Leaving the Philippines leaves me with a strange feeling, I did not plan to go there, and I did not expect what I got. Great locations, great people, definitely a place I’ll go back to.

First few days in the city, Got to the hostel late at night and, drop the stuff in the hostel I run out to experience the views that I had many times seen in movies and on TV. It does not disappoint; the skyline of the island as well as the neon lit streets are just as I had immagined.

Things are not that different on in the daytime, the sky is a bit covered, but I’m meeting up with my Italian friends from Malapascua. We go up the Peak, with the Peak Tram to enjoy the views and then we catch the ferry to Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha. All in all a truly touristy day.

Even coming home from the day trip it’s hard to stay closed in the hostel, the temptation of delaying going to bed when so far away from one’s normality is too alluring, so, off again, exploring the little crevices of life, sonormal for those who live it, so alien for those who are just passing.

The Italians have gone, I’m here for another two days so I decide to make the double going to the other colonial enclaves in the area: Macao. Formerly a Portugese outpost, the heritage has been conserved and it is enjoyable while walking into the narrow roads of the old town.

Now it is a bit of a Las Vegas of the far east, a tad crass, but still worth seeing.

Back for the last day in Hong Kong, after having been to the movies, I decide just to go around the shopping districts and the markets in the Hong Kong mainland. Flowers, animals, and all sorts of stuff can be found. Just what you expect a modern Marco Polo could be impressed by.

Staying in Hong Kong just made want to explore China. What a culture, what amazing food. I’ll be back, but now off to Thailand.