Also chilled with some kangaroos and wombats, watched a sheep dog show, and checked out some other local animals. Fun times.
Now we're down to the Gold Coast for the triathlon and some beach time
Friday, February 27, 2009
Koala Time
Yesterday we drove out to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, one of the only places you can hug Koala Bears. Steph got the chance to hug on of the big guys, and he even left her with a present! Turns out they poo over 150 times a day.
Also chilled with some kangaroos and wombats, watched a sheep dog show, and checked out some other local animals. Fun times.
Now we're down to the Gold Coast for the triathlon and some beach time
Also chilled with some kangaroos and wombats, watched a sheep dog show, and checked out some other local animals. Fun times.
Now we're down to the Gold Coast for the triathlon and some beach time
Whitsunday Islands
We don't have much idea what to expect when we hike out to the marina, slung down with mesh nylon bags (towels, cosmetics, books, candy). Once we're introduced to the crew of the S.V. Whitehaven (Sarah the cook, Rob the skipper and Dave the deckhand) we throw our flip flops in a bucket and board the 70 foot, 2-mast ship.
The town of Airlie Beach
Set out from Airlie Beach around 1. Out in the channel to the islands we raise sail and lurch across the choppy water with the stereo blasting an eclectic mix (everything from BT to AC/DC to Led Zeppelin). A good assortment of backpackers on the boat - Germans, French, Brits, Swedes. We're the only Americans, but get a double bunk, wedged up in the corner of the galley.
Our bunk for the trip
Our first snorkeling spot is Caves Cove, a reef fringing Hook Island. Pull on our Stinger Suits, thin little wet suit things, and then jump into to snorkel the reef for about an hour. The water is a bit blurry but we get some good views of purple parrot fish and brain coral, pulsating.
Back on deck near Caves Cove
Out of the water the crew serves instant coffee and tea and biscuits and we dry off and kill time - watching towering clouds (some foreboding) over jungly little islands.
Dave-O cleaning the Anchor as its pulled in
Sleeping is a bit rough, crammed into the humid bunk, a slow lurch of the boat in anchor. The stinking head (bathroom) is just as bad, a small closet with pump toilets and a spigot of cold water for one minute showers. But these are all part of boat life.
The S.V. Whitehaven
Day two we head over to Whitsunday Island, park the boat offshore and ride a little zodiac (through a cove of surfacing sea turtles) to a jungle path. A short hike through this dense, hooting forest and we emerge onto a stretch of white sand - Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach, high tide
It's a crescent of sand that encloses a shallow lagoon (patrolled by stingrays and camouflaged sand sharks) and swirls out to the blue deeps. We lounge in the sun and take photos and float through the lagoon.
Whitsunday Island
Before we're good and crispy we head back to the ship. Our next stop Mantaray Bay. This is a more delicate reef, lots more concentration of fish and sea life. We snorkel through thick schools that dart around and part ways as we float overhead, arm-length from the coral. We see giant clams with purple mouths, and a zebra shark hiding in a bramble of dead coral.
On the prow!
In the evening we anchor again and eat a big meal of spaghetti and the backpackers start drinking and watch the stars come out - before a quick downpour forces us all into the covered stern.
Another night crammed into the bunk and then we sail back to port, full on across the choppy channel, big crests and troughs crashing against the hull, spraying us all, the skipper laughing.
All and all a memorable trip, despite the filthy deck and living quarters. Makes us remember what life on a ship was like. But we're glad to be back on dry land.
Maybe we're just landlubbers.
The town of Airlie BeachSet out from Airlie Beach around 1. Out in the channel to the islands we raise sail and lurch across the choppy water with the stereo blasting an eclectic mix (everything from BT to AC/DC to Led Zeppelin). A good assortment of backpackers on the boat - Germans, French, Brits, Swedes. We're the only Americans, but get a double bunk, wedged up in the corner of the galley.
Our bunk for the tripOur first snorkeling spot is Caves Cove, a reef fringing Hook Island. Pull on our Stinger Suits, thin little wet suit things, and then jump into to snorkel the reef for about an hour. The water is a bit blurry but we get some good views of purple parrot fish and brain coral, pulsating.
Back on deck near Caves CoveOut of the water the crew serves instant coffee and tea and biscuits and we dry off and kill time - watching towering clouds (some foreboding) over jungly little islands.
Dave-O cleaning the Anchor as its pulled inSleeping is a bit rough, crammed into the humid bunk, a slow lurch of the boat in anchor. The stinking head (bathroom) is just as bad, a small closet with pump toilets and a spigot of cold water for one minute showers. But these are all part of boat life.
The S.V. WhitehavenDay two we head over to Whitsunday Island, park the boat offshore and ride a little zodiac (through a cove of surfacing sea turtles) to a jungle path. A short hike through this dense, hooting forest and we emerge onto a stretch of white sand - Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach, high tideIt's a crescent of sand that encloses a shallow lagoon (patrolled by stingrays and camouflaged sand sharks) and swirls out to the blue deeps. We lounge in the sun and take photos and float through the lagoon.
Whitsunday IslandBefore we're good and crispy we head back to the ship. Our next stop Mantaray Bay. This is a more delicate reef, lots more concentration of fish and sea life. We snorkel through thick schools that dart around and part ways as we float overhead, arm-length from the coral. We see giant clams with purple mouths, and a zebra shark hiding in a bramble of dead coral.
On the prow!In the evening we anchor again and eat a big meal of spaghetti and the backpackers start drinking and watch the stars come out - before a quick downpour forces us all into the covered stern.
Another night crammed into the bunk and then we sail back to port, full on across the choppy channel, big crests and troughs crashing against the hull, spraying us all, the skipper laughing.
All and all a memorable trip, despite the filthy deck and living quarters. Makes us remember what life on a ship was like. But we're glad to be back on dry land.
Maybe we're just landlubbers.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Australian 101 Contest
What do the below sayings mean?
Promise Tim and I will post later about our trip on the boat.
P.S. I spelled the abbreviation for McDonald's wrong. It is really Maccas. Check it out: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/26/2502562.htm
- Chuck a narny
- Chuck a sickey
- Whingeing
- Arvy
- Jellies
- Tassies
Promise Tim and I will post later about our trip on the boat.
P.S. I spelled the abbreviation for McDonald's wrong. It is really Maccas. Check it out: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/26/2502562.htm
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
We Are Back from Sea
We made it back. We will post more later and include lots of pictures. The trip was interesting...we met some nice Brits, the snorkeling was cool and the beach was beautiful. However, sharing two TINY TINY bathrooms where you pump your pee to flush it with 24 people and sharing a room with six people made for an interesting trip. Full trip details to come...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Shortened Words
Ok - we really are leaving for the boat in a matter of minutes, but I had to post about how Aussies shorten like every word. It is hilarious. See below:
- Mozzies(mosquitoes)
- Brekky (breakfast, and this is literally on signs all over the country)
- Aussies (obvious one but further proof)
- Barbie (BBQ)
- Tele (television)
- Macker's (not sure on spelling on that one, but that one stands for McDonald's)
- Sunnies (also not sure on spelling but this is for sunglasses)
Sailabout
Got into Airlie Beach without issues yesterday. They've had some heavy rain so the sugar cane fields were flooded and the bus had to drive through some deep puddles. The town is pretty chill, focused on backpackers.
Going out on the boat today to sail around the Whitsundays. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitsundays. It's an eco-tourism boat, so we'll probably see changes to the reef, etc. We're super excited.
Will update more when we get back Thursday night -
Going out on the boat today to sail around the Whitsundays. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitsundays. It's an eco-tourism boat, so we'll probably see changes to the reef, etc. We're super excited.
Will update more when we get back Thursday night -
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Brisbane Pics 1
Some pics from our first days in Brisbane.
Brisbane at night from Kangaroo Point
Park in Ipswich
Driving on the left side of the road
Bats!
Batgirls!
Dressed up for some parties -
Brisbane at night from Kangaroo Point
Park in Ipswich
Driving on the left side of the road
Bats!
Batgirls!
Dressed up for some parties -
Saturday, February 21, 2009
HK Pics
Some photos from Hong Kong I wasn't able to upload earlier:
Cool building in Causway Bay near our hotel:
From Victoria Peak:
From Victoria Peak, some TV show filming:
Hong Kong harbor from 43rd floor of Bank of China:
From Victoria Peak:
Cool building in Causway Bay near our hotel:
From Victoria Peak:
From Victoria Peak, some TV show filming:
Hong Kong harbor from 43rd floor of Bank of China:
From Victoria Peak:
An Update from Down Under
Well, so far so good in Australia! Diane is a great host and great cook. I feel like I have a personal chef. (-:
Anyway, after getting settled in Diane’s apartment (she had to go back to work), Tim and I just showered and researched our trip to the Great Barrier Reef. We managed to get it all booked. We are leaving on Monday and will spend the night in Arlie Beach. Then Tuesday we will board the SV Whitehaven for a two day two night cruise around the Whitsunday Islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Check it out: http://www.sailing-whitsunday.com/data/listings/l0037.php. We can’t wait!!!!
Friday night Diane took us to Kangaroo Point which was a little outside park with a beautiful view of Brisbane city. Some of her friends (Ben and Holly) were there, and we enjoyed chatting it up with them.
Saturday was a super busy day. We got up early and went to the markets and got all sorts of yummies…fruit, salmon, steak, cupcakes, coffee, crepes and sunflowers. It was a grand experience and all the food was very reasonably priced!
After the markets Diane packed a very healthy yet tasty picnic lunch, and we headed out to Ipswich (Di’s hometown). We went to Queens Park and ate in the Japanese Gardens where Di and I managed to get bitten by ants…blech. This was on top of my already many mosquito (or mozzie’s as the Aussies say) bites. The bugs have always been sweet for me. )-: Anyway, the park was cool, and we walked through the nature center and saw wombats and mini kangaroo things (paddymelons).
Then we went to Di’s parents’ house to pick up our car for the month. Car you say? Yes, car…craziness this driving business over here. Di took us out for a driving lesson, which was funny. Tim and I kept reaching for the gear shifter on the right side when it is on the left. We kept turning on the windshield wipers when we mean to turn on the ticker. It was funny, but I think we have the hang of it. Tim drove back to Di’s apartment from her parents’ house (a good 40 minute drive), and this morning we went out for groceries all by ourselves. So far we haven’t driven into oncoming traffic. Let’s hope we can keep that up.
On our way back into town we went to the bat colony (smelly and weirdo) and Di drove us by the jail to see REAL LIVE HOPPING KANGAROOS!!! Wahoo…for roos. They were awesome. I can’t to see them up close.
Last night we went out to two parties and meant all sorts of nice people. Di has nice friends, and in general I just think Australians are nice people. They are very inviting and fun.
This morning Di woke us up for a run in the park and now we are getting ready to go out for a hike. Di is keeping us active and making sure we see everything. She is a great host.
Tim will post pics later…we have a lot.
Hope everything is ok back home.
P.S. We tried to call our parents tonight, but neither set were home…what social butterflies out and about on a Saturday night. HA!
Anyway, after getting settled in Diane’s apartment (she had to go back to work), Tim and I just showered and researched our trip to the Great Barrier Reef. We managed to get it all booked. We are leaving on Monday and will spend the night in Arlie Beach. Then Tuesday we will board the SV Whitehaven for a two day two night cruise around the Whitsunday Islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Check it out: http://www.sailing-whitsunday.com/data/listings/l0037.php. We can’t wait!!!!
Friday night Diane took us to Kangaroo Point which was a little outside park with a beautiful view of Brisbane city. Some of her friends (Ben and Holly) were there, and we enjoyed chatting it up with them.
Saturday was a super busy day. We got up early and went to the markets and got all sorts of yummies…fruit, salmon, steak, cupcakes, coffee, crepes and sunflowers. It was a grand experience and all the food was very reasonably priced!
After the markets Diane packed a very healthy yet tasty picnic lunch, and we headed out to Ipswich (Di’s hometown). We went to Queens Park and ate in the Japanese Gardens where Di and I managed to get bitten by ants…blech. This was on top of my already many mosquito (or mozzie’s as the Aussies say) bites. The bugs have always been sweet for me. )-: Anyway, the park was cool, and we walked through the nature center and saw wombats and mini kangaroo things (paddymelons).
Then we went to Di’s parents’ house to pick up our car for the month. Car you say? Yes, car…craziness this driving business over here. Di took us out for a driving lesson, which was funny. Tim and I kept reaching for the gear shifter on the right side when it is on the left. We kept turning on the windshield wipers when we mean to turn on the ticker. It was funny, but I think we have the hang of it. Tim drove back to Di’s apartment from her parents’ house (a good 40 minute drive), and this morning we went out for groceries all by ourselves. So far we haven’t driven into oncoming traffic. Let’s hope we can keep that up.
On our way back into town we went to the bat colony (smelly and weirdo) and Di drove us by the jail to see REAL LIVE HOPPING KANGAROOS!!! Wahoo…for roos. They were awesome. I can’t to see them up close.
Last night we went out to two parties and meant all sorts of nice people. Di has nice friends, and in general I just think Australians are nice people. They are very inviting and fun.
This morning Di woke us up for a run in the park and now we are getting ready to go out for a hike. Di is keeping us active and making sure we see everything. She is a great host.
Tim will post pics later…we have a lot.
Hope everything is ok back home.
P.S. We tried to call our parents tonight, but neither set were home…what social butterflies out and about on a Saturday night. HA!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Down Under
We've arrived in Brisbane! Met up with Diane for a quick lunch and to drop off bags at her place. It's hot here - 85F, and reminds me of Florida. Will post more later, once we aren't borrowing the roomie's internet ;)
Last Day in Hong Kong
Tim and I are sitting at the Hong Kong airport waiting for our flight to Brisbane. We are low on battery so this is going to be a quick one. (-:
Anyway, I think the theme of today was that we have enjoyed our time in Hong Kong, but we are SOOOO ready for Australia.
After we checked out of our hotel and stored our bags (this was a big deal because when we initially stored them our first day when we were waiting to check-in they came back sopping wet. We had to send our bags to be cleaned because they stunk. We don’t know what the water was from but it stunk. Of course the cleaning was free but a big inconvenience) we walked outside to rain. Blech! We both were like this sux because we pretty much had 8 hours to kill until we had to leave for the airport and little money so we were planning to spend the day outside. Well, we turned our frowns upside down and made the most of it. Our first stop was to Ikea. I am happy to report that Ikea in Hong Kong is the same as everywhere else. (-:
Next, thanks to Sanoop’s friend we had a good recommendation on a Dim Sum restaurant called MetroPole. I won’t lie – I didn’t want to go, but alas we went. Tim made the mistake of ordering chicken feet, which were disgusting, and all the tables around us laughed at us. Then we got some pork roll things, veggie roll things and some sort of beef. All in all it was ok and relatively cheap.
After leaving the restaurant we were happy to see that it had stopped raining and some blue skies were poking through. We decided to spend the rest of our money and head up to Victoria Peak. We are pretty fuzzy on the Victoria Peak history, but we do know that the British loved it. (-: To do this you have to ride a tram (note the tram was celebrating 120 years of service), which was cool, but the journey was quite steep…as in literally straight up. Really made me nervous, but the view was worth it. We even saw a TV show being filmed at the top. Of course we couldn’t understand anything, but it looked dramatic and the actors were young. Therefore, Tim and I decided it was Gossip Girl for Hong Kong. Anyway, we spent some time at the top walking around and then relaxing in the sun reading.
After Victoria Peak we retrieved our bags and here we are sitting in the airport.
I guess that is it for now.
Shout out to my Jenny Pooh for leaving comments on the blog. We love comments!!!
Next time we blog we will be in AUSTRALIA!!!! WAHOO!!!
Anyway, I think the theme of today was that we have enjoyed our time in Hong Kong, but we are SOOOO ready for Australia.
After we checked out of our hotel and stored our bags (this was a big deal because when we initially stored them our first day when we were waiting to check-in they came back sopping wet. We had to send our bags to be cleaned because they stunk. We don’t know what the water was from but it stunk. Of course the cleaning was free but a big inconvenience) we walked outside to rain. Blech! We both were like this sux because we pretty much had 8 hours to kill until we had to leave for the airport and little money so we were planning to spend the day outside. Well, we turned our frowns upside down and made the most of it. Our first stop was to Ikea. I am happy to report that Ikea in Hong Kong is the same as everywhere else. (-:
Next, thanks to Sanoop’s friend we had a good recommendation on a Dim Sum restaurant called MetroPole. I won’t lie – I didn’t want to go, but alas we went. Tim made the mistake of ordering chicken feet, which were disgusting, and all the tables around us laughed at us. Then we got some pork roll things, veggie roll things and some sort of beef. All in all it was ok and relatively cheap.
After leaving the restaurant we were happy to see that it had stopped raining and some blue skies were poking through. We decided to spend the rest of our money and head up to Victoria Peak. We are pretty fuzzy on the Victoria Peak history, but we do know that the British loved it. (-: To do this you have to ride a tram (note the tram was celebrating 120 years of service), which was cool, but the journey was quite steep…as in literally straight up. Really made me nervous, but the view was worth it. We even saw a TV show being filmed at the top. Of course we couldn’t understand anything, but it looked dramatic and the actors were young. Therefore, Tim and I decided it was Gossip Girl for Hong Kong. Anyway, we spent some time at the top walking around and then relaxing in the sun reading.
After Victoria Peak we retrieved our bags and here we are sitting in the airport.
I guess that is it for now.
Shout out to my Jenny Pooh for leaving comments on the blog. We love comments!!!
Next time we blog we will be in AUSTRALIA!!!! WAHOO!!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Night Out
Last night we met up with our friend Sanoop to show us around town. First we headed down to the Happy Valley Race Track, a huge mile-long loop of grass in downtown Hong Kong. Crowds of well dressed ex-pats stood around, filling out betting cards and drinking beer. I tried my luck on some long shots, lost both times, but had a great view of the horses thundering by.
After, we rode a tram over to SoHo. Does every big city have a SoHo? This particular district was perched on the foothills of the mountains, narrow streets filled with restaurants and bars, lots of them western themed (italian, mexican, irish pubs, etc). The unique part was a series of outdoor escalators that ran up the steep slopes!
We ate at a little restaurant that served Manchurian-style Chinese cuisine (northern china bordering Mongolia / Siberia). Instead of rice and seafood, this was more of a meat and potatoes place. We had some excellent dishes: lamb leg, sautéed eggplant, pork dumplings and a spicy bean curd.
We finished off the night climbing down a few tiered levels to a street with some chill lounges and nightclubs. We sat around, sipping cocktails, chatted it up with some of Sanoop's friends (on the topic of Hollywood films and the Oscars, no less).
Thanks again Sanoop for a great night out on the town ;)
This morning was a little cloudy and ultra-humid, but we toughed it out and decided to go for a run in Victoria Park, dodging all the retired folks practicing Tai Chi.
A few minutes left to pack up the hotel, then its off to Australia tonight!
-A note on the face masks from the previous post: Sanoop explained that people weren't wearing them to keep *out* the germs, but out of courtesy because they were sick.
After, we rode a tram over to SoHo. Does every big city have a SoHo? This particular district was perched on the foothills of the mountains, narrow streets filled with restaurants and bars, lots of them western themed (italian, mexican, irish pubs, etc). The unique part was a series of outdoor escalators that ran up the steep slopes!
We ate at a little restaurant that served Manchurian-style Chinese cuisine (northern china bordering Mongolia / Siberia). Instead of rice and seafood, this was more of a meat and potatoes place. We had some excellent dishes: lamb leg, sautéed eggplant, pork dumplings and a spicy bean curd.
We finished off the night climbing down a few tiered levels to a street with some chill lounges and nightclubs. We sat around, sipping cocktails, chatted it up with some of Sanoop's friends (on the topic of Hollywood films and the Oscars, no less).
Thanks again Sanoop for a great night out on the town ;)
This morning was a little cloudy and ultra-humid, but we toughed it out and decided to go for a run in Victoria Park, dodging all the retired folks practicing Tai Chi.
A few minutes left to pack up the hotel, then its off to Australia tonight!
-A note on the face masks from the previous post: Sanoop explained that people weren't wearing them to keep *out* the germs, but out of courtesy because they were sick.
Long One...
So it has been an interesting time here in Hong Kong!
Timmy D and I have noticed a few things about the city:
1. It is like the NYC of Asia but a whole lot cleaner than NYC. They are doing something right here or my view of cleanliness is skewed by living in NYC. Either way it is nice. The trains are super clean and so are the stations. It is unbelievable for a city the size of Hong Kong. And as most of you know, I am a really clean person so for me to say something is clean…you know it is! (-:
2. Speaking of public transportation – things are just efficient around here. Like for example when you cross the street the little posts make a certain noise, and anywhere you are supposed to go (a walking sidewalk, an escalator, etc.) that noise is made. It really is quite efficient. Also, people leaving and entering the train station always go on opposite ways. There really is never anyone messing up by going in the door everyone is coming out of. In addition, the train stations have little signs that tell you when the train will arrive, and they actually arrive when they say it will. Another plus - so far the trains have never been more than four minutes apart. Lastly, I love that the subway trains tell you which side to exit from ahead of time. Gosh, I love efficiency and organization!
3. There are quite a few people wearing masks. They are just walking around wearing masks. Really?! Do you need them here? Also, every time Tim and I see them we begin to talk about the controversy this past summer when the US Olympic Cycling team wore masks in Beijing and they were given a hard time. Again, I say, really?! Was there need for that? I mean if locals are wearing masks here in Hong Kong in the “winter” (I put quotes because it really isn’t that cold here) than there seriously was no need for the stupid controversy back in the middle of summer in a city with a lot more pollution and where almost everyone wears masks. Anyway, that is it for my soap box on that. (-:
4. People really are nice and polite. What a breath of fresh air. Well, maybe they are rude but I just don’t understand them – ha!
So enough with that stuff. Yesterday was a good day. I think Tim and I are getting over this jetlag pretty quickly. I think it helps when you go to Disneyland and wear yourself out the day of your flight. We slept A LOT on the plane. Thank you to my father for giving me the wonderful gene to sleep anywhere anytime. I think I got about eight or more hours of sleep on the plane.
Yesterday afternoon, we had a traditional Chinese lunch and then some reflexology. I have always wanted to try it. It wasn’t expensive, and it lasted 45 minutes. Oh my goodness was it awesome. Even Tim tried it, too, and he liked it as well.
Last night we hit up the night markets, which really weren’t that spectacular. They were pretty much just like the markets on Columbus Ave on Sundays. )-: Either way we still bought stuff.
Today was way more interesting than yesterday. Yesterday was more about exploring, and today Tim and I have the hang of things. So after an awesome night’s rest, Tim and I finally got up and took the train way out of the city to try to catch a cable car up a mountain to see the Big Buddha. So after the easy, clean and efficient ride we get off the train only to discover that the cable cars are closed for “regular maintenance.” Awww shux!! Luckily there was Bus #23 ready to take us up. After teaming up with an older British couple, we get exact change and boarded the bus. As I am getting on the bus the theme of “Gilligan’s Island” starts playing in my head, and I soon realize that this isn’t going to be a short bus ride. Luckily we didn’t get stranded anywhere, and we did make it back to the city.
Although, the bus almost didn’t get up the mountain. The mountains are steep and the road is narrow. As the bus would slow down and almost stop on a hill, I would think just like Thomas the Train “I think I can, I think I can…” Miraculously, the bus made it to the top of the mountain. I am glad it did because it was beautiful up there. We walked through the Ngong Ping village, and, Madeline, I tried to buy you a Buddha necklace or something to match your lovely earring you got years ago. However, I couldn’t find a good one. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. )-:
After the village we climbed the 260 steps it takes to get to the Big Buddha. It was awesome and made for an amazing view of the village and water below. I was all excited because I thought this Big Buddha was old and full of history. However, it isn’t. It was only unveiled in 1993. Bah!!! )-:
After the Big Buddha, we took a small hike along “Wisdom Path.” It provided an AMAZING view of the land below. Really spectacular!!!
Anyway, I think that is it for now. I am so pumped for Australia!! Diane, we can’t wait to see you!!
Timmy D and I have noticed a few things about the city:
1. It is like the NYC of Asia but a whole lot cleaner than NYC. They are doing something right here or my view of cleanliness is skewed by living in NYC. Either way it is nice. The trains are super clean and so are the stations. It is unbelievable for a city the size of Hong Kong. And as most of you know, I am a really clean person so for me to say something is clean…you know it is! (-:
2. Speaking of public transportation – things are just efficient around here. Like for example when you cross the street the little posts make a certain noise, and anywhere you are supposed to go (a walking sidewalk, an escalator, etc.) that noise is made. It really is quite efficient. Also, people leaving and entering the train station always go on opposite ways. There really is never anyone messing up by going in the door everyone is coming out of. In addition, the train stations have little signs that tell you when the train will arrive, and they actually arrive when they say it will. Another plus - so far the trains have never been more than four minutes apart. Lastly, I love that the subway trains tell you which side to exit from ahead of time. Gosh, I love efficiency and organization!
3. There are quite a few people wearing masks. They are just walking around wearing masks. Really?! Do you need them here? Also, every time Tim and I see them we begin to talk about the controversy this past summer when the US Olympic Cycling team wore masks in Beijing and they were given a hard time. Again, I say, really?! Was there need for that? I mean if locals are wearing masks here in Hong Kong in the “winter” (I put quotes because it really isn’t that cold here) than there seriously was no need for the stupid controversy back in the middle of summer in a city with a lot more pollution and where almost everyone wears masks. Anyway, that is it for my soap box on that. (-:
4. People really are nice and polite. What a breath of fresh air. Well, maybe they are rude but I just don’t understand them – ha!
So enough with that stuff. Yesterday was a good day. I think Tim and I are getting over this jetlag pretty quickly. I think it helps when you go to Disneyland and wear yourself out the day of your flight. We slept A LOT on the plane. Thank you to my father for giving me the wonderful gene to sleep anywhere anytime. I think I got about eight or more hours of sleep on the plane.
Yesterday afternoon, we had a traditional Chinese lunch and then some reflexology. I have always wanted to try it. It wasn’t expensive, and it lasted 45 minutes. Oh my goodness was it awesome. Even Tim tried it, too, and he liked it as well.
Last night we hit up the night markets, which really weren’t that spectacular. They were pretty much just like the markets on Columbus Ave on Sundays. )-: Either way we still bought stuff.
Today was way more interesting than yesterday. Yesterday was more about exploring, and today Tim and I have the hang of things. So after an awesome night’s rest, Tim and I finally got up and took the train way out of the city to try to catch a cable car up a mountain to see the Big Buddha. So after the easy, clean and efficient ride we get off the train only to discover that the cable cars are closed for “regular maintenance.” Awww shux!! Luckily there was Bus #23 ready to take us up. After teaming up with an older British couple, we get exact change and boarded the bus. As I am getting on the bus the theme of “Gilligan’s Island” starts playing in my head, and I soon realize that this isn’t going to be a short bus ride. Luckily we didn’t get stranded anywhere, and we did make it back to the city.
Although, the bus almost didn’t get up the mountain. The mountains are steep and the road is narrow. As the bus would slow down and almost stop on a hill, I would think just like Thomas the Train “I think I can, I think I can…” Miraculously, the bus made it to the top of the mountain. I am glad it did because it was beautiful up there. We walked through the Ngong Ping village, and, Madeline, I tried to buy you a Buddha necklace or something to match your lovely earring you got years ago. However, I couldn’t find a good one. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. )-:
After the village we climbed the 260 steps it takes to get to the Big Buddha. It was awesome and made for an amazing view of the village and water below. I was all excited because I thought this Big Buddha was old and full of history. However, it isn’t. It was only unveiled in 1993. Bah!!! )-:
After the Big Buddha, we took a small hike along “Wisdom Path.” It provided an AMAZING view of the land below. Really spectacular!!!
Anyway, I think that is it for now. I am so pumped for Australia!! Diane, we can’t wait to see you!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
My Butt Hurts
I am sure I should be more proper than that, but there is no other way to say it. 14 hours on a plane and my toosh is sore. Really I think it is my tailbone…does that happen to anyone else?
Anyway, shout out to my dad, aka the world traveler. I am not sure how he did it for so many years. Although, I have to say that our plane ride really wasn’t bad. The flight attendants were nice, space was decent and the food wasn’t t bad. The in-flight entertainment was definitely something to write home about. Even though my impression numbers are insanely small, I will still give Cathay Pacific some free PR. Airline really was nice. (-:
Although, there was a small amount of drama when we checked in – they couldn’t find our reservation, the flight was overbooked and when everything was finally confirmed they had us sitting rows apart. We begged and pleaded and luckily some dudes didn’t show up for the flight so we did end up sitting next to each other. (-:
Hong Kong is cool. We walked around Victoria Park to stretch our legs – lots of exotic plants, birds and old folks practicing Tai Chi. People are very friendly. We must have had a blank stare on our faces when we were walking around because some nice people walked up and asked if they could help us. (-:
A few things on our agenda for the next few days:
• Hike up to see the Big Buddha and Victoria Peak
• Reflexology on our feet
• Night Markets
• A ferry ride in the Harbor
• Dinner with our friend Sanoop
Ok that is all for now.
Leave comments and email us at timdonlan@gmail.com or sparki226@yahoo.com
Love to all!!! (-:
P.S. Am I weird for thinking of the movie Catch Me If You Can every time I see the cute little pilots and flight attendants in their uniforms?
Anyway, shout out to my dad, aka the world traveler. I am not sure how he did it for so many years. Although, I have to say that our plane ride really wasn’t bad. The flight attendants were nice, space was decent and the food wasn’t t bad. The in-flight entertainment was definitely something to write home about. Even though my impression numbers are insanely small, I will still give Cathay Pacific some free PR. Airline really was nice. (-:
Although, there was a small amount of drama when we checked in – they couldn’t find our reservation, the flight was overbooked and when everything was finally confirmed they had us sitting rows apart. We begged and pleaded and luckily some dudes didn’t show up for the flight so we did end up sitting next to each other. (-:
Hong Kong is cool. We walked around Victoria Park to stretch our legs – lots of exotic plants, birds and old folks practicing Tai Chi. People are very friendly. We must have had a blank stare on our faces when we were walking around because some nice people walked up and asked if they could help us. (-:
A few things on our agenda for the next few days:
• Hike up to see the Big Buddha and Victoria Peak
• Reflexology on our feet
• Night Markets
• A ferry ride in the Harbor
• Dinner with our friend Sanoop
Ok that is all for now.
Leave comments and email us at timdonlan@gmail.com or sparki226@yahoo.com
Love to all!!! (-:
P.S. Am I weird for thinking of the movie Catch Me If You Can every time I see the cute little pilots and flight attendants in their uniforms?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
California
Well, hello there!
Tim and I are sitting in our
First and foremost our flights out to LA were on time! (-:
One of the first things we did when we arrived was catch up and have dinner with some very very good family friends that I grew up with. Thank you Floyd, Jody, Carrie, Ashley and Zachary for such a wonderful dinner. We also drove by my childhood house. Check out the pic below. The whole evening was a rush down memory lane. I can truly say I had a fabulous childhood.
Today Tim and I went to
Anyway, our flight to
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Six Days to Lift Off
Tim and I leave on Saturday, February 14 for our trip of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand (with a stopover in LA and Hong Kong). I figure this blog will be a great way to keep friends and family up to date on where we are and what we are doing.
I will blog, he will blog and we (meaning him) will post pictures. It is the best of all worlds!
Below is what we have planned so far, so be sure to check back later this week when I take Tim to Disneyland. I am very excited to show him something that was such a part of my childhood!!!
February 14: go to LA
February 15: Disneyland
February 16: fly to Hong Kong
February 17 - 19: Hong Kong
February 20: arrive in Brisbane, Australia
That is it so far. Sometime after arriving in Brisbane, we will head up to the reef for a two day two night yacht/sailing trip around the Great Barrier Reef. We will do a relay triathlon with our friend Diane, we will go to Sydney and then New Zealand. We arrive back on US soil on March 17.
I will blog, he will blog and we (meaning him) will post pictures. It is the best of all worlds!
Below is what we have planned so far, so be sure to check back later this week when I take Tim to Disneyland. I am very excited to show him something that was such a part of my childhood!!!
February 14: go to LA
February 15: Disneyland
February 16: fly to Hong Kong
February 17 - 19: Hong Kong
February 20: arrive in Brisbane, Australia
That is it so far. Sometime after arriving in Brisbane, we will head up to the reef for a two day two night yacht/sailing trip around the Great Barrier Reef. We will do a relay triathlon with our friend Diane, we will go to Sydney and then New Zealand. We arrive back on US soil on March 17.
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