Licensing Blog

How a show should be organised, and shopping in Ladies Market!

….so, on to Hong Kong, where, thankfully, the cessation of the recent rains more or less coincided with my arrival. However, this only increased the heat and humidity – good job I brought lots of shirts. What a drag sitting on the plane all that time though. After the demise of Silverjet pre–New York, this time it was the turn of Oasis Hong Kong to go under. They had my ticket money and I could see the plane on the ground at Hong Kong airport! Still, at least Virgin give you a free pair of socks and a pen. It almost made the extra £250 worthwhile.

The first pint in the Devil’s Advocate didn’t touch the sides after a bus journey from the airport that seemed to go on forever – the drivers actually stick to the speed limits. Big screen, rugby, beer: what more does a man need?

The obligatory trips to Stanley Market and the Peak behind me, on to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the beautifully constructed and laid out show and ever present and helpful staff once again put some of the other events on our calendar in the shade – no drapes and poles here!

The night view from the Peak                A fugitive Dutchman hiding at the show

Once again I met some wonderful new people, including a Dutchman who shares my love of Star Wars lego, and has with a tendency to get pulled by the police wherever he goes – this time for not wearing a seat belt in the taxi!

Yet again the Premier Asian Licensing Awards evening was an eye-catching event. Pre-dinner drinks, a three course meal, coffee, speeches and awards in 2 hours – that’s organisation. As Hong Kong is hosting the equestrian events for the 2008 Olympics we were treated to dancing girls in glittery jodhpurs, complete with riding hats and whips! After the usual early finish (before 9pm!), it was off to Lan Kwai Fong for cocktails and laughing at the drunk people – not any of our party you understand.

A heavy night in Lan Kwai Fong              Shopping in Ladies Market

Ladies Market was the final port of call before leaving - time to spend those last few dollars. I’m not quite sure why it’s called Ladies Market – it was about the only place I wasn’t offered one during my wanderings! I could have taken advantage of many free beers and “happy endings” in the clubs and bars of Wanchai. Anyway, I stocked up on many cheap NON-BRANDED products, ignoring the calls of “copy bag, copy watch”, and staying true to the industry.

What next? Well, I’m sure I’ll find something that needs bringing to your attention in a couple of weeks. Until then…………