If you go to Hong Kong around December the place is awash with hairy crabs - not an outbreak of unpleasantness, but a gastronomic opportunity. The ones I had were steamed and once one worked out how to get inside them, the ovaries were something between scrambled egg and mashed potato.

Make sure you catch a morning flight to Chicago - you'll arrive in time to catch an afternoon architecture tour of the city, by river boat. Chicago's the home of the skyscraper, and you get some awesome views of some of the world's first, and finest, tall buildings from the river. From Trump Tower to the Wrigley dynasty's HQ, you'll feel like you know the city a lot better at the end of the tour. The guides are great - typically friendly mid-Westerners keen to share their enthusiasm for one of the world's great cities.

Stuck for internet access? The number of free wi-fi spots are popping up all around London - particularly in the business areas of Canary Wharf. These have been helpfully mapped on Londonist for your convenience.

Finding a tailor to make you a custom suit in Beijing can be a bit tricky if you don't know where you are looking in this vast metropolis. This can be particularly challenging if you have 'Western' measurements so can't buy off the shelf. The best place to go is Gong Ti Bei Lu market right by 'Workers' Stadium'. There you will be able to find various stores catering for your needs. Expect to pay around USD100 a suit.

Those of us travelling to Beijing during August may find ourselves turned away when it comes to finding accommodation. The Olympics (starting 8/8/08 - a lucky number) will result in all conceivable accommodation being taken up. Try considering alternatives such as apartment short lets if you are really stuck for accomodation. See http://www.sublet.com/area_rentals/Asia/Beijing_Rentals.asp for more details