Day 4 From Hong Kong to Heathrow

The day starts with another extensive buffet-breakfast. Then back to rooms for a pack up and onto the bus at 11:30. The drive through Hong Kong is fascinating with masses of high rise buildings and construction sites around every-corner.

We went down one road which was obviously car dealer row, with everything from Lambourgini to the humble Honda. All cars were inside and on 2 or 3 levels of shop.

Hong Kong airport was somewhat daunting, but with a short walk, an escalator, a lift down, a lift back up, a travelator or two, a lift down three floors, a high speed train ride and a further walk we arrived at our plane. (Not before sampling the delights of the Cathay lounge - particularly nice smoothies).

Harry enjoying the birthday boy treatment

Once again on the plane the pilot came and talked to the chaps and mentioned them as special passengers on the intercom. Harry the birthday boy (His birthday has lasted for two days now) was given a cake by the aircrew which they cut up for us all to enjoy. - that was a surprise for all.

Heathrow took a bit to get through but we managed with all our party and all our baggage to emerge out to be met by Ian and Wendy and our tour lady and coach driver. Fairly quick drive in to the RAF club for some soup and sandwiches and off to bed.

About a 20 hour day again, but everyone still in pretty good nic.

Comments by Jonathan Pote Tour Leader:

For some reason the flight seemed far longer than the one before, but eventually we were heading in to Europe across the Baltic and the Skagerak.  We had chased the sunset most of the way, but now we were in the twilight.  On the western horizon was the horizontal rainbow - red and orange at the bottom, indigo and violet at the top.  Below was the Baltic, where seventy years ago Bombers would have been approaching to lay their mines - 'gardening'.  Tonight, just peaceful.  

Peenemunde was just off to our left, the site of such an important raid, one which slowed the V-1s and V-2s by crucial months - at the cost of many bomber crews. Then we crossed the neck of Denmark - no flak tonight, but so lethal all those years ago.   I chatted to Eddie about that; he replied "We've still got the North Sea to go yet".   To him, crossing the North sea still had significance - the other side was home, and another day or two of life at least but dangerous still until saftley landed.

And so down into Heathrow.