Page 9 Pics -Saskachewan - Vancouver
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Page 14 Pics - Birthday Week in Florida
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Page 15 Pics - United Kingdom

Oct 15th - Paris to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific 11.5 hr flight

I boarded my flight for Hong Kong not really looking forward to the 11.5 flight. I'm not one to sleep on planes and this flight wasn't any different. We left on time at 2pm and took the way round via Russia and across Mongolia down into China, arriving at 7.30am next morning Hong Kong time. I jumped on a bus and was dropped off at my hotel door just hoping I would be able to check in at that time. The first thing I noticed on trip to hotel was the mountains, after being in flat lands for quite some time it was see the mountains. Soon as I checked in room I crashed big time, slept all day...lol

Friday I set out to explore, caught the train into town to find the shopping. The hustle n bustle of the streets is amazing, if I was asked once do I wanna buy a watch or a handbag or need a tailor, I asked 100 times. I really wanted to tell em all where to go...lol They are in your face the whole time. I think the hardest part is learning all different currencies and knowing exactly what you are paying for things. I steered clear of the street side cooking places, every time I passed one they stunk...lol .. MacDonalds was bout the only place I chanced. lol After walking for miles yet again I found myself down by the harbour. It was a fairly misty overcast day yet very warm, I stood on the dockside watching one of the huge cruise ships to visit Hong Kong berth.

 

Saturday I decided to try out the markets and also find a tour I could do. Aboard the train again into the market area. Beating my way through the crowds yet again looking for bargains, with my luggage already at capacity I had to be careful what I could buy. More watches and more watches thrust in my face...lol Not understanding the manderin language at all and their very limited english made it difficult at times. One word tho they all seemed to use was missy...good price for you missy, what price you pay missy, come back missy...lol . I did actually stop for a late lunch in a restaurant, food was good too...lol. I then walked that off and was time to meet up for the tour I booked. I wanted to see the harbour lights after dark so I jumped aboard the bus and first place was over to Hong Kong Island to experience the night life. Walked around the streets there for a while before boarding the bus again to the pier for a harbour dinner cruise. The buffet dinner was really enjoyable and the laser light show from the buildings was superb. Hong Kong lit up at night was awesome and is the best laser show in the world with over 40 buildings beaming. Just a shame my camera didn't capture all to the max. After a 2 hr cruise back on the bus to the tram stop to climb up to The Peak, the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island. The view was breath taking, looking back down at the lights was unreal, like being on top of the world. Was then time to get the train back to hotel as it was almost midnight and sleep was well earnt after a packed in day n night.

Sunday I went back to the markets for one last look before having to get packed for the last time !!!!! I walked around some more and a few of the back alleys...lol The way people live over there wow, with the high rises so tall and very small room wise. All their laundry hung out the windows makes ya wonder how much they pick up of the street...lol Oh and by the way they are not my bra and undies hanging out the window...lmao

20th Oct - Hong Kong to Melbourne - 9 hrs flight overnight stay in Melbourne then back to Tassie next morning

Monday morning I was up with the birds and downstairs at 6am waiting for the bus to take me to airport. I met up with Lindy at the airport, a lifelong friend from childhood who has lived in Hong Kong for several years. Lindy was my chief bridesmaid at our wedding. Was great for you to meet up with me Lindy and thanks for the coffee. I boarded my Qantas flight Aussie bound. On arriving in Melbourne at 9pm and going through customs for the last time, I checked into hotel finally at 10.30pm and hit the sack ready for early morning flight back to Tasmania next morning. It was great to be back home especially where I could understand the language...lol

I just had to finish off my page with my 2 darling grandsons Dalton and Tyler who I did miss tremendously the whole time I was away. Here you go Auntie Barbticky the boys loved doing the puzzles you sent home for them. I also enjoyed showing them the places Nanny had visited.

As the song says......"I've Had The Time Of My Life" and I owe it all to YOU !!!

All of you wonderful Addicts and friends I've met along the way and shared your homes and/or your time in showing me your Country in the past 6 and half months. You are all truly loved and I will never forget the lifetime memories I have. I've shared many laughs, many great times, many tears with several of you. To those who I didn't get to meet, I apologize. Thank You all from the bottom of my heart !!!