Thursday 19 October – Homeward bound from Honkers.

We went for a final walk around our part of Hong Kong this morning, visiting the Bird Garden and Bird Market.  The garden is where the locals parade their birds – in cages – for exercise (the owners, not the birds) and to display them.  Birds of all shapes, sizes and colours can also be bought and sold at the market. We noticed a sign at the entrance to the male toilet in the park that suggests that China is ahead of Australia on the gender equality scale!

Then on to the nearby Flower Market where beautiful blooms, as well as shrubs and herbs, are sold. Elizabeth was in heaven!  A bit further on, after a walk through yet another street market, we came to the Goldfish market, where many shops deal in tropical fish.  We saw hundreds of small fish, in individual small water-filled bags, hanging from the shop walls.  It was getting close to lunch-time, so we headed in the direction of our hotel, passing a bridal couple, then stopped for a noodle lunch in a very busy, noisy restaurant.  Back to our room to finish packing, and now the wait until this evening when we head to the airport for our 9.30pm flight.

So that’s it.  It’s been a wonderful holiday (despite the bumpy start).  We have seen some beautiful and fascinating places, stayed in some great places, learned some more of our history and, all in all, had a great time.  So - over and out.