HK Disneyland and more shopping (Friday)

Hot and humid...

We made an early start, catching the MTR to HK Disney. $50HKD ($8AUD) for a 24 hour pass on the underground rail network which we used numerous times for late night shopping expeditions after the kids were asleep (I knew it was a good idea to bring the baby-sitter).

Arriving shortly after the opening time, there were people everywhere, but the crowds were well managed with staff to help everywhere.

The kids headed directly for Tomorrowland where there was a water park (kids got drenched, but at least they were cool). Into the Astroblaster ride to help Buzz Lightyear defeat the evil Emperor Zurg - it was great. We got to ride in carriages with laser guns and a controller to direct the carriage. Shooting Zurg targets gained you points, and the more points you got, the higher in the Space Ranger pecking order you got. Allison was a star shooter and no doubt would easily be recruited by Buzz Lightyear. As soon as the ride was over, we were lining up for another go.

Next was Pirateland and we went to see the Lion King show. Again, it was very well done like a professional stage show and the kids loved it (even worth the half hour line up in unbearable heat.

We stayed for the Disney water parade, where the parade floats and characters squirted the crowd. By mid-afternoon the kids were trashed and glad to get back on the air conditioned train. A 40 minute train ride and we were back at the hotel. The HK underground system is fast and convenient - the city would be so difficult to traverse without it.

That night we ate in the room (sandwiches made from groceries bought at the corner supermarket.

At about 7 pm we left the kids with the grandma's and headed back to Kowloon (Mong Kok) to the markets. Streets and streets of open markets and shops open until about 11 pm. Having spent all day walking HK Disney our feet were now killing but there was shopping to be had! Bought t-shirts ($5 ea), Hugo Boss business shirts ($8 ea), and laptop backpack ($25), shoes, handbags, shorts and the list goes on.

Allison bought authentic designer label prescription glasses, with the prescription lenses for $190, and a 1 hour wait. They are great.

Anyway, next post I'll finish the shopping stories (Stanley Market on Saturday) and try to catch up to now. We are currently at HK airport waiting for the flight to Nanchang. Only a few hours now and we get to meet Tara - cant wait!

arrival in Hong Kong

The day started early yesterday with the added pressure of the mini-bus arriving half an hour early. We left home at about 7:50, picked up grandma and headed off to the airport.

The first flight was a quick 1 hour to Melbourne and a 2 hour stop over.

Aboard the same plane and off we were to Hong Kong, only 9 1/2 hours away - it was actually a good flight and the kids were well behaved considering the confined space and lack of entertainment (the third time through of the same Simpsons episode or Shrek the Third started wearing thin with the kids). joel slept for a couple of hours, but Bradley (Mr Stay-Awake) resisted until about 11 pm Adelaide time, and managed 20 minutes sleep before we arrived.

Off the plane, through customs, find the bus and get to the hotel took about an hour and a half, arriving about midnight local time (1:30 am Adelaide tme). Kids still awake.

Day 1 in HK - kids awake at 7 am and rearing to go!!!

So far, we have walked into the central area of Hong Kong. It is about 32 deg and very humid.

Off to the markets this afternoon...

introducing Tara...

I am finally posting a photo of Tara.

It is less than 1 week now before we travel and although very rushed with a million things to do, it is quite an amazing time. We now have confirmed travel arrangements and itinery, tickets, visas, foreign currency and most importantly, our notice to travel!

Next Wednesday we fly to Hong Kong, where we will be through to Sunday. Sightseeing, shopping and HK Disneyland are on the agenda. It will be a nice time to spend as a family and have some fun, prior to what will possibly be a quite stressful two weeks in China (we hope not).

Sunday (26th) we fly direct to Nanchang from Hong Kong, about a 1 1/2 hour flight.

Initially we were told that "gotcha day" would be Monday, but today we have been advised that we will meet and be handed Tara on Sunday late afternoon (yeehaa). Lets say that we are now all getting pretty excited and overwhelmed to think that this is just over a week away....