Murray in China Read his Daily Blog

The Last Day - Hong Kong - London

The final day in Hong Kong - was shop and shop until Adele dropped but she didn't.

Hit the gym, breakfast, and shopped all in that order. Had a couple of quick meetings about kickboxing with a couple of different groups.

Just saw a fellow martial artist in a leading Hong Kong newspaper making front page news for all the wrong reasons. German Muay Thai promoter and former fighter based in Hong Kong, Pierre Ingrassia was found dead in the city's Wan Chai district. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Our flight wasn't until 11.30pm - we checked our bags on the flight in advance just minutes away from the hotel which is a great service as we didn't need to haul our bags around with us.

Nelson took us to the airport at 9pm, he was a god send as we'd have been lost without him, he is talking about how much he would like to visit Ireland, we really do hope you can make it and we'll have a driver to look after you - me.

A few words from Adele about the places we visited;
Shanghai was mysterious and full of contradiction,
Beijing Under the thumb and the Great Wall was Great!
Hong Kong is Hong Kong.
She added, "Had an absolutely fantastic time, loved it loved it loved it!"

Great flight back on Virgin and got a few hours sleep. Was a great end to a great trip, or was it?
I'll leave the London-Belfast flight with BMI out, all I can say is that they messed up big style and I take back everything I said to the boys that travelled to Norway last year who missed their flight, even though 'I' was at the gate in time, and sitting there an hour and a half ahead of schedule. 5 hours later we arrived in Belfast, minus 1 bag and it just happened to be Adele's, awww.

Big thanks to the love of my life Adele, for a trip of a lifetime.

Day 8 - Hong Kong 

Where do I start after yesterday's feeble attempt to keep our web surfers informed? Stick to the hairdressing LOVE! But hey, you have to respect Adele she shoots straight from the lip!

On with my blog - good start to the day - 45 mins at the gym, love it when I'm away, its me time at the gym.

Adele received a call from Ivy Lee, personal Assistant to the general Manager, and she invited us to a breakfast meeting, lovely woman and extremely helpful, 'thanks for all the help Ivy'. After breakfast - my first port of call was hitting the laptop to read all the latest info at ProKick, right down to who's training and who's not.

I met Nelson again - I was a bit stuck in finding - the Ring Thai and kickboxing studio - Nelson had me there in less than 10 minutes flat. I've always said its, not what you know, it's who you know that sometimes makes things easier. Met up with part of the 'Ring team' Shericole, she was very informative and helpful. Headed back later in the day to meet the top man at the studio - Mr. Tsoi Tung Hiu - a champion Muay-Thai fighter also head coach and promoter, sounds familiar yeah?

We had a positive meeting with the end result being - we were offered to attend one of his events in April but I opted for one of his big events with later in the year for some of my team around August this year - still a lot to rattle out between us but I'm pretty happy the way we left it. More on this as it develops.

Meanwhile, Adele had a plan of her own - she was getting the works at the award winning salon at the hotel - makes a change Adele getting pampered, as in her own salon - she is either having a treatment or a cut done between clients or over her own lunch break. Nelson collected us again for more sightseeing, its perfect when some one knows exactly where to go. He took us to a fishing village 45 minutes from Kowloon.

Next on his hit list we visited a special Buddhist monastery which looks after the elderly, and in most cases until the end of their days. It really is peaceful and tranquil there - somewhere I wouldn't mind spending my last days. That was a humbling experience - until we came out as Adele was on camera and lost all the pictures we had taken. Anyways I'm blaming her. We visited a massive market solely for 'Jade' which is considered the stone of heaven in China, the stone Jade also had a valued role in Mesoamerican, European cultures, and the word "Jade" comes from the Spanish. In Chinese culture its known as a lucky stone with special healing powers.

Got a bite to eat at the hotel, had to make it quick though as we wanted to be on the Star ferry to Kowloon - that's a must do when you're in Hong Kong and especially at night. At 8pm there is the biggest laser light show you'll ever see. It stretches from one side of Hong Kong Harbor to the other and with every hotel and skyscraper trying to out-do the other, its just spectacular. I caught it on tape so I'll have it put on ProKick.com when I'm back.

Got the ferry back, seen a movie to finish us off, I got a nudge as I dropped off and apparently started to snore - first thing came to mind was driver - sigh of relief, didn't care if the driver at the cinema fell asleep at the screen or not. (if you're not up-to-date with the blog read day 3) and you'll get the jist!

Back at the hotel, I'm bushed and asked Adele if she would write the blog - I'll not tell you what she said, use your own imagination!

Day 7 - Hong Kong 

Well the first thing I want to say is that my boots aren't Prada

Also I have better things to do on holiday than to write on this blog it might be Billy's bag but I have a life and I live it, so if anybody wants to know my version of the trip eg nearly being killed on a five lane motorway with a driver doing 72 miles an hour while sleeping

I will be happy to tell all when I get back home or the mountain hike with leather soled boots yes 'the boots' that have no grip what so ever and there is no path just large rocks and rubble while Billy had rubber soled trainers on and he still found it really hard...

... but all the stories for another day a rainy day in Belfast.

Adele x

Sixth Day in Asia

Its only been six days but in that time we really have had an action packed trip, my blog is only a brief rundown of what we're doing otherwise it would become to intrusive and after all it is Adele's holiday too, so can't stay on the computer all night.

This trip is Adele's Christmas present to me and because I couldn't take time off she had to reschedule everything - then, because its my 50th coming up so she wanted to extend and make it longer which she did. I just wanted to say how much I truly love her and that she is very fortunate I gave in to her stalking me ha ha!!!! Thanks for an amazing trip it could have been a tad better organized though. Not.

Back to the trip and those damn Prada boots.

On our arrival in Hong Kong we were greeted as soon as we set foot off the plane by an airport official who was very nice and helpful, she escorted us right to customs and met us when we cleared, delivered us to our car which was waiting - our driver, Nelson from our hotel, the Mandarin Oriental which is the No.1 rated hotel in Hong Kong.

Adele had arranged everything to perfection - treated like VIP's, no check-in, whisked straight up to our suit, by the assistant manager, who gave us a tour of the apartment and all its mod-cons too.

The next morning, Saturday I hit the gym BUT there was something missing, it didn't smell like ProKick - don't know if that's a good thing. I had breakfast on my own, Adele was really tired and couldn't stand to listen about my training and how many sit-up I done or to hear me singing, as I do most mornings.

We got a call from Ivy the hotel Manager's PA - Ivy who welcomed us to the hotel and informed us that Nelson would pick us up for a sightseeing tour of Hong Hong. (starting to get impressed Adele).

We had a great day as we toured the Island and received informative knowledge about Hong Kong and the hotel group that Nelson was with. I say was - still is, though he is officially retired. Nelson has been with the company 35 years and is 63, looks younger than me at 49 and is full of LIFE, he is a wonderful joyful man. Don't worry I'll find out what he takes. He has arranged to take us out again on Monday.

This sightseeing stuff is pretty tiring work - I was burnt out with all the training and all - okay felt guilty, fell sleep and Adele shopped. To make me feel better, I offered to purchase a new pair of Prada boots - thankfully she declined (for now). Adele shopped for around three hours and in that time I had already answered about 100 emails, few web up-dates and had my 30 winks for an hour.

Headed to the gym again for a light circuit, by the time I got back Adele was out cold couldn't waken her up - we missed diner and the planed movie with a friend who now lives here in HK. He wants to remain anonymous, tax reasons or something, Joke.

We walked a bit, and later that evening sat in the hotel lobby and listened to music, went back to the apartment raided the mini bar, actually cleaned it out of all the food.

ProKick's young David Bird was fighting in Galway, he was fighting a tough 12 year old in Thai-Style with the knee - so for hours I was texting phoning and receiving calls - He won, great! He was in good hands and I hope he appreciates what our team have done for him giving up their free Saturday and driving 100's of miles.

Thanks Ian Gary and for Fran for keeping the gym running in my absence I'm off tomorrow - But get ready for a story and a half - Adele will do the blog tomorrow 

'Get ready for the Fury'.

Day five Beijing to Hong Kong - Southeast Asia

What a beautiful start to the day - it's a fresh crisp morning with the sun just starting to peep its way over the top of the Shuiguan valley mountains.

For me there's no better way to start the day off than with a run, especially along the Great Wall of China. I found a shorter route to the Wall unlike the day before, as our walk was more of an expedition than a sightseeing day.

I would have loved nothing more than to stay longer at the Commune by the Great Wall - but we have bigger fish to fry, so to speak. So it was a quick breakfast, packed up, said our goodbyes and we were on our merry way. It took us about three hours back to the airport, the reason being we stopped off at a Buddhist shrine on the way to the airport.

'Talk about Planes Trains and Automobiles' John Candy would have been proud of us, 'God rest his soul'.

Checked in for our next flight to Hong Kong at the new Beijing airport as the Chinese Capital readies its self for an invasion of a different kind rather then two weary but excited travelers looking for window seats - the world's media will soon direct its focus on Beijing as the city hosts the XXIX Olympiad in August 2008 - Beijing's 'One World, One Dream'. It will be a dream for Beijing as it will welcome the world. I have no doubt that it will be a brilliant spectacle for Beijing and China.

Kickboxing though - who knows what the future will hold for us. Will it ever be an Olympic sport? That's another whole different debate, one for another time. One we should cover here at ProKick.com

We always travel together, not this time, as the flight was over sold - we're now on board okay but in different seats, YEEHA and yes we got window seats.

The flight to Hong Kong - don't remember anything about it - slept the entire trip, I think it was because I wasn't listening about the Prada boots that have somehow shot up in price by another £100 to a staggering grand total of £400 Anyways it was a great flight the best flight yet only because I had three and half hours of heavenly bliss - Or should I say silence, kidding!

On our arrival in Hong Kong we were greeted at customs by an airport official who helped us through and escorted us to our car awaiting and our driver called Nelson from our hotel, who was extremely helpful and informative on what's hot and what's not in Hong Kong. Ahh the hotel, fill you in about that tomorrow.

Finished of the evening with a little business and a nice dinner, hit the sack. Sweet dreams all and happy training.

Day four in Southeast Asia

Left Shanghai yesterday and arrived late in Beijing. What a nightmare that turned out to be, have a look at Wednesday's blog below to understand?

Well off to a good start, slept well, up early had a great breakfast. Ready to attack the Great Wall of China like many warriors before us, the only difference is that we will not be trying to breach the walls to pillage and murder - we came in peace, well so we thought!

Before I get carried away, I have to tell you about the Commune By The Great Wall which is built around part of the great Wall. Its totally surrounded by the green landscape of the Shuiguan Valley, less than an hour's drive North of Beijing. The complex is spread over eight square kilometers of lush wooded mountainsides.

"I have no words to define it quite frankly. It's not a resort, it's not a hotel, it really is an experience." Commune by the Great Wall is a private collection of contemporary architecture designed by 12 Asian architects. It was exhibited at the 2002 la Biennale di Venezia and awarded a special prize. Commune by the Great Wall was named 'A New Architectural Wonder of China' by Business Week in 2005.

For me this place is an escape from reality away from the hustle and bustle of work and every stress-like situation that it brings, but, the Commune by the Great Wall brings the Yin to the Yang to give a peaceful, tranquil and zen like atmosphere.

I'll be back and I don't mean that to sound cheesy. She is my Yin - Adele - really don't know how Adele finds these places but she is just amazing at sourcing out the best hotels any time we travel. Check out their web site at http://www.communebythegreatwall.com/en

We booked a tour of the Wall -or so we thought - and neither Adele or I were prepared for our walk on the wild-side.

We met our driver at the Commune House (reception) we picked up our recommended supplies for our 'brief' hike. The drive took us around 2 minutes by car, the driver didn't speak English and just pointed - it was later I realized why he was smiling. We headed up a path that just got steeper and steeper we were still walking straight up with no wall in sight.

I have no idea how long we were walking but it seemed for hours, now we had left the Peaceful, Tranquil and Zen like atmosphere below in the Commune but our hike started to turn into a full scale no-hold-barred verbal match - it was my fault it was so far, and my fault that my sweet Adele was wearing her 300 pound Prada boots that had no grip and so on - anyway we had a great day on the wall.

I ran a part of the Wall I always wanted to do that, we got back about six hours later. Had a great dinner laughed about the day - finished off the evening by exploring all the other 12 communes.

Today (7th March) day 5 we are getting ready for the next part of our trip, Hong Kong. Just as we have time I'm away for a jog, talk tomorrow.

Day 3 

Welcome to the third day of my blog on our trip to China. Had another horrible sleep. Up early 7am and doesn't feel as if I had any sleep.

I said in my blog yesterday that I would give you some information about the hotel we were staying at in Shanghai  - it's a stylish boutique hotel call JIA which literally translates into Chinese as 'home' and the JIA Shanghai Hotel is just that for the world weary travelers- a stylish home oasis in the centre of old Nanjing Road Precinct, Shanghai.

A luxuriously appointed boutique hotel as specified by global design guru, Philippe Starke Check it out http://www.jiashanghai.com/

Two successful meeting with Shanghai's kickboxing - well not exactly the first was a kickboxing aerobics teacher with no interest in competition, who wanted to sell me a work-out fitness plan... Funny, NOT.
I think he must have been looking at my pale complexion rather than my waist line! The second was promising!

We had a car booked to return us back to the airport for our next leg of the trip. We changed direction and decided to ask our diver to take us to the Train station - not for any train but the fastest train in the world - 45 mins by car... or just 8 mins by train to the airport. Shanghai's flashy new Maglev, the world's fastest train. Way ahead of its time.

It was smiles abound inside the sleek train as, with a breathtaking whoosh, it rockets to 300 kilometers per hour in no time. Overhead, like a giant scoreboard for everyone to witness we hit a record-breaking speed of 432 kph. And I have the video to prove it - I'll put it on ProKick.com when I'm home. Fantastic experience.

The fight to Beijing - don't remember a thing, fell asleep YeeHa! Felt much better, well that's what I thought ?

A car picked us up at airport for another hours traveling or so to our hotel. I dropped off to sleep in the car and was awakened by a heavy tugging on my arm - Adele was in a state - turned out our driver was also asleep - but at the wheel!

I thought she was being a bit of a drama queen (Not that she is I'll have you note) we started to make a lot of noise in the back as he drifted from one lane to the other he suddenly speeded up and was heading into the back of a cargo truck which was crawling up the mountain in the slow lane - the driver really got the message this time as both Adele and I screamed so loud. I'm sure some one in Belfast heard us.

Brings me aptly to blunder said yesterday, when I mentioned about the staggering 4000 people killed a week on the roads in China, scary or what! Well I got that wrong big time it is 6000 a DAY! and honestly Don't know what would have happened if Adele wasn't so on the ball! Perhaps we would have just been a new statistic - 6002.

. Will give you a rundown on what is definitely the weirdest yet absolutely unique hotel group I've ever stayed at.

Hard to believe we are staying on the Great Wall of China it has been a here but never got round to it - and tomorrow I'll run the wall who know maybe all of it!

No meetings arranged but still have a massive wall to climb, so looking forward to this - Billy Murray in Beijing on the Great Wall of China

 Day Two

Second day in Shanghai, and I feel like one of the walking dead. Didn’t sleep a wink last night when I finally nodded over Adele was singing and dancing around the apartment “Time to get up.” Really annoying when you’re tired and just dropped off to sleep.

A mad day was planned again, first port of call was shopping for Adele, (No running this morning) and back into that warzone of a market which by-the-way was recommended by Debbie, Ian Young’s now worse half. Thankfully, this time wasn’t so bad as we knew exactly where we were going and who to avoid? Like the Ninja, in-and-out before we were spotted.

Once Adele had bought for most of Belfast we headed back to the hotel, just in time for our pre-booked city tour of Shanghai.

On the tour we met a nice German diplomat and his wife, he was very funny and had a great sense of humour. He works in Cambria Australia and is currently on a world tour. Our tour lasted about 7 hours - too much to tell you about, and I’m busted - check a few of todays pictures in the Gallery.

Went to meet the first kickboxing/kung-fu coach of the trip and unfortunately for me he didn’t turn up, (By this time Adele was getting really annoyed, and started calling the trip a HELL-A-DAY instead) My prayers were answered as he did phone and asked to meet me tomorrow before we head to Beijing.

Back at the hotel and no sooner there and we were straight out to dinner to the tallest building in Shanghai - actually, it was the highest hotel in the world! The Grant Hyatt Shanghai. Dinner was pricey but worth the experience - Check the Gallery for a snap shot of the hotel.
I’ll let you know where we are staying when we check out tomorrow. It’s a must stay if you’re in Shanghai.

The taxi drivers are mad over here, well anyway - driving here is dangerous. In China there are a staggering 4000 people killed a week on the roads, Scary or what!

 And we just had a real nasty one on the way back to our hotel; he’s the first rude and aggressive person we’ve met. No hassle though - I was safe, as I was with The Silver Tongue Devil - Adele. It was a good job none of us understood what was being said. All’s well that ends well.

Back to the hotel and I decided to hit the gym at 1.30am to try and put me over the edge, or maybe calm me down - didn’t stay long and it worked.

Tomorrow I have a couple of meetings arranged before we head out to Beijing. Can’t wait for that one!! Billy M

Day One

 Sunday 2nd March - My Adele and I - that’s my long-time girlfriend - left our home around 7am caught a flight to London (which is a drag when we travel from Belfast to anywhere, but it is getting better).

When in London I caught up with some email whilst Adele shopped. 5 hours later we were sitting on a plane to Shanghai, Virgin Airlines must be one of the best for comfortable travel and customer service, but we still didn’t sleep on the 10 hour something flight. In total - from leaving home to getting here to the hotel in Shanghai - the trip took around 19 hours.

Monday 3rd March Just Arrived at the hotel don’t know what time it is - 10’ish am local time I think. Adele had the hard job of unpacking whilst I went for my first run in Shanghai which I thought was a good idea - lasted all of about 30 mins - I was still feeling the effects of the travel.

We headed out. I was feeling worst for wears - we were attacked in a market that Ian Young’s Girlfriend Debbie recommended (just by people trying to sell things, it was mad!) Thinking of sending Fran here to get some tips! Went to Shanghai’s National TV station - more on that later.

Really burnt out and feeling sick with tiredness - both of us had a couple of hours sleep as we must have looked like the walking dead. We headed out for dinner to ‘M on the Bund’ really nice food with a beautiful view over of Pudong’s sensational Skyline. It Surely is ‘Shang-High’.

Took some lovely pictures for the web-site and when all was done and dusted, realised I left the camera card in the computer at the hotel!...duh. That was Adele’s fault.

We walked about the town a bit, waved a cab down and showed him the hotel card to get back, my Chinese is a bit rusty.

Had a night-cap - a cup of tea of course - checked my emails and hit the sack.

Check back tomorrow - Tuesday 4th March - for more