The magic dragon

The best thing about Hong Kong is, without contest, its hikes. You can wake up to the sound of jackhammers building the next skyscraper to ruin your view in the morning, and within just 30 minutes, be surrounded by lush tropical trees and breathtaking sea views. Makes everything else worthwhile, without the shadow of a doubt.

A shadow would have been most welcome on Sunday, though. We seem to forget our lesson every time we embark on a new journey, and end up at the summit at midday, when the sun is at its gnarliest. One day we'll learn to leave a little earlier, or later.

But oh how it was worth the heatstroke - we hiked along the Dragon's Back, a mountain ridge within Shek O Country Park, actually on Hong Kong Island, as opposed to other hikes on the mainland. What's so amazing about this hike - apart from the fact that you are on top of a mountain, with views down on both sides - is that you can literally see the city below (and in fact the new ICC building that is still under construction on Kowloon is so high that its head pops out from behind Victoria Peak) while all you can hear is the rare breeze in the leaves, and all you can smell is the salt from the sea surrounding you (and that bead of sweat rolling down your, well, every part of your body really).

You couldn't be closer to the city, without being further away.

It was hot though. And if you don't believe me, check out Krusty's face after huffing and puffing up the first hump. It's a whole new shade of red...