confused. By this time I was ready to leave Kowloon,

Temple Market was really odd. Despite reading many good things the market traders all sold the same stuff, nothing was priced meaning you got what you bartered for and the quality of goods was questionable. Add to that the fact that it's pick-pocket city I think it's probably best avoided unless you desperately need a rip-off Louis Vitton bag or some illegal VCDs (of the frankie vaughn variety)...

Fortress Hill has been a great base. Not too busy at nights, everything you need and really close to the MTR for transport around the Island. (I Love the MTR) On the final night though Karen really struggled to find anything from the local restaurants which she wanted to eat and so we ended up in an italian having pizza! (Really Nice Pizza I might add). It was strange munching on mozzarella whilst looking across at a street trader hawking his goods in front of a 7Eleven store! Not a bad way to end the Hong Kong experience in hindsight. The place is trying so hard to be like a European city that eating pizza is probably the future (we've seen 2 Pizza Huts under construction and the place already has McDonalds and KFC!)...

I can't describe Hong Kong, I like it and I know why. It's a glimpse into the East with all the comforts of the West but I can't help being disappointed with the compromise. Despite that and on face value Hong Kong is a fantastic place. It may even be good to live here but I guess it would be a short lived experience. A years secondment or a project in Hong Kong would be great for any Brits with the opportunity. I think that you could live like a king here and not miss home comforts too much. I would recommend a trip into mainland China for anyone else coming. I know Karen and I haven't done it but that's a regret and in hindsight something I would change were I to come again.