Have Passport Will Travel

One of the most exciting things about moving to Guam was the known possibilities to travel. First on our list was a much overdue trip to Japan to visit Bobbi. We packed our bags and headed to Japan for Thanksgiving to spend the holiday with her. Flying to Japan has never been so quick and easy! We loved the short jot by plane and the bus and train to her home was picturesque and relaxing. Of course the best time was celebrating Thanksgiving and helping her decorate for Christmas. It was so nice to see her and we look forward to another visit as soon as we can.

Signs, Signs everywhere Signs

This past week we took our first vacation get away to Hong Kong. We had the best time! The people were very friendly and the hotel staff was most helpful. Our first thoughts on the area were all the advertising.  It’s everywhere, on buildings, buses and even the face of steps. A bit overwhelming at first but it seemed to grow on us after awhile. Our second though was- sticker shock that is until you do the conversion. Then it’s a shock at how really cheap it is. For instance breakfast our first morning in a local café (eggs, ham, toast and coffee for two) the bill came to $28HK :-O holy cow! But converted that is $3.60 – for two! Ok, so shopping and eating here is going to be AWESOME!



Tai o Fishing Village

Surprisingly there is a lot to see and do but the highlights were the tram ride to the peak where we got a beautiful 360 view of Hong Kong, the harbors and islands.  Also was the trip up to Ngong Ping in Lantau where we took a 30 minute, 3.5 mile cable ride up the slopes to see the Giant Buddha towering above the mountain tops. While there we also got a short trip to Tai O - an old fishing village where you felt as though time stood still. Walking along the piers and seeing the shops and tin homes on stilts made you feel as though you stepped back in time. Our trip around Aberdeen, Victoria Harbor in a Sampan driven by an old fisherman was fun to. It was interesting to see the haves and the have nots where huge expensive yachts and rickety old boats filled the entire harbor. Our afternoon ended with lunch which was Dim Sum on the floating Jumbo restaurant. A must try for anyone visiting!

Ladies Market

Then there was the shopping. The markets were the best values and the most unusual gifts. Stanley Market was small and fun to walk through but the Ladies Market was the best. It went on forever and the shops people wanted to deal. Their favorite saying among them all seemed to be "for you only" fill in the blank. Of course we learned quickly to bargin and if it wasn't good enough just walk away. That gets you another "ok, wait for you only." LOL.. At any rate we got some really good deals. Mens Dress Shirt- $6.00 Hand crafted wood Chess set with ivory pieces- $10.00! You get the picture. We had FUN, Lots of FUN! How can you not have fun with bargins like that! We are already looking forward to the next destination. I plan on filling my passport full during our 3 years here.