Hong Kong
I thought long and hard as we left Vietnam. Visiting Vietnam was one of those bitter/sweet experiences that I doubt I will ever forget. Now that some time has passed as we have a full day at sea before our arrival at Hong Kong, my anxiety has diminished and I feel like Im getting back to normal me. I’m glad we got to see Vietnam but I doubt if I will ever have a desire to see any of it again. I did, however, leave a piece of me behind. While in Nha Trang, I lost an Apple Tracking Device.. I have since located it somewhere in Nha Trang, still transmitting its location whenever two or more IPhones come close to it. As soon as I get home I will check it closer and see if it is moving around or is stationary.
It was about 6:00 AM when we entered the harbor in Hong Kong. Our tour of the city was scheduled to start at 9:00. This was a Princess tour as we felt apprehensive about creating our own.
Following breakfast, we were outside boarding Bus #2 for our guided tour. Being first on the bus, we had good front seats. Sandra was still limping from her broken foot injury a few weeks ago and walking too much was causing problems with swelling. Eric was in a seat by himself up front until a crippled man and his aged wife came aboard. Eric got up and offered them his seat. What a good boy we have!
Today’s adventure began with a large boat ride along the harbor. From our vantage we could see hundreds of skyscrapers of various shapes and sizes. Many of these tall buildings were apartments and housing for the 7.5 million Hong Kong inhabitants. Today, the streets would not be too busy as Hong Kongers are taking a few days off work to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which started last night. I noticed that as we entered the harbor at dark-thirty this morning, I could smell the smell of last night’s fireworks. I’m guessing that those who were celebrating, are now sleeping in
It was quiet on the water as our boat made a circle around the shore, even going past our cruise ship. We docked near the large Ferris Wheel and headed for the #2 bus.
We ate lunch with a lot of other tourists. We sat at a round table that seated 10 or 12. One other couple at our table was from north of Seattle, Washington. We ate local type food. Some of it was new to us but we did recognize the rice. It was all good, as was the Jasmine tea. Eric sat at a different table than us as there was no room, but said he really enjoyed the food!
We were bussed to the harbor where we were treated to a ride on a Sampan, a boat used by fishermen and for carting tourists. It’s a simple boat with bench seating and a homemade canopy of tarps to keep out the rain on a day like today. It was fun. We passed alongside yachts owned by the rich, parked on the same water as the poor fishermen living in houseboats. The rich and the poor, together in one place.
From here we were taken on a ride to the top of a mountain. Along the way we were able to stop at a local market to do some trinket shopping. Ron tripped on a rock and banged himself up enough that he and Nancy’s sat on a bench while the rest of us wandered n and out of small souvenir shops.
Back to the bus and we were heading to the top of a high mountain where we took photos, shopped and then rode a Tram down the mountain to meet up with our waiting bus. It was fun.
The day went by fast. The driver dropped us off at our ship and we went inside. As I pulled on my landyard to show my Medallion to re-enter the Princess Diamond, I discovered my land yard was empty. Somewhere in Hong Kong I lost my Medallion! I had to wait around and prove I was supposed to be on this ship. Immigration, of course, also demanded proof that I was who I said I was. After a while, two crewmen from the ship who were escorting me, got me past Immigration and made me a new Medallion. Soon I was back in my stateroom and ready for dinner!
Next stop…Taiwan. Tomorrow would be a day at sea. The wind is picking up and rocking the boat. Feels like being in an airplane with terbulance.
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