We’re Andy and Margaret — two experienced travellers who’ve spent years exploring Hong Kong, New Zealand, Spain, Australia, and beyond. Great Wide Open is where we share honest, practical guides and personal stories from the road.
New Zealand has a lot to offer as a holiday destination. Whether it’s adventure, heritage or jaw-dropping landscapes, this destination has something great for you.
Leaving Hong Kong isn’t easy, honestly. We’ve got family here, and there’s just so much we love—the people, the food, the walks, the markets… all of it. We’ve been lucky to visit quite a few times, and even spend the last three years coming back regularly. Staying in Sha Tin
So this was a day for packing. We return home tomorrow so it all has to come together today. The many things we’ve bought and the limited space left in our suitcases? Somehow we found time and money to buy those last minute items and squeeze them into what are
It's Sunday, day of the 'maids' in Hong Kong. This is an extraordinary phenomenon, experienced intensely if you're walking the streets of Central Hong or practically in any public space in Kowloon. There are something like 400,000 "domestic helpers" ("maids" to some, "servants" to a few) in Hong Kong. Yes,
The Sha Tin Bike paths run in many directions but the ones that attract border the Shing Man River which runs through the length of Sha Tin and then out to the estuary. There are bike paths on both sides used by cyclists, walkers and joggers. We got a couple
It’s literally pouring outside, and today was a total washout. RIP to our plans to walk or cycle. Instead, it was a mad scramble for the umbrella and the hotel shuttle - pure indoor vibes only today. Main character energy today was definitely finding elite eats. Wontons are a whole
The Kennedy Town Tram? Absolute icon, no notes. Runs from North Point straight through Central and out to Kennedy Town. Lowkey gives huge electrified breakfast cereal box energy (you KNOW the one), but make it wheels. Narrow, tall, stairs built for the tiniest feet imaginable, and it jolts like crazy