Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Kong Kong
Last Day
Spent the last day in HK visiting a couple of museums and am I glad we did. What wonderful and interactive museums they are. I absolutely loved the experience. Very educational and a lot of fun.
Decided to do some last minute shopping. Went down to the harbour and saw a light display and went into lots of shops. Got to the stage where we were all shopped out so went back to the hotel and spent our last night reminiscing about our holiday.
Flying time
About 9-10 hours.
Food
Very cheap and good.
Toilets
Mostly western style but still a few of the old style hole in the ground and they are awful because they are very smelly and not too clean.
Travel
Train travel would have to be the best in the world. A very easy system and trains come every 2-5 minutes. It is worth visiting HK just to see it in action. Lots of buses, rams and taxis.
Streets
HK is surprisingly clean. Smoking is not aloud outside so there are not cigarette butts everywhere.
The traffic is extremely heavy but for some reason keeps moving. It is rare to hear a car horn.
Night time is lit up like a Christmas tree. Neon signs everywhere.
Shops
Open between 10.00am and 11.00am, close at 11.00pm.
Hong Kong
Day 5
We decided to have a day at the HK races. It is small compared to our race tracks but they have been able to fit in everything that is needed. Had a couple of bets but didn't do any good. It was a very nice day that gave us yet another unique experience.
After the races went to a place called Times Square. It wasn't anything exceptional but we still had a look around.
Day 6
The 4 of us went for a day trip to Macau. We took a turbo jet boat across and once again had to go through customs. Once outside plenty of courtesy buses to take you to whatever casino your little heart desires. We went to the Venetian Casino and had a very nice lunch. Had a look around the casino then decided to visit the one across the street called the Galaxy Casino. Both casinos were very big need a compass to get around, but as in Las Vegas, they have absolutely everything in them.
Day 7
Headed for the big Buddha. Decided to take the cable car, it is about 5km long. It is amazing how much vacant land there is for a place that has so many people. Once at the top we entered a little village that had novelty shops, eating and gift shops. Headed towards the Buddha and came across some life size statuettes, what a sight. Further down we came to the temple that is still used by Buddhist Monks. A very cool place indeed.
Had to go up over 200 steps to get to the Buddha, a bit of a strain on the knees and lungs. It was well worth the trek up. You can go inside the Buddha and have a look around, purchase some goodies or just take in the amazement of it all. The trip down was a lot easier.
Was back we went to the Men's Market. I couldn't tell much of a difference with the ladies market but still we had a bit of a look before heading back to the hotel.
We decided to have a day at the HK races. It is small compared to our race tracks but they have been able to fit in everything that is needed. Had a couple of bets but didn't do any good. It was a very nice day that gave us yet another unique experience.
After the races went to a place called Times Square. It wasn't anything exceptional but we still had a look around.
Day 6
The 4 of us went for a day trip to Macau. We took a turbo jet boat across and once again had to go through customs. Once outside plenty of courtesy buses to take you to whatever casino your little heart desires. We went to the Venetian Casino and had a very nice lunch. Had a look around the casino then decided to visit the one across the street called the Galaxy Casino. Both casinos were very big need a compass to get around, but as in Las Vegas, they have absolutely everything in them.
Day 7
Headed for the big Buddha. Decided to take the cable car, it is about 5km long. It is amazing how much vacant land there is for a place that has so many people. Once at the top we entered a little village that had novelty shops, eating and gift shops. Headed towards the Buddha and came across some life size statuettes, what a sight. Further down we came to the temple that is still used by Buddhist Monks. A very cool place indeed.
Had to go up over 200 steps to get to the Buddha, a bit of a strain on the knees and lungs. It was well worth the trek up. You can go inside the Buddha and have a look around, purchase some goodies or just take in the amazement of it all. The trip down was a lot easier.
Was back we went to the Men's Market. I couldn't tell much of a difference with the ladies market but still we had a bit of a look before heading back to the hotel.
Hong Kong
Day 3 (continued)
Once back at Kowloon we decided to visit the Ladies Market. What a treasure of a place it is. I didn't know it but I can barter, Chris and Loretta got me to barter for them also. I had great fun doing it.
We got lots of good bargains. Walked around for another couple of hours then we decided we were all exhausted so back to the hotel. Got there about 10.30pm, a very long day.
Day 4
Went for a walk to Kowloon Park and what a beautiful park it is. There are lots of birds and many water features. It is such a calming place. There is a McDonalds in the park that sells ice-cream and cold drinks. It is the smallest Maccas I have ever seen..
Went back to the hotel and had a foot massage at the shop next door. After that the 4 of us decided to have a night at one of their many wonderful little pubs. We were able to order snacks all night which definitely helped to soak up the alcohol. It was a really fun time.
Day 5
Had a tour guide trip to China. What a fascinating journey. We walked to our local train station and met the guide, then got onto a train that takes us into China. Even though HK is part of China, we still had to show our passports and have a visa to cross over. Once in China we met our new guide Mark and what a laugh he was. He has learnt a lot of Aussie slang and had a very good understanding of Australia.
We visited the "Petrified Trees Garden" (trees so old they have turned into rock). It is impossible to describe the wonder of these gardens. It is one of those places that should be put on your 'bucket list."
Visited a silk factory, had a lovely lunch at a hotel and visited the bonsai gardens. On the way back we visited the Market shops, the 4 of us had our personal guide Leo and thank goodness we had him. The place is so big we would have wondered around for hours without finding the shops we really wanted to see.
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Hong Kong
I am soooooooo excited, we depart for Hong Kong tomorrow (14th October, 2013). The part of we consists of myself, Greg, Loretta and Chris.
We are flying Qantas and depart at 10.00am, so will be leaving home at 8.00am.
Day 1
Arrived about 5.00pm HK time. Caught a courtesy bus to the hotel, checked in then went for a walk to get our bearings. Walked for about 2 hours then had to go to Hotel and have a sleep....we all slept very, very well.
Day 2
Went on a 5 hour tour of HK city. Steven was our guide, he was very informative. We
Rode on the small cable car, lovely sights from our dome
Went on a sampan (old style Chinese boat)
Visited Hong Kong harbour
Went to the Stanley Street Market and
Visited a behind the scenes jewellery factory
Got back about 3.30pm then caught the train to Disneyland. It is not nearly as big as the LA Disneyland and the rides are mainly rollercoasters. We all went on Space Mountain, unfortunately Chris and myself got motion sickness, not pleasant at all. After having something to eat and Greg and Loretta going on a few more rides, we headed home at about 9.30pm.
Day 3
Caught the famous Star Ferry across the harbour to HK island. Got a bit lost finding the correct bus to catch to the Ocean Park, so hang the expense....we caught a taxi.
Ocean Park is at the bottom of a very tall hill. Saw lots of marine animals. We rode on the park's underground train to the top of the hill where the Panda's are located. They are sooooooo cute and look very placid. They appear to lay around eating most of the day. It was just lovely to see them.
There is also a mockup of old HK city. It is very well done and provides an insight of days gone by.
We are flying Qantas and depart at 10.00am, so will be leaving home at 8.00am.
Day 1
Arrived about 5.00pm HK time. Caught a courtesy bus to the hotel, checked in then went for a walk to get our bearings. Walked for about 2 hours then had to go to Hotel and have a sleep....we all slept very, very well.
Day 2
Went on a 5 hour tour of HK city. Steven was our guide, he was very informative. We
Rode on the small cable car, lovely sights from our dome
Went on a sampan (old style Chinese boat)
Visited Hong Kong harbour
Went to the Stanley Street Market and
Visited a behind the scenes jewellery factory
Got back about 3.30pm then caught the train to Disneyland. It is not nearly as big as the LA Disneyland and the rides are mainly rollercoasters. We all went on Space Mountain, unfortunately Chris and myself got motion sickness, not pleasant at all. After having something to eat and Greg and Loretta going on a few more rides, we headed home at about 9.30pm.
Day 3
Caught the famous Star Ferry across the harbour to HK island. Got a bit lost finding the correct bus to catch to the Ocean Park, so hang the expense....we caught a taxi.
Ocean Park is at the bottom of a very tall hill. Saw lots of marine animals. We rode on the park's underground train to the top of the hill where the Panda's are located. They are sooooooo cute and look very placid. They appear to lay around eating most of the day. It was just lovely to see them.
There is also a mockup of old HK city. It is very well done and provides an insight of days gone by.
Hobart
Tracie had 4 days off work and wanted to visit Tassie so off to Hobart we went (October 2013).
We were very fortunate with the weather, a bit chilly at times but no rain. We had a good look around the city and did lots and lots of shopping.
Hired a car for 24 hours and drove to Port Arthur. We did the ghost tour and had dinner at the restaurant afterwards then the long drive back to the hotel.
We were very fortunate with the weather, a bit chilly at times but no rain. We had a good look around the city and did lots and lots of shopping.
Hired a car for 24 hours and drove to Port Arthur. We did the ghost tour and had dinner at the restaurant afterwards then the long drive back to the hotel.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Hawaii - Last Day
The time has come to say goodbye, what a wonderful relaxing time we have had.
Spent our last day at the zoo, then came back to the hotel pool and had a sun bake while reading my very good John Grisham book. I didn't realise the pool had service, a lovely girl comes around and takes food and drink orders, oh yes this is the good life.
We decided to treat ourselves for our last dinner and went to the Japanese restaurant in the hotel here. Well what a fantastic experience. The waitress was great, nothing was too much trouble. Even offered to have food cooked that wasn't on the menu. The food was to die for..... I had a delicious salmon dish and Tracie had her favourite crab legs in some sort of spicy sauce. Oh and nearly forgot, as an entree we shared a scallop dish. Biggest scallops I have ever seen, topped with a nice sauce and caviar. . . Yummiest yum yum.
Had to walk it off after dinner, somehow Tracie still was able to fit in an ice cream cup we bought from the shop..
Airport transfers have been booked and have ordered a wake up call (just in case).
See you soon Greg and Popgirl and Rosie Red.
Over and out.
Spent our last day at the zoo, then came back to the hotel pool and had a sun bake while reading my very good John Grisham book. I didn't realise the pool had service, a lovely girl comes around and takes food and drink orders, oh yes this is the good life.
We decided to treat ourselves for our last dinner and went to the Japanese restaurant in the hotel here. Well what a fantastic experience. The waitress was great, nothing was too much trouble. Even offered to have food cooked that wasn't on the menu. The food was to die for..... I had a delicious salmon dish and Tracie had her favourite crab legs in some sort of spicy sauce. Oh and nearly forgot, as an entree we shared a scallop dish. Biggest scallops I have ever seen, topped with a nice sauce and caviar. . . Yummiest yum yum.
Had to walk it off after dinner, somehow Tracie still was able to fit in an ice cream cup we bought from the shop..
Airport transfers have been booked and have ordered a wake up call (just in case).
See you soon Greg and Popgirl and Rosie Red.
Over and out.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Hawaii - day 6
What a fabulous day it was today....why you may ask?? I went in the water with a dolphin. We hugged, patted and kissed. What a beautiful animal.
It is amazing how big they are when you are up close and personal compared to seeing them from a distance. The dolphin was about 8 feet long and weighed 500 lbs.!
When you touch them the skin is kinda of slimy but very cushiony. Their fin is so strong and firm and guess what ? He has blue eyes!
Tracie spent another day on the beach sunbaking and people watching. We were both a bit hungry when I returned at about 5.30 so went and had a shower and went to our favourite spot, California Pizza.
We both ate too much and had trouble walking home. Another early night. I think we are the only two people in Waikiki who don't go out at night, we are just too tired.
It is amazing how big they are when you are up close and personal compared to seeing them from a distance. The dolphin was about 8 feet long and weighed 500 lbs.!
When you touch them the skin is kinda of slimy but very cushiony. Their fin is so strong and firm and guess what ? He has blue eyes!
Tracie spent another day on the beach sunbaking and people watching. We were both a bit hungry when I returned at about 5.30 so went and had a shower and went to our favourite spot, California Pizza.
We both ate too much and had trouble walking home. Another early night. I think we are the only two people in Waikiki who don't go out at night, we are just too tired.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Hawaii - Day 5
Today we went to the flea market at Aloha Stadium. It is huge, goes around the outside of the stadium, we arrives at about 8.30am and departed at 12.00pm and only got about a quarter of the way around.
Picked up some very good bargains. Got 4 hoodies for $50 and a few souvenirs. The prices are between 30% and 50% cheaper than in the shops.
Tracie went to the beach when we came back and I had a walk around and got a snack. There definitely are some very interesting "sights" in Waikiki.
Picked up some very good bargains. Got 4 hoodies for $50 and a few souvenirs. The prices are between 30% and 50% cheaper than in the shops.
Tracie went to the beach when we came back and I had a walk around and got a snack. There definitely are some very interesting "sights" in Waikiki.
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Hawaii - Day 4
Caught a bus to the AlMona Shopping Centre. Tracie wanted to go to Walmart. A nice trip, only took about 20 mins.
The shopping centre is HUGE. Finally found Walmart, picked up a few cheap items of clothing and a couple of souvenirs.
Came back to the hotel about 2.00pm and had a lovely banana smoothie for lunch then off to the beach. We decided to have an early dinner because we will be going to the flea market tomorrow and want an early start. Went to La Coocaracha Mexican restaurant, it was very tasty. Had to go for a walk along the beach after wards to help the food digest.
Taking lots of nice photos and generally relaxing.
The shopping centre is HUGE. Finally found Walmart, picked up a few cheap items of clothing and a couple of souvenirs.
Came back to the hotel about 2.00pm and had a lovely banana smoothie for lunch then off to the beach. We decided to have an early dinner because we will be going to the flea market tomorrow and want an early start. Went to La Coocaracha Mexican restaurant, it was very tasty. Had to go for a walk along the beach after wards to help the food digest.
Taking lots of nice photos and generally relaxing.
Photos of Hawaii
Below are photos of Waikiki.
Some have been taken from our hotel room
Others have been taken on the each.
Day 3 - Hawaii
Another lovely day here in Waikiki. We went to the factory outlets today,it is about a 30 minute bus ride from the City.
Tracie was very happy because there was an Adidas store, she picked up some really good bargains. It was a bit difficult getting her out of there.
Got back to the hotel at about 3.30pm,I needed a nap in preparation for our big night out. Tracie had another sun bake.
Part of our package deal was a dinner and magic show at a nearby hotel. The food was tasty and the magic show just blew my mind away. It was soooooooooooll good. The show included a fire dancer as well as traditional Hawaiian dancing, it was great.
Tracie was very happy because there was an Adidas store, she picked up some really good bargains. It was a bit difficult getting her out of there.
Got back to the hotel at about 3.30pm,I needed a nap in preparation for our big night out. Tracie had another sun bake.
Part of our package deal was a dinner and magic show at a nearby hotel. The food was tasty and the magic show just blew my mind away. It was soooooooooooll good. The show included a fire dancer as well as traditional Hawaiian dancing, it was great.
Sunday, 24 February 2013
Hawaii
Tracie was pulled aside in Melbourne and asked to go thru the new full body x ray machine. She said they checked all her bangles also. Flight over was good,the ten hours went quick. Unfortunately no sleep on the plane though.
Jetstar provide iPads at a cost of $18 each. They have movies, games and Tv shows on them.
Arrived in Honolulu about 6.30am. Tracie once again pulled aside by customs. This time I was not permitted to stay with her so went downstairs picked up the luggage and waited for her. After about 20 to 25 minutes she found me. Apparently it was a spot check. I thought the shuttle bus would be gone, but they waited for us, god bless the Hawaiians!
Took about 45 mins to get to our hotel. Checked in but room not ready until about 2.00 pm. Weren't walking around to get our bearings for five hours. Along the way we met Adam. He is a pre med student selling creams in his cousins shop for some spending money. He would have to be the best salesman in the entire world. Anyway after purchasing a few small items from him he gave us his email address and invited us to visit him in Israel.
Hawaii has changed a lot since I was last here. Nearly every street corner has a person trying to sell something. It can be very hard to get away from them. Also the nice little shops are all gone, they have been replaced with designer stores, Victorias Secret,Louis Vuitton etc, the good news is there is a Macy's store.
Went to the Hard Rock cafe for dinner. Had a lovel grilled salmon Caesar salad. Went home and into bed by about 8.30.......slept like a log. The bed and pillows are just so comfy.
Day 2
Up T 10.00am, went down to breaks,lovely spot and good food, then wenttohVemy free makeup from Karen, the lady I met at Macy's yesterday. She did a really nice job. I bought some nice Estée Lauder makeup and hanged it to Gregs account....... Surprise!
Went to the beach to meet Tracie. The hotel gives you a seat and Rowell so I took my book and had a little read.
We have decided to have seafood tonight not far from the hotel, off to get ready now.
Jetstar provide iPads at a cost of $18 each. They have movies, games and Tv shows on them.
Arrived in Honolulu about 6.30am. Tracie once again pulled aside by customs. This time I was not permitted to stay with her so went downstairs picked up the luggage and waited for her. After about 20 to 25 minutes she found me. Apparently it was a spot check. I thought the shuttle bus would be gone, but they waited for us, god bless the Hawaiians!
Took about 45 mins to get to our hotel. Checked in but room not ready until about 2.00 pm. Weren't walking around to get our bearings for five hours. Along the way we met Adam. He is a pre med student selling creams in his cousins shop for some spending money. He would have to be the best salesman in the entire world. Anyway after purchasing a few small items from him he gave us his email address and invited us to visit him in Israel.
Hawaii has changed a lot since I was last here. Nearly every street corner has a person trying to sell something. It can be very hard to get away from them. Also the nice little shops are all gone, they have been replaced with designer stores, Victorias Secret,Louis Vuitton etc, the good news is there is a Macy's store.
Went to the Hard Rock cafe for dinner. Had a lovel grilled salmon Caesar salad. Went home and into bed by about 8.30.......slept like a log. The bed and pillows are just so comfy.
Day 2
Up T 10.00am, went down to breaks,lovely spot and good food, then wenttohVemy free makeup from Karen, the lady I met at Macy's yesterday. She did a really nice job. I bought some nice Estée Lauder makeup and hanged it to Gregs account....... Surprise!
Went to the beach to meet Tracie. The hotel gives you a seat and Rowell so I took my book and had a little read.
We have decided to have seafood tonight not far from the hotel, off to get ready now.
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