Monday 3rd August 09

Today we had a morning trip up the Escalator to Mid-Levels. We got the ferry to Central and then followed the long walkway into town to Hang Seng Bank. The Escalator starts just across the road from there. For the people who live at Mid-Levels to go to work, the Escalator goes down in the morning until 10am. We went up it and there were some really interesting views over the city. It took about twenty minutes to go up it.

We then walked, along the streets and on overhead walkways, to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, near Hong Kong Park. We had a great time. There were cages of all sorts of animals hidden amongst the lush, green plants. There were: cute Racoons (see picture); playful Marmosets; funny human-like Gibbons; graciously, slow Tortoise and cheeky Lemurs! The Marmosets were jumping about all over the place but the Racoons just silently ate carrots! The Tortoise just sat sun-bathing, but the Gibbons swung on ropes swaying side to side. They were all amazing to watch.

We then walked through Hong Kong Park and bought our 3rd bottle of water! You probably lose a load more weight in sweat here than you do working out in the gym! I even walked through the waterfall to cool me down, because I was so hot!

After walking through Hong Kong Park we ventured over to Pacific Place (a shopping mall). Mum went into a few clothes shops and I went into Hong Kong Records-they sell CDs, DVDs, PC games, DS games and Wii games (whilst shopping we also made full use of the air-conditioning). I bought a Sherlock Holmes DS game, but I didn't have enough money so I have to pay Mum back! We went to Great Cafe to have lunch, we shared pizza and salad.

Taxis weren't allowed to stop where we were standing, but there were plenty of bus stops near by- I bet you can tell where this is going. We got the bus to Hang Seng Bank(yes, the bus) and retraced our steps back along the long walkway to the ferry pier! Dad was very impressed.

Feeling pleased with ourselves, we got the ferry from Central back to Hung Hom!

When we got home, I checked the weather forecast, and Typhoon Warning 3 had been issued! That means that a massive storm is on its way. The forecast said that Typhoon Warning 8 will be issued tomorrow at about noon. Typhoon Warnings go in this order: 1, 3, 8, 10. Don't ask me why!

Talk soon!

Love from Meganxxx