Feng Shui

Those who know about such matters say that the new Bank of China Building, at the bottom of this blip, projects negative vibes on to other buildings.

Happily, I have very little to say about Hong Kong that is negative. Well, just three things at the end of this blurb.

But first the good news. Last night, a superb meal (vegetarian blippers may wish to skip the next bit), including Stuffed Sea Whelk, Shark's Fin and Bird's Nest Soup, Abalone and Fish Maw, was followed by watching England beat Wales. On TV in a bar, of course, not actually here.

This morning started with a visit to the amazing modern buildings, including the BOC (above) and the bizarre LIPPO.

Then, a tram ride up to the Peak for stunning views of the City, some people watching and a lovely walk through the forest. On the steep walk down some fine, unintended sculpture and more dizzying views.

After a very steep descent, there was some evidence of yarn-bombing and other kinds of fun.

Just three complaints, if I may:

1. I am suffering from a newly discovered medical condition - "Blipper's Fingers" - the symptoms of which are a sore thumb (from gripping the camera) and index finger (from using the track-pad mouse on the laptop.) Please don't tell Blip Central but I may sue.

2. Each excursion from the hotel room requires a game of Lift Lotto. Pressing the up or down buttons invariably results in lifts whooshing past, both up and down, before one deigns to stop. When I manage to enter one, the choice of up or downward motion, and the floor-destination, are wholly random. And to reach the 38th floor restaurant, for breakfast, one has to go first to the 39th floor and change lifts to a special "bullet lift" (I confess that, on first reading, I thought it said "buffet lift") back down to 38.

3. Most seriously, in a nation (sorry - "Special Administrative Region") seemingly obsessed with avoiding bird flu, you would think they would take care to ensure that innocent UK visitors to the Aviary in Hong Kong Park would not be bombed and splattered by the residents thereof. I am not sure whether the culprits were these Emerald Doves or a gorgeous Balinese Minah but the laughter of the staff and all other visitors was most unkind.