A great first couple of days and more to come

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Geo: 22.2855, 114.158

After a pleasant 3:25 flight we arrived on time at 12:40 and as we made our way to arrivals and baggage collection there was a notice board with our name on it asking us to go to customer services (what now I thought) anyway it turned out our baggage didn't get put on the plane and it would be put on the next flight and be delivered later that evening, it's not the first time it's happened so we weren't too bothered until we realised we had all our heavy clothing on and with us as we were close to the baggage limit and it's 31c outside. Anyway after clearing customs we made our way by shuttle to our hotel, and had a couple of hrs sleep before setting out for our planned evening sightseeing.

We caught the Star ferry across to Kowloon to watch the World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show "A Symphony of Lights" the kids were awestruck seeing skyscraper after skyscraper lit up in a dazzling array of colours and moving designs running up and down the whole height of the buildings along with broad-beam lasers streaming skyward across the water, the junks were all lit up as they made their way across the harbour, It was a wonderfully clear evening and we all enjoyed the show

We had planned to go the Ladies Market but it was so hot and we were beginning to wilt in our heavy jeans and apart from that we were all so tired that after a bite to eat we made our way back across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry ( the kids are beginning to love the ferry) and returned to the hotel exhausted as we entered our room there was a note to say our luggage had arrived and it was promptly delivered 5 mins after I called them.

The next morning we were off to Ocean Park despite having been to HK many times we've never been to the park but we thought it would be a great 4-5 hrs of playtime for the kids. We knew Michelle wouldn't be too happy using the cable car as she's petrified of them but the alternative of walking up to the top of the site in the 33c heat wasn't really thinkable, despite her fears the kids looked after her and Jake was a brick he held her hand all the way up. I really don't know how to describe our day at Ocean Park it was just brilliant with so many different areas to explore such as the Polar Adventure, the Rain Forest, Marine World, Aqua City, Amazing Asian Animals, and The Waterfront to name but a few. However, I must mention the Grand Aquarium in Ocean City I've visited numerous aquariums in different parts of the world over the years but this one is fantastic with more emphasis on the animal's welfare than most other places it's not to be missed

And also not to be missed are the Pandas and the Red Pandas, The kids were so busy going to all the different animal zones that they never even bothered with the amusement park and rides, the only exception being Sophie who wanted to go on the log flume so after 30 mins queuing in very hot temperatures we finally got to jump in, with Sophie up front then Michelle and myself at the rear (anything come to mind yet?) it was a great if short ride and at the end we plough through the deepest part of the circuit and Sophie got drowned, Michelle got drenched and I got a bit wet!! It was a very welcome drenching and by the time we'd walked back up the hill to Linda & Jake we were all but dry. I could go on forever but the fact that we spent 10 hrs there says it all, we finished up by coming back down on the cable car with Jake as ever being so concerned for Michelle's welfare, To sum up it was without doubt a brilliant day for all of us.

In the taxi on the way back to the hotel tired as he was Jake suddenly whispers Pops I'd like to go up on that big wheel we saw yesterday, oh my! So a quick diversion and it's off past the hotel and my bed and off to Central to the Observation Wheel which is 60 m (197-foot) tall where Jake, Sophie and myself admired the stunning night time views of Victoria Harbour. From one of the pods, after which we all had something to eat before eventually hitting the sack, strangely enough I can't think why but nobody had any difficulty sleeping!

Our last day in HK and everybody's enjoyed themselves although personally I'm looking forward to the cooler climbs of Perth in the 20s it's so much more my style (no I don't mean the 20s as in years) anyway once again the kids surprise us as they've asked for one last ride on the Star Ferry. After a hearty breakfast we returned to our room to pack for this afternoons flight, whilst repacking the kids rucksacks we discovered to our absolute amazement my lost watch, we all looked at each other open mouthed. I'd never had their rucksacks and the watch was at the very bottom underneath everything. The kids hadn't put it in there and I certainly hadn't there's no rational explanation for how it got there, spooky or what?

We'd ordered a taxi to take us to the Airport Express passengers terminal at Central MTR where we can check our baggage in for the flight to Perth and then spend the day at leisure; it just makes such a difference I don't know why other cities don't do something like this. However the taxi that arrived was a standard saloon despite me telling the concierge that we were 5 people with 8 pieces of luggage as well as other carry on pieces; no problem they tell me. so they all pile in bar me as I want to check that a). it's all in and b) it's secure, well it all went in with the boot lid wedged fully open, and numerous straps securing the cases, I wasn't happy and demonstrated how easy it was for stuff to fall out by pulling one of the cases out, not happy they conceded and went to find the remedy which turned out to be 6-7 bungee straps , so I spent the whole journey trying to peer around the boot lid and under for anything that may fall out

We arrived with everything intact, checked the luggage in and off we go for a last leisurely crossing to Kowloon side on the ferry. I think the kids like HK as much as I do although every time I say it'll be my last, and before I know it I'm back again. A quick bite to eat a return trip on the ferry to Central and it's off to the airport for the flight to Perth and adventures new. Let the adventure begin!

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