Hong Kong Redux

After a very relaxing sea day, we spent yesterday and today in Hong Kong.

Initially, we were docked at the container port, so we were bussed to the Kowloon side downtown. We wandered about and tried to go to the Ladies Market, but we were early and it didn't open till noon--so we just wandered around and shopped in the open stores and stalls. We headed off to Taikoo Shing--Brian's area--for lunch and some more shopping, and to get our suitcases. At that point, we heard about Dad going to the hospital, so there were some phone calls to Canada and some anxious moments. Thank goodness everything turned out OK enough. We dragged our suitcases through the subway and back to the shuttle bus. Along the way, we rescued a poor Romanian fellow-Diamond-Princesser who was lost, could only speak about 4 words of English, and who was in full panic mode. She was mightily happy to get on the bus!

At 8PM local, the ship sailed through Hong Kong Harbour so that we could see the Light Show. About 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour synchronize their lights, special effects, lasers and the like, to music. Quite fantastic.

This morning we went by tender to Hong Kong Island for a brunch with Brian and Ernest at "The Flying Pan", a breakfast restaurant run by a woman from New York. Good eats. Then we said goodbye, after a super visit and unparalled hospitality which we can only hope to reciprocate some day.

Souvenier shopping, stocking up on wine and treats took up the rest of the day. We had a lovely dinner in The Savoy Dining Room, followed by music from a string quartet in the Atrium. Quite marvellous. Tonight is Island Night, but we're probably not going to be able to stay awake that long! Sea day tomorrow, then Taiwan.