Arrived early yesterday morning in HK after an uneventful and seemingly short flight via Auckland. Thankfully able to check straight into the room and freshen up. Then out into the throngs of humanity along the main Nathan Road in Kowloon. Took the Star Ferry across to HK Island and did the "longest outdoor escalator in the world" tour through the busy streets and shops up the hill. Then wandered slowly down the hill through the Botanic Gardens and high-rise office blocks before taking the ferry back again. Today we headed to Ocean Park amusement park using the MRT underground railway and double-decker bus. Amazing place, with masses to see, do & experience. We did many of the rides on offer and all 4 of us did the main roller-coaster. Katrina was the roller-coaster queen and Jackson ... read more

It's been a roller-coaster last couple of months, as we madly try to finalise our travel plans, finish off a PhD thesis, complete work projects, find other colleagues to caretake a business, etc. After 28+ years our old horse Mr Leroy Brown decided his time was up and we all shed a few tears as we buried him in the top paddock at home. Then 3 weeks ago, our beloved dog Roxy was bowled by a car on the road outside. It was touch-and-go for the first 10 days, then surgery to amputate her hind leg but she's recovering fast and getting around pretty well on 3 legs. She started barking again the other night, so we knew she was really on the mend. We'll be able to leave her in the care of Amanda, Abbie ... read more