After months of planning, changing flights, changing hotels I have finally arrived at the airport, although a little bit too early.

My flight does not leave until after midnight and I got here with 5 hours to go. I struggle to stay home when the time is nigh. I’d done everything I needed to do and if I sit at home I only begin to worry that something will happen on the way and I’ll miss the plane, and so instead I leave with plenty of time up my sleeve.

Sitting here I can people watch, mind you the seats are not the best. I can’t get into the lounge until I’ve checked in my luggage. I’ve still got an hour to go before the gate opens.

Well I got into the lounge and had the Moroccan Chicken and Thai Vegetables with a glass of Chardonnay to wash it all down. It was a free lounge pass afterall.

The flight was OK I guess, I dozed off a few times and only woke up when my snoring woke me or maybe it was a dunt in my ribs from fellow passengers. Thankfully I came to just as breakfast was being served, scrambled eggs, yoghurt and fruit.

I had just under five hours to kill until my train into the mainland and so I went to Pret A Manger for coffee and wrap before I go to the land of the noodle.

As soon as you cross to the Chinese mainland side of Kowloon West, you can see and feel the change as we drift off into the land of the PRC. The officials are more officious, the staff bark at you and the toilets are not as nice. But, I’ve been here before so no surprises there.

The train journey was smooth and took around 2-1/2 hours and then I got into a taxi with a very friendly courteous driver who immediately started talking away to me and, Yes I could understand or my guesses were spot on 😊

The hotel is OK, but it’s on a busy intersection which I did not realise when booking. I’m only here for 3 nights so I’ll hopefully not go mental.

Had a shower and then went out to explore. After about 40 mins I was beginning to wain. I was looking for a Muslim Restaurant, however I couldn’t see one anywhere so instead I went to a Shanxi Restaurant and had beef Chow Mian, very thin noodles and a bit of a bite. Absolutely delicious.

Back to the hotel and I’m so glad that the Esim is working, it didn’t kick in until we got to about Shenzhen, which was a surprise as all reports claimed that it should work at Kowloon West once you crossed over.

So all is well. I’m knackered and I’m going to sleep.