Saving fast bucks Tourists may have to pay a lot for their beds in Hong Kong, but a survey by a United States management consulting firm has found it is the world's second-cheapest place for a bite - providing they go for fast food. Of 21 cities surveyed, Warsaw, Poland, was the cheapest for fast food (cheeseburger, chips and a medium-size soft drink) at US$2.69 (about HK$21). The SAR took second place at US$2.79. Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, was the most expensive, at US$8.81, followed by Jerusalem, at US$8.40.
Michael Ray, a consultant with Runzheimer International, which organised the survey, said: 'Factors such as the strength of the local economy, wage and labour rates, competition and supply and demand, all play a role in what consumers pay.' In from the cold The historic Friedrichstrasse station, formerly the only border crossing for rail passengers between East and West Berlin, is one of the most famous Cold War frontiers, a classic rendezvous point in espionage fact and fiction. After four years of renovation, this 1882 landmark is well on the way to being restored to its pre-war glory. The last police barriers have been swept aside to make room for a grand hall that houses 50 shops and snack bars, plus ticketing and information booths. A formal restaurant will open shortly.
Olympic lock-out If you plan to attend the Olympic Games in Sydney next September but have not yet ordered tickets, they are still likely to be available, although the hardest to find are those for the opening and closing ceremonies, diving, the basketball finals and certain swimming and gymnastics events. If you do not have room reservations, don't be surprised if you wind up on a camping site. But even they will be expensive, and probably a long way from the event.
Although 11,000 new hotel rooms are expected to be ready by September, including the new 417-room Westin Sydney, there will be only 35,000 rooms for the expected 250,000-plus visitors - and 80 per cent of those are reserved for Olympic officials and visitors on packages that usually include game tickets, air fare and lodging.
Malaysia specials Until November 30 a number of short breaks at low prices are available in Malaysia. Two nights in Penang is from $2,615, two nights in Langkawi from $2,715 and two nights in Kota Kinabalu from $2,855. Breakfasts are included and prices vary according to the hotel chosen. Flights are with Malaysia Airlines. Contact your travel agent or Malaysia Airlines: tel 2521 8181, fax 2845 6876.
Extra flights Cathay Pacific will add flights to its network for the winter schedule from Sunday, including a twice-daily service to Sydney. There will also be three additional flights per week to Seoul, two to Osaka and one to Zurich. The new schedule lasts until next March 25. Cathay says the extra flights mirror rising passenger demand. Meanwhile, Air New Zealand will be introducing a fourth weekly service from Hong Kong to Auckland from November 19. This service will operate until March 10.