Around the World in 80 Days

Day 42: 5 November

I call the camera over to witness this charming rapport between man and beast only to find the hard-beaked little zygodactyl has bitten clean through the trousers and is now going for the kneecap. He is as tenacious as Norman Hunter and eventually has to be pulled off. Everyone seems to find this a lot funnier than I do.

This unprovoked assault on my costume reminds me that I have to acquire a black tie and suit to match before tomorrow evening - and it's the weekend. But Hong Kong is a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year city. The only reason for cramming onto these islands is to make money and do business, and if you want a new suit on a Sunday, Sam's tailors will make you one. Sam's shop is no Savile Row salon. It's a cramped narrow unit in a featureless arcade, but its fame is worldwide. It's full of westerners who've maybe heard about the place from Henry Kissinger or Cyrus Vance or Bob Hawke or Prince Charles or David Bowie or Derek Nimmo or George Michael or any of the illustrious names who appear in photos displayed around the mirror at which you have your fitting.

Within about seven minutes I'm measured for jacket, trousers and shirt, all of which will be custom built for me in 24 hours.

Previous page | Next page

Choose another day from Around the World in 80 Days

Top of page

PALIN'S GUIDES

Series: Around the World in 80 Days
Day: 42
Date: 5 November
Country/sea: Hong Kong
Place: Hong Kong
Book page no: 136

Bookmarks will keep your place in one or more series. But you'll need to register and/or log in.

Set bookmark

ROUTE MAPS

Hong Kong - Guangzhou