Back to Shenzhen

Awwwww... so my time in Hong Kong is up.. We are heading back to Shenzhen today to catch our flight back to Dalian. I can only hope that after all this good weather we had in Hong Kong, that it's the same in Dalian... We are off to an early start, as we have to get a taxi to the Hom Lu train station. Thanks to our tour guide, Sinead, who figured out that we could take the cab to this train station, which would cut out all the other train transfers we did on our way into Hong Kong. This train will take us to Shenzhen, where we will get a cab to the airport. This is the part I hate about travelling..making all these connections....
With 5 of us travelling and all our suitcases, we need 2 cabs...Some big convention started in Hong Kong today, so cabs are scarce. The concierge calls for two cabs and one arrive...Regina and I get in, and are off the train station. Hopefully the others will meet us there soon. We actually had to wait a good 15 mins before they showed up. Everyone is here now...so let the adventure begin!

Inside the train station, Audrey purchases all our tickets.. Trying to get rid of all our Hong Kong money, she uses all coins for the purchase... How did we get so many coins in the first place? The ride is uneventful...the train isnt' crowded... In Shenzhen, we have to go through customs... WHile waiting in line, i notice this man trying to jump ahead of us. What is it with Chinese? Do they think they are going to miss something if they stand in line? At the first opportunity, he makes his move, and Regina blocks him.. I am dying with laughter. Now that he realizes he can't get by us, he holds his place in line...We finally clear customs..now for a cab...

A driver approaches us to offer us a vanride, as no cab will take 5 people and our bags... He quotes like 400RMB and we say no. He is not even with a reputable company, it's a private van.. OMG, he is so persistent..he is still following us, and telling us why we should use him, and how we are foolish not to. What the hell? He is going to walk with us all the way? He is still talking? This guy is crazy...OK..this is serious... 5 mins later, and he is still following us... Now he is calling us stupid! I wish I knew some choice Chinese words!!!! He finally threw in the towel and is off in search of other victims... We are walking from the train station to the Shangri La, which is across the street..... They will get us cabs.....

A young man approaches me with a business card. Do we want to buy some handbags? Any kind we want.. Louis, Gucci, Fendi, ..... The store is in a building across the street... Man, where were you on Sunday, when I had a few hours to spare? I can't squeeze in a shopping trip now... I might miss my plane... His name is Mr. Bean...his business card is so authentic....I have to give it them, as they take the business of knockoffs to the next level. We tell him we are going to the hotel...and sure enough we can see him from the hotel lobby waiting outside.....Who would have ever thought there were stalkers in China?..lol...

In the Shangri La (5 star hotel), we make a bee line for the restrooms... and freshenup... Do we have to leave? It is sooo nice in here... so relaxing... All these businessmen in the lounge area...so many potential prospects...my timing sure is off...Outside, the attendants grab us two cabs and we are off to the airport....Back to old dreary Dalian....