Hong Kong

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We arrived quite late at night and stepped out into a balmy and tropical night. Dr Grace drove us home and pointed out lots of places of interest - too many for my humble brain to remember! However, the skyline and the contrast to the Australian landscape was startling. Never had I seen so many skyscrapers in such a small space. Funny to see for a family who live out in the sticks with the cows!

Day One

Despite being in this city full people, we are fortunate enough to stay in the Peak - at the top of a mountain, surrounded by beautiful forests and hence very quiet and peaceful.

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We had a look at the IFC in the morning - full of very posh shops. We looked in at the windows, where there were no prices, but it was more like watching a movie than reality.

We met up with Grace for lunch (Dim Sum) at the Town Hall. It was a lovely restauarnt overlooking the harbour and we tried all sorts of delicious delicacies. This is when you are pleased when your child says that they don`t want any more to eat - then there is more for you!!

We had a look at Repulse Bay and then visited Stanley Markets. This was an amazing group of stalls selling clothes, jewellery, souvenirs ...even paintings. Here we felt more comfortable opening the wallets and picked up the odd T shirt for far less than we could at home. Andy did some haggling so that we were happy with the price that we paid, and I am sure that the sales person was also still happy - they still shook our hands as we left.

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We had a delicous and healthy dinner at home and so had lots of time to chat - though there is never quite enough. After Dinner we had a look around the Peak - the Tram and the shopping centre and of course the stunning views from up here. After a while, the weather decided that we should chat some more and so sent us some fog so that we should concentrate on each other rather than the views.

We went back and indulged in discussions and chats that are so difficult to have when your friends are on the other side of the globe. A perfect day.

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Day Two

There was a Red Storm today which meant that for most of the day we played at home with the 3 girls. By the afternoon, the storm warnings had lifted and so Andy went to see the old and closed airport while I went for a walk to the Peak shopping mall.

We also had a private tour of the "hospital" in which Grace works. However, I am not sure if this is really a hospital as everything points to it being a first class hotel! How the other half live (get better)!

Dinner? We went to a wonderful Tapas bar after travelling on the famous central mid levels escalators. What a concept! And a wonderful dinner too.

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Day Three

Today we decided to be adventurous and so we took the Star Ferry to the Kowloon side and had a look at the shops. Andy and Michelle also had a look at the Space Museum while I had a look at some more malls.

So funny to see the differences to the Australian shops and those in Switzerland. There were plastic covers for your umbrella at the entrances to the shopping malls so that they wouldn't drip. There were hand disinfectants at various locations in case you wanted to clean your hands. I love the cleanliness here.

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Grace called and told us that they had reserved a table for dinner on the Hong Kong Island side......the amazing Shangri La! Wow! what a fantastic buffet dinner! There were sections from every food region you could imagine. We had Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Italian, seafood, Mongolian etc etc.

Day Four

Today was the most beautiful weather and we could see for miles and miles. The views from up at the Peak are breathtaking and we (all except Israel) went for a walk around the Peak and saw all sides.

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We had lunch at home and then went to Victoria's school and watched the assembly. Michelle and Victoria held hands the whole time, through the "lesson" that food shouldn't be wasted - it's better in our bellies than in the bin as the bin has no mouth and no tummy, the exercises, the singing and even the going on stage! No this is something no tourist would ever experience!

And to round off a magical and unforgettable 4 days? A champagne dinner at home, of course! Do we really have to go home already? Can we please come again some time?!