Hong Kong and a visitor from Tokyo !!

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For some reason best known to Kev at the time, he insisted that we should have two weeks in Hong Kong - with the passage of time he's now got no idea why he made that decision! Earlier in our travels we thought we might fly to Vietnam for a week of our 'Hong Kong' time but since we need visas to get into the country we decided against it. SO instead we've managed to change our flight home - now leaving six days earlier than originally planned which means we get to see that gorgeous family and Aussie friends of ours a little sooner than expected which is ONE MIGHTY BONUS!!
But what about Hong Kong and Ross you might ask. Well as I write this we are expecting Ross to arrive in the next 15-30 mins and I'm geting awfully excited!! We've spent today finding our way around so that by the time Ross is exploring Hong Kong with us we'll know the place like the back of our hand. Well that's the theory for what it's worth. We've both been here at least a couple of times before too so that helps.
I find Hong Kong fascinating. Most people live in what to me are crass concrete apartment buildings - some appearing to be almost as tall as the tallest skyscrapers - but its good to see all the washing hanging out, drying in the wind & sunshine. It sure beats drying clothes in dryers - much more environmentally responsible! There seems to be a great vibrancy here. I can't help but admire the entreprenerial skill of the Chinese although obviously such ventures don't always have the desired result - Kev found almost three pages of bankrupt notices in the local paper.

Ross arrived late on Thursday night, leaving to fly back to Tokyo this morning (Sunday) which meant we had two full days with him which we certainly made the most of. We visted the Peak, an amazing Toy & Games Fair, Stanley Markets and Beach, Aberdeen and its famous fishing village, had ferries rides and more than our fair shair of gastronomic delights - fun times. We topped off Ross's visit by going to the Aqua Bar last night - check out www.aqua.com.hk - where we had too many cocktails!! But it was so easy to do - they were just delicious. I stuck with Whiskey Sour but Kev & Ross managed a White Russian, African Rumble, Aqua Queen and a Kowloon Park! I think it must have been the glorious view that must have encouraged us - foolish but such fun! It really was a bonus to be able to spend some time together - thanks Ross for joining us!! We were both a little sad to see him go so we'll now have to work on going back to Tokyo ourselves as soon as we can. But the mission now is to see some more of Hong Kong with the time we have left here.

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Photos

Hong Kong airport signage
celebrating the forthcoming Olympics

The Olympic torch
at the Kowloon waterfront!

This is for you Grace!
- there are lots of rides for little children like you - it all looks great fun!!

The honeymooners at the Peak
- look familiar Margot?

Bamboo scaffolding
- all the way up to the top - amazing!!

With the two of us
in the hotel foyer

Ross adds some 'extras'
to my laptop - its good to be able to take avantage of his computer knowledge. Thanks Ross!!

Two stars!!
strolling along the Avenue of the Stars on the Kowloon waterfront

What do you think Grace?
- do you like Uncle Ross's friend?

Across to Hong Kong island
on the Star Ferry

Comments

[Col and Ellen]

Dear Kev and Michelle, Have been following your trip, did not realise you were going to be away so long. Wow, what a trip you guys have had, some great stories on your site.We are in Malmo, Sweden at Troy and his new Brides house, they are in Croatia on a honeymoon. We are off to Berlin tonight. Troys Wedding went well, Melanie and Peter are sitting in HK airport at this time getting ready to return to Aus. Carissa went back home last weekend. Best Regards and will catch up in Aus on our return. Col and Ellen

[Ben and Cathy]

gday
Hello to both of you! Looks like you have been having a good trip lately. I haven't kept too much on what you two have been up to but Ross keeps informing of you of where you have been and I have been looking at random pictures from time to time. Anyway Ross said it was OK for us two to have dinner with you both when we get to Sydney! That's very nice of you... we are finally in Australia after living more than two years elsewhere, are in Melbourne now but am off to Sydney in a few days, then back to Sydney for a couple weeks at around Aug 17 or so. Anyway hope we haven't blabbered on too much... take care, cya later.

[Sean]

Harry Viderchi that Italian Bloke
Michelle and Kev That seemed like a whirlwind run through Italy but you took plenty of photos. You weren't able to get a blessing from the Pope because he was in Sydney. Not only the genitalia removed from the male statues but most of the old buildings renamed after various Popes. And now its almost at an end - see you soon. Sean

[James]

Around the world in how many days?
Hi Michelle and Kevin I've really enjoyed reading your blogs and seeing your great pics. You'll be able to make a great album from what you've posted. How many days were you travelling?

[michelleandkev]

Sean
Really looking forward to meeting up again with you and the lovely Pauline. M xx

[michelleandkev]

G'day Ben & Cathy
Can't wait to see you both when you are in Sydney - I'll contact you once we get home so we can organise it. I hope we've not forgotten how to cook - but we'll manage I'm sure!! M xx

[michelleandkev]

Around the world
Well it will be 59 days by the time we get home. And presumably I'll find it hard not reporting on what we are doing once we get back!!! When's your next trip to Oz? Love to all the Everson-James family. M xx

[michelleandkev]

Oops! Made a boo-boo!!
Sorry James - we are on a Round the World in 89 days trip!! M xx

[Charlotte Cook]

H.K. memories
What memories came flooding back seeing H.K. Many new buildings but still could recorgnize places and names. And of course the birth place of Nick, (Nicholas) Thanks for that! You'll be safely home by now, I should think? Regards, your sister Charlotte