We made it! After another 2+ hours from Bangkok to Hong Kong and then 9 hours from Hong Kong to Sydney, we're finally at our new home. We got off the plane at 7:15am (which felt like 3:15am Bangkok time) and made our way through customs with little hassle. Unfortunately, my beautiful Thai hat was confiscated :( Australia is very picky about what comes into the country (you've heard about the rabbits, I presume) and banana leaf is a banned item. They offered to treat the hat for $60, but considering it was a $10 hat, we decided to just give [View Full Entry]

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Well, it's been a whirlwind in Bangkok. We arrived to the 30 degree weather on January 2nd. Although the weather was hot, it wasn't overly humid, so it was fine for us northerners. Once again, our luggage followed us safely and efficiently and we were met by our private tour guide and driver at the airport. Our hotel - the Amari Atrium - was beautiful. By the time we were settled, we decided to dine in the hotel as the area around the hotel looked (at first glance) a little rough. The next morning, we met our private tour guide, Pat [View Full Entry]

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We arrived safely in Hong Kong after 19 hours on the plane. Somewhere along the way, we lost December 30th! Despite our large amounts of luggage, everything arrived and we were quickly transported to our hotel. It was really strange to see poinsettias growing in the same pots as palm trees and Christmas trees basking in 20 degree sun! After an afternoon snooze to try to get through the jet lag, New Year's Eve consisted of shopping on Canton Road (new video camera!), walking through Kowloon Park (there is green grass in Hong Kong!) and the Star Ferry countdown cruise on [View Full Entry]

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Tom and I have started some intense planning for our year in Australia. Family will be happy to know that we're intending to be around for Christmas 2005 and probably 2006 as well. We've finally met with a travel agent and supposedly flights from Toronto to Hong Kong are booked up tight for the end of December, so we do need to book now. Here are our plans so far: Toronto to Hong Kong (via Anchorage) • 3 days in Hong Kong • travel to Beijing • 4 days in Beijing • travel back to Hong Kong and then onto Sydney [View Full Entry]

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