Priority was to find accommodation in this mega-expensive city. I
soon learned the World Rugby-7s were held that weekend and every
conceivable hole was filled to the brim. Things were not going my
way.
Eventually, digs were found at Alisan Guesthouse. Unfortunately, only
the "staff" room was available, meaning the room was terribly small,
with only a tiny bed. Considered cheap in Hong Kong, I took it and
searched for a place to stay that night as the room was only available
from the following day.
Only the Holiday Inn still had space which should tell you something
about its value for money. Arrangements were made with Carlos, a
friend of mine, who lived in Hong Kong at the time. Carlos had a
meeting on the island, and once done, we met for coffee and a long
chat, as it had been a few years since we last spoke.
Hong Kong – Seoul, South Korea - By plane
My stay in Hong Kong was significantly longer than anticipated as I
needed to renew my Chinese visa and apply for a new South African
passport.
Stuck in Hongkong there was no other option than to fly out and it
was more than a month before a short taxi ride took me and my
meagre belongings to the airport. Once again, the overweight
baggage fee was shocking, but there was nothing one could do but
pay and get the job over and done with. The flight from Hong Kong
touched down in Seoul three hours later and although I couldn't draw
money I could at least pay by card—what a pain. Priority was thus to
contact the bank and I could only hope all would be sorted out by
morning. Phew!