As we do like our food, of course we found a favourite restaurant in Hong Kong. They made a scrumptious sweet and sour seafood dish at this crazy restaurant called Hing Fat. When you walk in, the guy calls over a microphone and points you to a table. The guy would direct us in English so, of course, the whole room would look around and stare at us! It is absolutely packed at lunch time and you have to weave through the masses to find your spot. We returned here multiple times. Of course no good restaurant is complete without cooked chickens and ducks hanging in the front windows!! * Stub
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, China
We had an opportunity to sail around Victoria Harbour on an old Chinese Junk. I don't know why they are called 'junks' - seemed pretty solid to me, although it's not quite the Melges 24 that I'm used to racing on! But I didn't have to hoist any sails and we could sit back and relax and enjoy the impressive view - literally sky scrapers as far as the eye could see even as we toured further up the harbour. What a great way to see more of Hong Kong! *Mush
Double Decker Streetcars, Hong Kong, China
The business area of Hong Kong island is just a mecca of shops, but it is well designed and caters to the pedestrian with its elevated walkways and connecting bridges which also allows the traffic to flow unimpeded. Public transport is also great and we took several trips to the crazy markets streets of North Point and Shau Kei Wan on the cool double decker trams which only cost 12p or 25cents every time!. Unfortunately we didn't manage to get round to the south of the island to chill out on the beaches. Maybe next time on our way back through. * Mush
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Hong Kong Lights, China
Hong Kong is a crazy place - always busy with lots of noise, and lots of shopping malls! We noticed that all people seem to do here is shop, and shop a lot! So we decided to do likewise and explored the street markets of Graham street and Li Yuen East and West in the business district of Hong Kong. As most of you know I love oriental artefacts and antiques so Hollywood Road in Soho was my favourite! But I was only allowed to window shop doing some pricing up ready to compare to mainland China. On our travels we decided to shop around for a digital SLR camera for Martin's birthday. Martin and I laugh about this, but .. it is assumed by many that Martin has been taking all the pictures on our website, and he has gladly enjoyed taking that credit. However, the time has come to reveal the truth... initially, he didn't take very many at all with my old camera, then once we got the new digital in Europe, he took a few more with that. Mostly, up until now he has been using his trusty old 35mm film Canon Rebel SLR to take pictures. But, don't worry, from now on you'll be able to enjoy more of his pictures coming from a Canon EOS 350D SLR. Hope you enjoy them all!
One afternoon we caught the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak which is up above the business district on Hong Kong island. We walked around the lush, jungle summit and hung out, and once the evening city lights came on Martin got to work: this is one of his first shots with his new toy! *Mush
One afternoon we caught the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak which is up above the business district on Hong Kong island. We walked around the lush, jungle summit and hung out, and once the evening city lights came on Martin got to work: this is one of his first shots with his new toy! *Mush
Bank Of China Tower, Hong Kong, China
We have been touring a little more of Hong Kong. Starting with the worlds longest escalator, which runs 800m (half a mile) up from Central Market into the mid-levels of the Hong Kong business district. An interesting ride through some local streets. The heavy rains made for some great views of the side streets. All with their brightly lit signs hanging above their shops.
From here, we passed through the zoo and aviary tucked away in the hillside. A small zoo with some interesting creatures like the Chinese Porcupine, Orangutans, and Jaguars to name a few. Also, some exceptionally colourful birds including Red Ibis, American Flamingo, and Crowned Cranes. We continued our walk into town as the city lights came on. This is our favourite tower, the Bank of China building. As you can see, the lights make a beautiful effect against the sky. *Stub
Monday, September 26, 2005
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is actually attached to mainland China and its 1092 sq km are divided into four areas - Kowloon, Hong Kong island, the New Territories and the Outlying islands (243 of them!).
So for those of you like myself who have a poor knowledge of the history of Hong Kong, here's the lowdown:
After over 150 years of being a British colony, Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997 (this bit I did know), but Hong Kong remains an independent economy and will do so for the next 50 years. European trading with China stretches back more than 400 years, but European demand for silk and chinese tea grew in the 18th century. China, being quite self-sufficient, was not really interested, that was, until the British (apparently with their inexhaustible Bengal poppy supply) started running opium into the country. Although China had long known opium, addiction spread like crazy. After having enough of this trade, the Chinese government decided to stamp it out, provoking the British, and two 'Opium Wars' ensued: one in 1841 and another in 1860 (the latter included the French). The British gained Hong Kong island and Kowloon. Finally in 1898 a 99-year lease was granted to the Brits for the New Territories.
Understandably, even though Hong Kong seems quite western, there is fierce pride that the people are no longer under British rule and 90% of the population are ethnic Chinese. The few westerners we have seen have mainly been tourists. * Mush
So for those of you like myself who have a poor knowledge of the history of Hong Kong, here's the lowdown:
After over 150 years of being a British colony, Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997 (this bit I did know), but Hong Kong remains an independent economy and will do so for the next 50 years. European trading with China stretches back more than 400 years, but European demand for silk and chinese tea grew in the 18th century. China, being quite self-sufficient, was not really interested, that was, until the British (apparently with their inexhaustible Bengal poppy supply) started running opium into the country. Although China had long known opium, addiction spread like crazy. After having enough of this trade, the Chinese government decided to stamp it out, provoking the British, and two 'Opium Wars' ensued: one in 1841 and another in 1860 (the latter included the French). The British gained Hong Kong island and Kowloon. Finally in 1898 a 99-year lease was granted to the Brits for the New Territories.
Understandably, even though Hong Kong seems quite western, there is fierce pride that the people are no longer under British rule and 90% of the population are ethnic Chinese. The few westerners we have seen have mainly been tourists. * Mush
Yuen Po Bird Market, Kowloon, Hong Kong
One cool thing here - I feel really tall!! It is nice to finally see over crowds and be the tallest in the elevator! A bizarre feeling for me, since I am so vertically challenged! I will enjoy it while it lasts though.
As many of you know, Hong Kong is a shopping mecca. But some of the strange sights are of the gold fish market, flower market and the Bird Street Market, where there is a full street of vendors selling all types of different birds. A noisy place, but these guys are really into their birds! Some elaborate carved cages too. Also, being such a huge banking nation, we were at first alarmed to see that each bank has it's own bills printed. In your wallet you can have so many different bills that I would be worried about counterfiet bills. So, we carry around a colourful array of money and try to figure it out each time we pay for things. A few more of the islands for us to check out next - hopefully the rain will subside and we can get back to our busy travel schedule. For now, we shop for digital SLR cameras!!!! * Stub
As many of you know, Hong Kong is a shopping mecca. But some of the strange sights are of the gold fish market, flower market and the Bird Street Market, where there is a full street of vendors selling all types of different birds. A noisy place, but these guys are really into their birds! Some elaborate carved cages too. Also, being such a huge banking nation, we were at first alarmed to see that each bank has it's own bills printed. In your wallet you can have so many different bills that I would be worried about counterfiet bills. So, we carry around a colourful array of money and try to figure it out each time we pay for things. A few more of the islands for us to check out next - hopefully the rain will subside and we can get back to our busy travel schedule. For now, we shop for digital SLR cameras!!!! * Stub
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Hong Kong City Lights, Hong Kong Island, China
After a quick 2.5hr flight from Bangkok, we arrived in Hong Kong. Little did we know that it was in the path of oncoming typhoon Damrey. Luckily for us, the typhoon turned left and missed a direct hit on Hong Kong. We did get some heavy winds and it is still raining heavily today. Apparently it has now hit China and has been the worst typhoon in 20 years.
Our bus trip from the airport took us across amazing bridges that link the 234 islands that surprisingly comprise Hong Kong, through massive ports loading ships with many containers, and into the Kowloon district where we had planned to stay. We are in a building called Mirador Mansions. This place is a dilapidated building with 16 floors and many different guest houses scattered throughout, with rooms the size of closets. Luckily, we found a clean, recently renovated guesthouse that had a decent sized room. Lots of the old buildings around have some intricate structures of bamboo scaffolding all the way up to the top floors! You wouldn't catch me up on that stuff!!!
We took a walk down to the waterfront and were greeted with the amazing view of Hong Kong Island. So many skyscrapers packed into the small area! It is quite a sight to behold!! At night, the buildings all have coloured lights that work in unison. So, at times all will be yellow or blue or red, etc!! Also, some of the biggest have a laser light show timed with each other. If we stay here for National Day on the 1st of October, apparently there is a major light show and fireworks - could be worth a few extra nights! *Stub
Our bus trip from the airport took us across amazing bridges that link the 234 islands that surprisingly comprise Hong Kong, through massive ports loading ships with many containers, and into the Kowloon district where we had planned to stay. We are in a building called Mirador Mansions. This place is a dilapidated building with 16 floors and many different guest houses scattered throughout, with rooms the size of closets. Luckily, we found a clean, recently renovated guesthouse that had a decent sized room. Lots of the old buildings around have some intricate structures of bamboo scaffolding all the way up to the top floors! You wouldn't catch me up on that stuff!!!
We took a walk down to the waterfront and were greeted with the amazing view of Hong Kong Island. So many skyscrapers packed into the small area! It is quite a sight to behold!! At night, the buildings all have coloured lights that work in unison. So, at times all will be yellow or blue or red, etc!! Also, some of the biggest have a laser light show timed with each other. If we stay here for National Day on the 1st of October, apparently there is a major light show and fireworks - could be worth a few extra nights! *Stub
Monday, September 19, 2005
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint, Thailand
The weather took a turn for the worse - torrential downpours with the occasional spell of less rain! But this allowed us to chill out and enjoy our hut. We caught up on researching places to visit, and of course, caught up on our backgammon (Martin is still beating me!) - enjoying all this from our deck watching the storm and the big waves roll in. Whenever we could, we would make a mad dash into town and hang out with our New Zealand friends, Sam and Caroline, and watch films and play games at the local retaurants. Unfortunately, we did have to face the inevitable drenchings from time to time since the rain refused to die down for us, but then it is rainy season after all!
Finally, the rain eased and we hiked through the jungle to get across the island to snorkel at a different beach, Rantee bay. As we crossed the island we stopped at the viewpoint overlooking the two back-to-back bays of Phi Phi. Inspite of the visible devastation caused by the tsunami, the view was still really spectacular. *Mush
Finally, the rain eased and we hiked through the jungle to get across the island to snorkel at a different beach, Rantee bay. As we crossed the island we stopped at the viewpoint overlooking the two back-to-back bays of Phi Phi. Inspite of the visible devastation caused by the tsunami, the view was still really spectacular. *Mush
Friday, September 16, 2005
Viking Village, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Well, I spent 12 days on the island of Koh Phi Phi about 4 years ago. I was eager to return, as this island was hit hard by the tsunami. From all accounts, they welcome as much tourism back to the area as they really need the help of money input. My jaw dropped as we pulled up to the pier. What was lush palm trees, cool little hotels and stores, and the locals village, had all but vanished. You could now see directly through the old village and out to the beach on the other side. They are feverishly rebuilding now, but it will take time, and money.
A lot can be learned from the people as they have lost so much, yet are still very friendly and happy, and welcomed us at all places.
A walk down the beach to one of the places I stayed previously, benefited us with this great find. What used to be old bamboo beach huts at Viking Village, had been rebuilt to some beautiful little cabins with some fantastic little touches. And the view - enough said (Koh Phi Phi Leh in the background)! We are the only ones staying in this place as it probably hasn't been found by most because it is out of the way a little.
I was even recognized by one of the guys, greeting me with "You've stayed here before"!!! *Stub
A lot can be learned from the people as they have lost so much, yet are still very friendly and happy, and welcomed us at all places.
A walk down the beach to one of the places I stayed previously, benefited us with this great find. What used to be old bamboo beach huts at Viking Village, had been rebuilt to some beautiful little cabins with some fantastic little touches. And the view - enough said (Koh Phi Phi Leh in the background)! We are the only ones staying in this place as it probably hasn't been found by most because it is out of the way a little.
I was even recognized by one of the guys, greeting me with "You've stayed here before"!!! *Stub
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Making Pancakes, East Railay Beach, Thailand
Saa, our friendly neighbourhood pancake maker at our restaurant, let me make my own banana and chocolate pancake. I started with a pre-made little round ball of dough and then had to flip it in the air for 2-3 minutes until it was nice and big. Then after laying it carefully on the big flat pan to cook, I chopped banana on to it folding it over on itself and followed that with a good dousing of chocolate sauce. It was a lot of fun and Saa reckoned I hadn't done a bad job and he let me have it for free! But, most of the Thai's got a good laugh out of it! * Mush
Monday, September 12, 2005
Sea Beach, Krabi, Thailand
With our friends Sam and Caroline, we went on a 7 Islands Snorkel and Sunset tour. We started out on a long tail boat that once again broke down in the middle of the sea. After about 45 minutes of waiting, a replacement arrived and we were off to the first snorkel destination. Some creatures we saw were: Nemo's (Clown Fish), Box fish, Moorish Idols, Lion Fish, Parrot Fish, Christmas Tree Worms, jellyfish, and some interesting coral. A highlight at the first stop was a pretty large squid that Sam and I tried to catch using a box but failed miserably. The boat driver tried too, but missed spearing it with a stick. It would have been some good eating!
After another snorkel location around a beautiful island, it was off to the Sea Beach here for sunset. There are 3 islands connected by a sand bar that changes with the tides! As you can see, it is a pretty amazing location and the sunset didn't disappoint. It was the best we have seen on our entire trip so far. Check Flickr for an even better sunset photo.
So, we enjoyed a few beers on this beach, a good meal and then our drunken long tail boat driver took us home, singing the whole way. There was a little stop for a swim in the glowing phosphorescence, before arriving back on East Railay. A pretty sweet evening! *Stub
After another snorkel location around a beautiful island, it was off to the Sea Beach here for sunset. There are 3 islands connected by a sand bar that changes with the tides! As you can see, it is a pretty amazing location and the sunset didn't disappoint. It was the best we have seen on our entire trip so far. Check Flickr for an even better sunset photo.
So, we enjoyed a few beers on this beach, a good meal and then our drunken long tail boat driver took us home, singing the whole way. There was a little stop for a swim in the glowing phosphorescence, before arriving back on East Railay. A pretty sweet evening! *Stub
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Friends at Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
We left Bangkok to hit the beaches again and headed south to the West Coast of Thailand, the Andaman coast.
We made a few friends on Railay Beach and spent a few days enjoying the three different local beaches, our swimming pool, and of course, the delicious fresh seafood. Pictured here in one of our favourite eating places is our waitress Sherri with Jim and Moggs from England and Caroline and Sam from New Zealnd. It was really nice to hang out with some new people. * Mush
We made a few friends on Railay Beach and spent a few days enjoying the three different local beaches, our swimming pool, and of course, the delicious fresh seafood. Pictured here in one of our favourite eating places is our waitress Sherri with Jim and Moggs from England and Caroline and Sam from New Zealnd. It was really nice to hang out with some new people. * Mush
Friday, September 09, 2005
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
Back in Bangkok we picked up our Chinese travel visas, which, to our surprise had been successful: our previous visit to the Embassy had turned out to be a bit of an incomprehensive whirlwind-type experience, and we were merely told 'Toosday' - presumably when we were ought to return and collect them!
In 1782 King Rama I, moved the capital of Thailand to Bangkok (from Auythaya where we had seen lots of ruined temples and Buddhas last week) . The move included the building of the city walls, construction of millions of temple, expansion of the canal system (which we know and love), and the construction of his beautiful palace. We spent a whole day admiring all the statues and stupas (bell-shaped towers) at the impressive Grand Palace. This is also where the Emerald Buddha - the most sacred in Thailand - sits. Another big attraction is a stone model of Angkor Wat - the famous ruined temple in Cambodia. * Mush
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Louisiana, USA
It was on Koh Samet that we heard the shocking news about Hurricane Katrina. We would like to send out our best wishes to all our friends and their families that may have been affected. We are thinking of you and hope that everybody gets the help that they need!
Monday, September 05, 2005
Our Beach Hut on Koh Samet, Thailand
We left the contrasting glitz and gall of Bangkok for the island of Koh Samet in the Gulf of Thailand, 4 hours southeast of Bangkok. We had a great five days here and, even though it was rainy season, it only rained at night and didn't intrude on our 'rays' during the day. Something a little odd was that after the rain would cease, we would hear these horrendously long bellowing snorts emanating, apparently, from small cute frogs!
There were salesmen strolling up and down the beaches selling all kinds of things. We got friendly with a man named Noi, and he hunted down the perfect sarong for Michelle. Every day we would see him stroll by and he would smile and wave - a very happy man.
One of the highlights of our stay on Koh Samet was that all our food was fantastic - some days we would have fresh seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner! In our photo album you'll see pictures of our little local restaurants (we found some favourites, like we usually do!). One of them consisted of low tables set in amoungst the rocks on mats and comfy cushions.
Another highlight was our beach-front hut. Unfortunately, it didn't have the nicest bathroom, but the view certainly made up for it! And it made a nice change from sitting on the beach. We could watch the sunset from our deck whilst sipping ice cold beers and playing back gammon.
Every night, there was a fire show (Poi and Fire Stick) at the neighbouring beach. We would sit down on the low tables on the beach and watch as they twirled away. They were definitely the best we have seen. They could spin the fire stick so fast we thought they were going to take off like a helicopter!!! * Mush and Stub
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok, Thailand
The reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is the largest in Thailand at a size of 46m long and 15m high. It is particularly stunning since it is covered from head to big toe in gold leaf, and it's huge feet are decorated in Buddhist images carved out of mother-of-pearl. Pretty impressive! *Mush
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