The last thing I wrote was, “Hong Kong is next! “, well I spoke too soon.  Next on my list was actually Shenzhen.
Immediately after arriving in Hong Kong, I could already feel the difference from Taiwan. Unlike Taiwan,  people were pushing and shoving and their smiles were upside down.

But I was only worried about one thing: getting a visa for Shenzhen at the Lo Wu Station. First thing I had to do was get some Chinese currency (RMB). Since I was in Hong Kong, I had to first get Hong Kong Dollars (HK $) from the ATM,  then exchange it to RMB so I could pay for the Shenzhen 5 day visa, which is approximately 150 USD (yikes!). I then took bus A43 (30.90 HK$ exact change only or buy ticket at the ticket box outside of airport) to Sheung Shui station and then the metro to Lo Wu Station (HK side) then followed the signs to the Shenzhen border. Once I got through the labyrinth, I went upstairs to fill out a form for the port visa and then proceeded to immigration and gave the officer my slip and passport.

“Ah. You American?”
Nod.
“Aaah,” as he chuckles, “you have American Passport? ”
Nod.
“Oh. No. You must get visa in advance. No, no, no.” Some more chuckling. Actually, at his point, it was more like laughing (at me), and then he proceeds to tell his colleagues in Mandarin.  And then they all laugh.
“So…no visa for me? ”
Some more laughing. “No. You go back to Hong Kong and get visa.”

I have to admit, that was exactly what I was worried about in the first place. I read and heard so many different things, and didn’t have time to get a visa in advanced. So I thought I would just try my luck. So now, at the very least, I can confirm that citizens of the USA are not able to get a Shenzhen 5 day port visa at Lo Wu station, apply in advance, in your country or in Hong Kong, and then you get a 10 year visa! Germans, and many other EU countries, however, can get a visa at the port. No problems at all….
 
So I turn around and head back to Lo Wu station. But first I get stopped by an officer because I was “heading in the wrong direction”, he takes my passport and makes me wait about 15 minutes. I was starting to worry that I would never see my passport again. Luckily,  he returned.  I was already trying to figure out a way to explain what happened if he never returned, and if anyone would believe me.  I sure didn’t want to get stuck in the station.

So I continue on my way, but not without getting stopped a second and third time.
 
After an hour, I finally get back in Hong Kong.  Now I just had to figure out where the hell I could find a hostel.  I asked around, no one could help, no one spoke English. And my guide book was less than helpful (yes, I am one of those nerds who still uses guide books). So I decide to take the metro to the city center. Luckily,  there were foreigners on the train and they told me where I could go.

I got off at Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and spent two hours walking around the most dodgy building, also known as Mirador Mansions, to find a place to sleep.

Finally found something that equalled the asking price for a room/bed, 100 HĶ$ for a bed. Nothing at all special, but I couldn’t really complain about the price. A few meters down the street is another mansion, which is supposed to be better, but I was so tired and it was already getting late, so I stuck it out. After settling in, I went to grab a bite to eat and then walked around the neighborhood, lots of lights, buildings, and people everywhere. Plus, Indians and Pakistanis who always walk behind you and whisper, “Hi, Miss. Hash? Marijuana? Coke? What do you need, Miss? Whatever you need, I got it!” in your ear. If you don’t respond and just ignore them, they will continue to follow you and whisper these evils in your ear. The only way to get them to stop is by saying, “No! I don’t need anything!”

After I had enough, I went back to the hostel only to find that the entrace to the building was locked. “Eeehhh, shit. Now what?!” I thought to myself.  Seriously, I didn’t have a mobile to be able to call anyone at the hostel. Plus, they told me that the doors would be opened until 11 pm, and it was only 10:30. I decided not to panic just yet and to walk around the building first. Luckily, I found another entrance!! Juchuuuu!  Man, was I relieved.

Just a piece of advice if you decide to go to HK, book something in advanced! Or inform yourself very well as to where hostels are. In case you are asking yourself, I did reserve something…but for after Shenzhen….  😉

And when I got in bed, I promised myself that I would find a new place tomorrow.
 
In the morning, I packed my stuff and went to my new hostel, in the Prince Edward area.

Hong Kong feels huge, although pretty small on the map, especially after Taiwan. It is a concrete jungle and feels like the city never sleeps. Also, there are very few friendly people and contrary to popular belief, not very many people (locals) speak English.

I was orginally only going to be in HK for about 5 days, now I had an extra 4 days until Thomas was in HK. And I knew that he would want to see and do pretty much the same things I wanted to do, so I decided to wait for him and I just hung out and walked around the city for days. I was just happy to be out of the “Mansions”.