Since I last wrote, I have returned to England, via Hong Kong and delivered safely to Heathrow terminal three courtesy of Cathay Pacific, and China Eastern (for the Nanjing - Hong Kong route)
Here is a similar big bird - The 747 - 400
After a short trip to Hong Kong I had relaxing stay in a superbly modern "new town" - Ma On Shan, in the New Territories, Hong Kong.
For those of you unaware of the geography, Hong Kong takes about three hours from Nanjing airport.
This is built around Chek Lap Kok island, which has been substantially developed from reclaimed land. Passengers might be surprised that their plane glides only a few meters over the South China sea for a while before coming in to land.
Being a completely new airport, the links to the town are fantastic. You get a choice of Taxi, Bus or Train. In my case I take the A41P to Ma On Shan (price 26.1 HKD) courtesy of the Long Win bus company. For full pricing see below;
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/transport/to-from-airport/bus.html
Hong Kong although belonging to China, is known as an SAR (special administrative region) which means that it retains much of the unique features it did before 1997. To you and me that means that it resembles the UK very much in organization and general standards. Locals are relaxed and punctual, and have good relations with their international visitors. Luckily for the visiting Brit, generally Hong Kong people are proud of their country and recognize the UK's hand in the making of Hong Kong. So for those travelling to the Far East for the first time, it is an ideal introduction to the orient.
For those of you wishing to travel into the Chinese mainland, visas are available at the airport, or in central Hong Kong (Kowloon side) Nathan road.
http://www.ctshk.com/english/aboutus/local.htm
The visa process itself is not difficult, and requires about 3 days to complete. You will be issued your single entry Chinese visa, and voila you are free to travel the vast expanse that is China! Don't forget you guide book - and enjoy!
As for me, plenty of time shopping and eating. True Hong Kong style is not complete without local speciality sea food, dim sum, or won ton. Surprisingly, I found a good friend of mine was staying in a nearby hotel near Sha Tin (a well known horse racing venue) so we met up for dinner just before I came back.
Allowing plenty of time to travel, I boarded the bus, for a 50 min journey to the airport. Everything was on time, and I arrived at Heathrow Terminal 3 where my dad was waiting for me to arrive.....