Beatrix pottering: The Wonderful World of Whampoa, and beyond

We had promised Jemima a trip to "Kid Zone" this morning. We weren't sure what it was, but kept driving past its big sign, and she was intrigued. So we headed on foot into the so-called "Wonderful World of Whampoa", a shopping and residential district around our hotel. "Kid Zone" turned out to be a cross between soft play, a fair and an arcade, with loads of kid-sized fairground rides and an enormous climbing/ ball pit area. It also had a Birthday corner, an arts and messy craft area, a baking classroom and a nature room. Pretty comprehensive, if all rather pricey - £14 for 5 rides (all of which Jemima seemed to enjoy); £19 to bake a cake (which we chose not to experience...).

We dragged a reluctant Jemima away with the excitement of a metro ride - the sole form of transport we'd yet to experience. As you'd imagine, it was quick, clean, easy and cheap - £1.40 for the three of us one way. We emerged in the New Territories, out of the tourist zone, and went with the throngs to our destination, the flower market. This was my request, and when we got there, Kevin and Jemima headed to a handy playground while I explored. It was packed, with people and plants, an explosion of colour, with the flowers dressed up with red and gold Chinese New Year ribbons and glitter. I enjoyed my wander, then returned to find Jemima again trying to make friends. During my chat with Acha's English dad, he told us that one of Hong Kong's best dim sum places was just round the corner. It seemed too good to be true. But we were not the only ones interested - there were at least 30 people waiting outside to get in. This was not feasible on Jemima time, so we wandered deeper into the side streets.

It was unbelievably busy, people everywhere, and all the shops and restaurants crammed full; so we kept wandering. We happened upon Pet Corner, with bagged goldfish hanging in serried ranks outside tiny shops; and a row of old-fashioned pet shops with puppies and kittens in display boxes in the window. And then, the welcome view of the Golden Arches. 3pm, in need of food and somewhere to sit down, we went in.

After some much needed sustenance, we headed for the metro home, past rows of young picnickers on the walkway. A little rest, Jemima dancing to her Boogie Beebies DVD in front of the view of Hong Kong harbour, and then out for our final night in Hong Kong, to see the Guinness Book of Records prize-winning permanent light show.

Well, we left after 10 minutes so I can't give a complete opinion; but they didn't seem that spectacular to us - the normal lights are pretty good anyway. So we went to find dinner, before the crowds. Kevin led us to Cafe de Coral, a chain we've seen around. And for £8 we had delicious fish in brown pepper sauce with rice, and BBQ duck and pork with pak choi and rice. Cheaper, and better, than our McDonalds lunch (once we'd worked out the ordering and collecting process, and asked for cold water rather than the glasses of hot water available - Jemima got a bit of a shock). Back on the hotel shuttle, Jemima chatting to some Australian girls, and off to bed.

Decorations for the approaching Year of the Rooster: