Chicago on steroids

I can't get rest in my own cage. Not sure if it's claustrophobia or excitement. Guesthouse is clearly re-adapted from former flats and it's echoing all strange industrial noises which seem to crawl inside at night like cockroaches to look for a shelter. It's free of any insect infestation despite my initial fears and general warnings and quite clean though. TV is almost as annoying as karaoke. Feeling tired and low on energy? Turn random station, works better than double espresso:)) [my personal favorite is voyeurism friendly live stream from cameras in elevators though. My tolerance ends with silent Chinese movies apparently]

Few practical recommendations: don't bother queuing to get a peak tram. Take bus no.1 from IFC for fraction of the price. It takes 25 minutes (as oppose to 10 min by tram) but you will be rewarded with spectacular views on the way. Sky deck is also overrated - you have the same view from the lower terrace and even better from the peak trail. Other touristy stuff like Star Ferry cruise, Symphony of lights  - fine, Avenue of the Stars - boring. Crazy busy markets in Wan Chai give you proper perspective on the social contrasts in this ultra modern metropolis.

Transport system is being complemented in every guide and for a reason. It's cheap and efficient, everything is clearly marked. MTR, buses, taxis, boats come in all variety and price range putting most cities I've visited into shame (clear advantage of a "new" developments). Suspended pavements are common and create true web above ground level streets-great idea to tackle traffic challenges, never conceived( and afforded) by Irish designers (with additional possible benefit of rain shelter:))

Food comes in all variety and price range as well. It can be very cheap if you know where to go. Kowloon seems to be especially pocket friendly-I had a lovely breakfast in Japanese restaurant for $38 (less than 4 EUR) and Yaki Udon with coffee for lunch for $48 (the same dish costs 16 EUR in Yamamori!). I'm not saying I got it right from the first time - I paid 3 times more for similar lunch the day before in Wang Chai. You can hardly go wrong considering Ireland and its non-existing culinary tradition but food is seriously good here.

Hong Kong resembles Chicago a bit with it's vast collection of skyscrapers (officially 293 buildings over 150m tall, first place in the world ranking and they're still building more). Panorama is mutilated with construction sites like craters on Java. It's just more crazy and overcrowded turning at night in Blade Runner scenery (also because some people look like androids). It's so well organized that you can hardly experience any situations you really want to share later on. I expected something more European I have to say but it seems Hong Kong has digested its British heritage already.