Pastures Anew...and Losing My Shoe

So, here we are, sat in a random cafe in mainland China, sipping red bean and soya milkshakes (surprisingly good, despite the suspicious yellow beans lurking at the bottom). What better time to update my blog? I finished this entry about an hour ago- but when I went to to post, the censoring-mad Chinese server blocked me!! But, thanks to Patrick's ingenuity, we've found a sneaky little path back on- and Facebook too! Take that, China- you won't take away our right to freedom of speech and Facebook stalking!
   Ahem!...anyway, For the last four days, we've been living the dazzling, frazzling Hong Kong dream. As soon as we stepped into HK airport, we knew we were in for a different traveling experience; the cleanliness and efficiency of the transport system was a little overwhelming after the last 3 months of confusion and lack of hygiene!
   I'm not one to usually enjoy the anonymity of cities, but after India's intense stares it was somewhat refreshing to by lost amongst the thousands in the wide streets. Both of us didn't know which way to look first; the bursts of neon every which way bedazzled us and has us completely spellbound! This was especially true when we got the tram up to the Peak Tower, and the entire city, usually smoggy and noisy during the day, looked peacefully classy and mesmerizing when dolled up in lights. It reminded me of when a usually scruffy looking man makes a bit impression when he's all suited and booted (hint, hint Patrick! only kidding- ish...)
   Our first tasters of Chinese food were impressive. There were oodles and oodles of noodle restaurants to choose from- my favourite noodle restaurant gave you a card to circle your choice of noodles- kind of like bingo! When Patrick circled 'medium/very spicy', the waitress looked a little dubious, and we soon found out why! We'll certainly remember in the future that 'medium/very spicy' actually means 'OH MY GOD THERE'S A FIRE IN MY MOUTH SOMEONE CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES!' kind of spicy! There were a few delicacies that we saw on the menu, but didn't get to try- barbecued pig's tongue and roasted pigeon might have to be sampled at some point!
   It's fair to say that a part of me will stay with Hong Kong forever...literally. Whilst stepping onto a train, I managed the almost impossible task of losing one of my flip-flops down the gap between the train and the platform- hilariously baffling! I think it would be difficult to recreate, even if I tried! Hong Kong is a very livable city, as seen by the number of expats you see dotted about...it would take much longer than four days to get a true taste of everything this city has to offer!
   Sleeper bus to Xiamen tonight, organised within ten minutes of our arrival on the mainland by a super-efficient Chinese guy with a cigarette dancing around in his mouth. Memories of our first sleeper bus in India are flooding back- wonder if this one will have wipers?...