Today started as a slow morning then panic stations as we have to get to Shenzhen to see Judy the tailor, and be back early enough to prepare for our big night, nay HUGE night.

Sheila escorted us down to Admiralty, checked our MTR cards for credit and pointed us on our way. I’ve been to Shenny twice before but those times Biddy led the charge and I just followed blithely. This time I am the leader, god help us. Jennie complained the entire way that we weren’t sitting in first class! It’s a 40-minute train trip, Madame Catwoman, honestly. But quietly I agreed, I just didn’t know first even existed on a metro line.

Our entrance to Shenzhen started out well but quickly went pear-shaped once we crossed to the Chinese side. Every time I go there the immigration requirements are different and I’m sick of it. Isn’t China one country now?

Yesterday we had two hours in Taiwan, today two hours in mainland China, the latter never to be repeated. Sorry Judy, but I ain’t coming back! It’s been a while since my last visit so by the time we got through immigration (it took three attempts), fended off all the touters and found her shop I was ready to collapse. But 90 minutes later we left her with a pile of alterations and orders for new clothes. She can’t make them all before our departure tomorrow night, lol, but they should be in Melbourne in a week or so. Wingwoman Jennie was an enormous help; she has a keen eye, and knows things. 

As I write this we are sitting on the train back to HK, waiting to be arrested. Yep we are in first class without tickets. We tried to buy them at the customer service desk but honestly they defeated us. Jennie is laughing hysterically the entire time but our entry into mainland China was not smooth and we are over it, not to mention starving as we haven’t eaten all day. People were starting to move away from us, I think they think we’re drunk, but we are just being silly children, again.

Anyway, we finally got back to Lisa’s, cracked a champagne to help us get over it, and ready for the main event. Yep, we are off to Carlyle & Co at the Rosewood, to see legendary musician Casey Abrams! Watch this space…