A ferry to Hong Kong

I've visited Hong Kong many times before but never on a backpack budget (I'd be with family and stay at hotels). Never did I think that Hong Kong was "backpack friendly" till I stayed at a hostel at the Chungking Mansions at Nathan Road. The place isn't for the faint hearted (a bit cramp and crowded) but it suits me just fine! I found a hostel maintained by a friendly Filipina who kept the hostel real clean and safe - that's all I ask for!

You can see from my drawing that there isn't much of a view from my hostel window and there isn't much space either - but I'm out most of the day anyways and so this doesn't bother me one little bit. Whenever I go overseas, there is something I always do (aside from sketching) - i wake up in the middle of the night and look through my window. I look at the road, look at what other people are doing, it's real interesting to me. My Hong Kong window was a whole stack of windows, clothes lines and air conditioners: fascinating!

Hong Kong is completely modern with all of the shopping, all of the contemporary architecture and it's busy busy busy. Not much drawing for me but I've always loved Hong Kong and it's vibrancy.

A real short bus ride from China to Macau

Macau is small as China is gigantic. By mistake, we didn't get off at the right bus stop and by that, we were able to get around the whole of Macau. I had the impression that Macau is a place for gambling, gambling and more gambling (i don't gamble and so I wasn't so keen on visiting Macau). I was wrong - Macau is WONDERFUL with old Portuguese architecture, pocket gardens, museums and lots of culture! Macau is so much like Europe in Asia.

There are great architecture landmarks full of wonderful detail which is great for drawing. I recommend visiting the Macau museum and probably a casino just for experience.

Since Macau was a bit pricey, we would keep our eyes open, observe where the locals (construction workers) go to dine. We found a small hole in the wall "cafeteria" where locals went - it was inexpensive and the food was healthy and hearty - vegetables were SO fresh! I imagine there are a number of them around, so just look out for them - we don't have to eat at fast food joints all the time.

A stone's throw away: Hong Kong