We did very well with our Hotels. www.tripadvisor.com is a great resource with deciding where to stay. For anyone interested, this is the list of hotels we stayed at.
Tokyo – Keio Plaza Hotel – Located in Shinjuku, very easy access to the Narita express. This was a great landing point.
Beijing – The Park Plaza Beijing – One of the two best hotels this trip. This is a must stay in Beijing. The staff is excellent; the location is close to shopping. A subway station is underground from the Hotel.
Shanghai – Westin Bund – You just can’t do much better if you want to walk on the Bund at night. The staff was great, the room was great, be careful of the food prices. If the food was priced more reasonable, this hotel would be rated higher. Each time we ate at the hotel, I felt ripped off. We had breakfast one day and the water we drank cost more than the meal we ate.
Hong Kong – The Harbour Plaza – One of the two best hotels on this trip. The view from the main lobby, the room, and the roof top could not be beat. This is another must stay in Hong Kong.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Commentary – Biggest Surprises
What were we most surprised about on this trip? Beijing and Hong Kong were our biggest surprises.
Beijing is very clearly a city in change. You can go from skyscrapers to Hutongs in just a few blocks. The contrast of a Lamborghini store and locals riding bicycles in front really helps you understand.
Hong Kong was beautiful. There were so many things we liked, the people, the western influence, the shopping, and the waterfront. Of all the cities we visited, we would be most willing to live in Hong Kong.
Beijing is very clearly a city in change. You can go from skyscrapers to Hutongs in just a few blocks. The contrast of a Lamborghini store and locals riding bicycles in front really helps you understand.
Hong Kong was beautiful. There were so many things we liked, the people, the western influence, the shopping, and the waterfront. Of all the cities we visited, we would be most willing to live in Hong Kong.
Commentary – I am a freak!
We are talking about Michael now. Mary and Connor were great travelers. They both kept going, playing hard, and making the most of this trip. On this trip we have covered more distance than any of us ever before.
We pushed hard. We saw and did a lot. We expanded our boundaries. We traveled in and out of countries that speak languages we don’t even know the symbols for. To cover four major cities in Asia in two weeks is really moving.
However, we noticed a few things about me that were different. The 12 hour time shift, not a problem, just go play Pachinko. Walking 5-10 miles a day, not a problem, there is more to see and do. Go, go, go, not a problem, when will we ever come back. The local cuisine, not a problem, eat it. This is a grand adventure. Missing Chelan Drive, not a bit. As long as Mary and Connor are with me, I am home.
We pushed hard. We saw and did a lot. We expanded our boundaries. We traveled in and out of countries that speak languages we don’t even know the symbols for. To cover four major cities in Asia in two weeks is really moving.
However, we noticed a few things about me that were different. The 12 hour time shift, not a problem, just go play Pachinko. Walking 5-10 miles a day, not a problem, there is more to see and do. Go, go, go, not a problem, when will we ever come back. The local cuisine, not a problem, eat it. This is a grand adventure. Missing Chelan Drive, not a bit. As long as Mary and Connor are with me, I am home.
Commentary – Delta Silver Medallion
What is so hard about this? For the first time ever, we are all Delta Silver Medallion members. Connor is only 12 and he is a Delta Silver Medallion member. Getting Delta Silver Medallion is really easy, just go to Hawaii and Tokyo round trip in one calendar year. Don’t worry about taking all those small trips and hoping they add up to 25,000 miles. Do it in only two trips. It will be interesting to see if Connor gets any first class upgrades now.
Commentary – Airlines Traveled
In addition to traveling to new countries, we also traveled using different airlines. The standard of service for Asian airlines is very different from US domestic airlines
We flew Delta, Japan Airlines, China Airlines, Dragon Airlines, and Cathay Pacific Airlines. On all Asian flights we were served a meal, drinks were free, and we were not charged for any “extras”. The flights were on-time and the cabin crew was excellent.
In the US, the airlines seem determined to make you upset or charge you for every little thing they can. The domestic airlines should just build everything into the standard fare and provide good service like their Asian competitors.
We flew Delta, Japan Airlines, China Airlines, Dragon Airlines, and Cathay Pacific Airlines. On all Asian flights we were served a meal, drinks were free, and we were not charged for any “extras”. The flights were on-time and the cabin crew was excellent.
In the US, the airlines seem determined to make you upset or charge you for every little thing they can. The domestic airlines should just build everything into the standard fare and provide good service like their Asian competitors.
Commentary – “It smells like Shanghai”
We really enjoyed Shanghai. As we walked by some side streets, you could smell a funk. The smell was really no different from New Orleans in the morning. Connor and Mary were both more sensitive to it than I was. However, this was the first time Connor experienced this smell. This spawned a phrase, “It smells like Shanghai”. Now you will know where the saying comes from if you hear it again.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Commentary – The Great China Firewall
I have waited until our return to the United States to add this post.
China controls the information the people in China get over the Internet. China has established a great firewall to keep information away from the Chinese people. I have read about the firewall but never though we would one day become a part of the firewall story.
When updating the blog, there are two main areas. There is one area to add / edit posts and one area to view the posts. I normally add / edit the post and then view the post to ensure everything is OK. This routine worked great in Tokyo.
In Beijing something went wrong. I could add / edit posts but could not view the posts. This was weird. I was actually worried that everyone back home would not be able to follow Connor on his journeys.
Then I remembered about the Great China Firewall. I was able to log into a US computer remotely, start Internet Explorer, and view the blog. Wow! Connor’s blog was being blocked by the Great China Firewall. This is fascinating.
The inability to view Connor’s blog stayed with us through Beijing and Shanghai. Finally in Hong Kong, we could view the blog again. Remember, while Hong Kong is part of China, Hong Kong is treated differently.
Even back in Tokyo, we could view the blog just fine. We do not understand why the blog was blocked. We really enjoyed our experience in China and had only good things to say.
China controls the information the people in China get over the Internet. China has established a great firewall to keep information away from the Chinese people. I have read about the firewall but never though we would one day become a part of the firewall story.
When updating the blog, there are two main areas. There is one area to add / edit posts and one area to view the posts. I normally add / edit the post and then view the post to ensure everything is OK. This routine worked great in Tokyo.
In Beijing something went wrong. I could add / edit posts but could not view the posts. This was weird. I was actually worried that everyone back home would not be able to follow Connor on his journeys.
Then I remembered about the Great China Firewall. I was able to log into a US computer remotely, start Internet Explorer, and view the blog. Wow! Connor’s blog was being blocked by the Great China Firewall. This is fascinating.
The inability to view Connor’s blog stayed with us through Beijing and Shanghai. Finally in Hong Kong, we could view the blog again. Remember, while Hong Kong is part of China, Hong Kong is treated differently.
Even back in Tokyo, we could view the blog just fine. We do not understand why the blog was blocked. We really enjoyed our experience in China and had only good things to say.
Commentary – Currency Issues
Dollars, Yen, Yuan, and Hong Kong Dollars, it is important to understand the exchange rate and the local economy. At most of the places we stayed, everything was appropriate.
At the Westin in Shanghai, we encountered some real issues. The Westin Hotel was nice, the staff was excellent, and the location was the best. We booked this hotel for the location. However, the prices for food were ridiculous. In Shanghai, you are in China. The cost for food at the hotel was higher than prices in the United States. For example, a bottle of water at the local food mart across the street cost 1.40 Yuan, in the Westin a bottle of water was 120 Yuan (~$16 USD). I understand you pay more for food at the Hotel; however a 100X markup form the local rate is silly.
I like the Westin Brand. I liked the Westin hotel in Shanghai. However, if we do return to Shanghai, we will probably find another hotel solely due to the outrageous food prices.
Remember, we ate all of our meals in Beijing at the hotel. We did not eat all of our meals at the hotel in Shanghai. (We also go to eat dog as a bonus for trying the local fare.)
The hardest detail with currency is the coins. We have lots of souvenir coins we are bringing home. For some reason it is easy to separate the bills. It is not easy to separate the coins.
At the Westin in Shanghai, we encountered some real issues. The Westin Hotel was nice, the staff was excellent, and the location was the best. We booked this hotel for the location. However, the prices for food were ridiculous. In Shanghai, you are in China. The cost for food at the hotel was higher than prices in the United States. For example, a bottle of water at the local food mart across the street cost 1.40 Yuan, in the Westin a bottle of water was 120 Yuan (~$16 USD). I understand you pay more for food at the Hotel; however a 100X markup form the local rate is silly.
I like the Westin Brand. I liked the Westin hotel in Shanghai. However, if we do return to Shanghai, we will probably find another hotel solely due to the outrageous food prices.
Remember, we ate all of our meals in Beijing at the hotel. We did not eat all of our meals at the hotel in Shanghai. (We also go to eat dog as a bonus for trying the local fare.)
The hardest detail with currency is the coins. We have lots of souvenir coins we are bringing home. For some reason it is easy to separate the bills. It is not easy to separate the coins.
Commentary – One secret to making this trip work
If you go to Asia, stay at hotels that cater to Americans. The concierge in a foreign country can be your best friend. Talk to the concierge, get two city maps, mark one map up, save the other map, use the first map constantly, everything will be fine.
As a bonus, at the end of the day, you have a safe refuge to eat and recharge for the next day.
As a bonus, at the end of the day, you have a safe refuge to eat and recharge for the next day.
Commentary – Language Barriers
I was a little worried about the language issue as we started this trip. I had done a good bit of research and felt we would be OK. After all, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, do qualify as major international cities.
The backup language in Asia is English. While the primary signs may be in Japanese, Mandarin, or Cantonese, the backup language is English. At times, it was easier to navigate the airports and subways than in Europe. In Europe, you do not always have a backup language. It is the local language or nothing.
There were a few times we could not get through the language barrier. In each instance it was OK, we were able to find a way to communicate.
One of our favorite stories occurred in Beijing. I was trying to by a Pasmo equivalent and accidentally bough 5 one way tickets. No problem, we all used one ticket to the next stop. At the next stop, we bought Connor an “IC Card”. Mary and I would use the last two tickets. This is when it gets interesting. While entering the subway, Connor passed through the ticket line, Mary and I were stopped. After explaining the situation to the ticket agent, Mary and I were allowed to pass through. Problem resolved right? Not really.
When we tried to use our ticket on the exit, we were stopped again. So now here we are in Beijing China, our son is on the other side of the exit and we are not allowed to pass through. Remember this is in CHINA. You do not break the law in China. The ticket agent comes up and does not understand a word of English. His coworker does not understand a word of English. We cannot go through the gate. Connor is on the other side. How would you handle this situation?
We were calm, pleasant, and tried to be as cooperative as we could. After 5 minutes of trying to communicate with each other, the ticket agent just opened the gate and let Mary and I through. Connor, Mary, and I were reunited again.
This is important while traveling. Stay calm. Be patient. Be polite. Remember you are in their country and not the other way around.
The backup language in Asia is English. While the primary signs may be in Japanese, Mandarin, or Cantonese, the backup language is English. At times, it was easier to navigate the airports and subways than in Europe. In Europe, you do not always have a backup language. It is the local language or nothing.
There were a few times we could not get through the language barrier. In each instance it was OK, we were able to find a way to communicate.
One of our favorite stories occurred in Beijing. I was trying to by a Pasmo equivalent and accidentally bough 5 one way tickets. No problem, we all used one ticket to the next stop. At the next stop, we bought Connor an “IC Card”. Mary and I would use the last two tickets. This is when it gets interesting. While entering the subway, Connor passed through the ticket line, Mary and I were stopped. After explaining the situation to the ticket agent, Mary and I were allowed to pass through. Problem resolved right? Not really.
When we tried to use our ticket on the exit, we were stopped again. So now here we are in Beijing China, our son is on the other side of the exit and we are not allowed to pass through. Remember this is in CHINA. You do not break the law in China. The ticket agent comes up and does not understand a word of English. His coworker does not understand a word of English. We cannot go through the gate. Connor is on the other side. How would you handle this situation?
We were calm, pleasant, and tried to be as cooperative as we could. After 5 minutes of trying to communicate with each other, the ticket agent just opened the gate and let Mary and I through. Connor, Mary, and I were reunited again.
This is important while traveling. Stay calm. Be patient. Be polite. Remember you are in their country and not the other way around.
Commentary – Pedestrian Safety
We try NOT to drive in foreign countries. This means a lot walking and subways. We got a real culture shock on this trip regarding pedestrians. In the United States, pedestrians act like they own the road. A person will walk slowly in front of a car expecting the car to stop. Cars stop at lights and will honor crossing signs.
In Tokyo, pedestrian traffic is very similar to the US. We had no issues in Tokyo. The people in Tokyo are very orderly and it was easy to walk everywhere.
In Beijing, the rules are very different. As a pedestrian, you take responsibility for your own safely crossing the street. Crossing signs are ignored by cars, especially left turns. On our first day in Beijing, we were shocked to watch a city bus ignore the signs and plow through a mass of people crossing the street. The people got out of the way and we quickly adapted to life in Beijing. In Beijing, the streets are filled with a combination of busses, cars, and bicycles. It is frightening to watch the cars move through the streets. Everyone shifts lanes, speeds up, slows down, and somehow it just seems to work.
In Shanghai, the attitude is similar to Beijing except there are fewer bicycles and more motor scooters. The motor scooters completely ignore any street signs. If you see a group coming down the road, quickly get out of the way.
In Hong Kong, the drivers and pedestrian safety were closer to London standards. Most people followed the rules, however the direction you need to look is different from the US due to the direction the cars go on the street.
In Tokyo, pedestrian traffic is very similar to the US. We had no issues in Tokyo. The people in Tokyo are very orderly and it was easy to walk everywhere.
In Beijing, the rules are very different. As a pedestrian, you take responsibility for your own safely crossing the street. Crossing signs are ignored by cars, especially left turns. On our first day in Beijing, we were shocked to watch a city bus ignore the signs and plow through a mass of people crossing the street. The people got out of the way and we quickly adapted to life in Beijing. In Beijing, the streets are filled with a combination of busses, cars, and bicycles. It is frightening to watch the cars move through the streets. Everyone shifts lanes, speeds up, slows down, and somehow it just seems to work.
In Shanghai, the attitude is similar to Beijing except there are fewer bicycles and more motor scooters. The motor scooters completely ignore any street signs. If you see a group coming down the road, quickly get out of the way.
In Hong Kong, the drivers and pedestrian safety were closer to London standards. Most people followed the rules, however the direction you need to look is different from the US due to the direction the cars go on the street.
Commentary – Everything but spaceships
We have used basically every mode of transportation we can think of on this trip with the exception of spaceships.
We have traveled in cars, planes, trains, subways, a maglev, a ferry, rickshaws, pulled cable cars, and busses. This makes for land, sea, and air travel in a variety of methods.
We have traveled in cars, planes, trains, subways, a maglev, a ferry, rickshaws, pulled cable cars, and busses. This makes for land, sea, and air travel in a variety of methods.
Commentary – Getting a China Visa
You have to get a Visa to go to China? We did not realize this initially. A US Passport was enough for entry to every other country we have visited. During the research phase of this trip, we learned we needed Visas.
Getting a China Visa is an interesting process. You really have to trust that people will do the right thing.
There are only three or four locations in the United States where you can get a China Visa. None of the locations was near Florida.
So, we found a service that will take your Visa to the China Visa office and get one for you. We chose a service in Houston, Texas. The process works like this. You send your PASSPORTS to the service company in Texas. The service company takes the passports to the China Visa office. You wait 4 days. The service company picks up your passports. Inside the passport, an entire page is consumed by the China Visa that consists of a fancy sticker placed on the page. The service then sends the passports back to you.
In the current age of identity theft, I was not at all comfortable sending our passports to anyone. I was especially uncomfortable sending our passports to the least expensive company. (This is the way the government decides who wins.)
Everything did work out and we did get our Chinese Visas. Once again, it is amazing how much of this trip was done using the Internet.
Getting a China Visa is an interesting process. You really have to trust that people will do the right thing.
There are only three or four locations in the United States where you can get a China Visa. None of the locations was near Florida.
So, we found a service that will take your Visa to the China Visa office and get one for you. We chose a service in Houston, Texas. The process works like this. You send your PASSPORTS to the service company in Texas. The service company takes the passports to the China Visa office. You wait 4 days. The service company picks up your passports. Inside the passport, an entire page is consumed by the China Visa that consists of a fancy sticker placed on the page. The service then sends the passports back to you.
In the current age of identity theft, I was not at all comfortable sending our passports to anyone. I was especially uncomfortable sending our passports to the least expensive company. (This is the way the government decides who wins.)
Everything did work out and we did get our Chinese Visas. Once again, it is amazing how much of this trip was done using the Internet.
Commentary – Count of immigration and customs
Connor crossed through immigration and customs 5 times on this trip. (Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and USA)
Connor certainly has crossed a lot of borders on this trip. His passport is really starting to have some serious stamps in it.
Of the coolest passport stamps relates to China. To enter China you need to get a Visa in advance of your visit. The China Visa takes an entire page of your passport.
Connor certainly has crossed a lot of borders on this trip. His passport is really starting to have some serious stamps in it.
Of the coolest passport stamps relates to China. To enter China you need to get a Visa in advance of your visit. The China Visa takes an entire page of your passport.
Commentary – Why China and Japan?
Why Not? I have always wanted to go to Japan. China will hold the 2008 Olympics starting in August. It seemed like the entire area was preparing for a wave of US tourists. And … the last thing China probably wants right now is a news story about how an American family was abducted while wandering the streets of Beijing.
We discovered some very interesting things.
People are interested in people. While governments may have issues with each other, when you get down to the basic people, most of us all want the same thing. We all want to be happy.
We were surprised at how nice everyone was along this adventure.
In Tokyo, people were willing to help. A good segment of the people we interacted with knew at least some English. And we were able to find our way.
In China, we were really amazed at how many people wanted to talk with us. Yes, we know the invitations to the tea ceremonies and art showing were scams, but there were still lots of interested people.
We were walking along the streets of Beijing in the rain looking for The Bird’s Nest. We had the map out and were trying to figure out which way to go. Two nice locals stopped and helped point us in the right direction.
Connor’s shoes were a point of conversation. In addition to Connor’s star power, whenever someone saw his shoes they were awestruck. One girl told me that I was a bad Dad for forcing him to wear shoes so big. When I explained he fit into those shoes and needed those feet for how tall he was going to grow, she was blown away.
We discovered some very interesting things.
People are interested in people. While governments may have issues with each other, when you get down to the basic people, most of us all want the same thing. We all want to be happy.
We were surprised at how nice everyone was along this adventure.
In Tokyo, people were willing to help. A good segment of the people we interacted with knew at least some English. And we were able to find our way.
In China, we were really amazed at how many people wanted to talk with us. Yes, we know the invitations to the tea ceremonies and art showing were scams, but there were still lots of interested people.
We were walking along the streets of Beijing in the rain looking for The Bird’s Nest. We had the map out and were trying to figure out which way to go. Two nice locals stopped and helped point us in the right direction.
Connor’s shoes were a point of conversation. In addition to Connor’s star power, whenever someone saw his shoes they were awestruck. One girl told me that I was a bad Dad for forcing him to wear shoes so big. When I explained he fit into those shoes and needed those feet for how tall he was going to grow, she was blown away.
Commentary – What is the significance of 19174?
19174 is the total miles traveled not including walking on this trip. To help put this in context, the circumference of the earth at the equator is 24902 miles.
Home!
We made it back home! After traveling for a day, a night, a day, and a night, we finally made it home. We have heard horror stories of trying to adjust to the time when you get back home. Hopefully we will do well.
This day is set aside to do nothing but get used to Eastern Time again.
This has been an amazing adventure! I can hardly wait to see what is in store for Connor next. Expect a few commentary posts over the next few days.
This day is set aside to do nothing but get used to Eastern Time again.
This has been an amazing adventure! I can hardly wait to see what is in store for Connor next. Expect a few commentary posts over the next few days.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Finding our way home … Part 2
Atlanta. It is good to be back in the United States.
This is going to be our longest traveling day ever. We have spent 6 hours at Narita Airport, 12 hours on the plane, and are now in the middle of a 6 hour layover in Atlanta. Do the math. By the time we get on the plane to Melbourne, it will be over 24 hours of action. And we still are not home yet.
This is going to be our longest traveling day ever. We have spent 6 hours at Narita Airport, 12 hours on the plane, and are now in the middle of a 6 hour layover in Atlanta. Do the math. By the time we get on the plane to Melbourne, it will be over 24 hours of action. And we still are not home yet.
Sleep is for the weak!
Finding our way home … Part 1
Eventually you have to find your way home. Everyone does it. Have you ever heard of someone getting lost on their adventures and not being able to find their way home?
We have a very long journey ahead of us. Mary and Connor are fresh and happy at the start. We are in Tokyo here, waiting for the plane to take off.
We have a very long journey ahead of us. Mary and Connor are fresh and happy at the start. We are in Tokyo here, waiting for the plane to take off.
Pachinko
Somehow this post did not make it to the blog earlier.If you are going to visit Tokyo, you should play Pachinko. Pachinko is a form of gambling where you do something with machines and little metal balls. I played a little, lost money very quickly, and never was able to understand how the game really works.
The fun thing about Pachinko is the noise. It is very similar to the noise you get in a Las Vegas casino. There are bright lights, loud noises, and people winning.
If you ask, some places will give you a card describing the basic rules. Unfortunately, it does not tell you how to win. I will attempt to understand the game a little better before any future visits to Tokyo.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
They have the best inventions in Japan
Why we haven’t seen this is the US is beyond me. I used to think it would be cool to have a tap in your house. Some of my friends do and it is fun. After seeing the machines they have in Japan, the bar has been lifted. To work this beer machine you just set your glass down and push a button. The machine will tilt your glass and do a perfect pour.
The World Perks Lounge
I am not quite sure how this happened again but at check we were given day passes to the World Perks lounge. Hanging out in this area is much better than sitting at the gate. There were even some open computers so Connor was able to keep up with his friends on MySpace.
Narita International Airport
We arrived at the airport 6 hours before departure time. We had fully explored the Nikko Narita and thought we might have more fun at Narita International Airport. We were right.There is an observation deck that lets you watch the planes take off and land.
Narita is also one of the few airports that an Airbus A380 comes to. Fortunately, there was an A380 at one of the gates. The A380 is huge. It makes the large Boeing jets look small.
Nikko Narita
We are staying at the Nikko Narita. Overall, this is a really decent business hotel. There is a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. The hotel has a pool, several restaurants, and is well located to the airport. However, the hotel is NOT the Harbour Plaza Hong Kong or Park Plaza Beijing. Fortunately, we only have one night here.It is raining hard outside. We have resorted to the basics to keep ourselves entertained. The basics include, cards, people watching, and thumb wars.
Tokyo … Part 2
We are back in Tokyo. It has only been two weeks since we were last here but it seems like such a long time ago. It has been good to come back to remind us of a few things that are unique to Tokyo.
The Japanese have automated toilets everywhere. We are staying at an average grade hotel and yet the toilet in our room will automatically wash your backside if desired.
Vending machines sell everything. You can even get beer out of the vending machine at the hotel.
The Japanese have automated toilets everywhere. We are staying at an average grade hotel and yet the toilet in our room will automatically wash your backside if desired.
Vending machines sell everything. You can even get beer out of the vending machine at the hotel.
Goodbye Hong Kong
Goodbye Hong Kong. It has been wonderful here. Hong Kong is actually a major tourist destination in Asia. We have seen new cruise ships sail in each day.
We would definitely consider returning to Hong Kong in the future.
We would definitely consider returning to Hong Kong in the future.
The Chinese Cell Phone
Connor has been great on this trip. We have taken him to the other side of the world. At the start of the trip, Connor only asked for one thing, a Japanese cell phone. Connor thinks the Japanese have the coolest phones. He is correct. However, most Japanese cell phones do not work in the United States. So Connor asked for a Chinese cell phone instead. We have been looking in each city for the right model. Finally in Hong Kong, we found it. No one back home should have one like this. Check out the Chinese symbols on the keypad.
Mong Kok
The goal for the afternoon was to get a Chinese cell phone. It is easy to find cell phones along the streets of Hong Kong. The problem is the pricing is designed for the tourists. I wanted to find local phones and local pricing. After speaking with several people, I learned of Mong Kok.Mong Kok is where the locals in Hong Kong shop. Mong Kok was just a few subway stops from where I was. Upon exiting the subway, you see lots of signs and crowded streets. All of the locals decided to go shopping today.
The Harbour Plaza Rooftop
The roof of the hotel has a great view. You can hang out and watch the Hong Kong skyline from either the pool or the hot tub.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The Hong Kong Subway
We might as well keep riding the subway. We have become big fans of the subway system. Here Connor is about to get on the train. Only after I took the picture did Mary say something about the advertising in the background. We have no idea what they are selling.
Nathan Road
Nathan Road is one of the cool places to be in Hong Kong. There are lots of shops, several back alleys, and on the weekend people.
Hong Kong Street Life
The side streets in Hong Kong are very interesting. You can find anything you are looking for here. There are tailors that will make you a custom suit in 24 hours. The first thing required here is to get a basic understanding of what the signs mean.
Victoria Peak
Wow! The pictures say it all. We were not sure exactly why we came to Hong Kong. When we got here, we knew why.
The Victoria Peak Bus
The Victoria Peak bus station is right outside the Star Ferry terminal. The best thing about this bus today was the fact that the Octopus cards worked wonderfully.The Victoria Peak Bus will take you directly to the Victoria Peak tram station. At the tram station, Mary and Connor waited in line while I went on a quest for an ATM.
The Octopus Card
It seems like every city has their own version of the Pasmo. In Hong Kong, it is the Octopus card. What makes the Octopus card so special is that you can use it at the subway, busses, 7-11 stores, and vending machines. The Octopus card is basically a pre-paid card for a lot of different services.
When you purchase the Octopus card, it requires a deposit. Buying our three cards completely drained all of our local currency. We really put our faith in the Octopus card because the next thing we needed to do was to catch a bus.
When you purchase the Octopus card, it requires a deposit. Buying our three cards completely drained all of our local currency. We really put our faith in the Octopus card because the next thing we needed to do was to catch a bus.
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Hong Kong Skyline
The view of the Hong Kong skyline from the Star Ferry is great. Enjoy a couple of pictures.
The Star Ferry
If you want to cross to the other side of the harbor, there are several ways to go. The most fun way, is to take the Star Ferry. The Star Ferry is basically a water bus. Pay the fare, hop on, and it will take you to one of several stations on the other side.
What is hawking?
Connor and I went for a stroll in the morning. As we were walking, Connor asked me “What is hawking?” I did not know so we both stopped to read the sign. It finally made sense.
In China, lots of people feel that it is OK to clear their nose and throat and spit on the street. China has been working to stop this practice prior to the Olympics with limited success. On a cab ride in Beijing, the driver stopped rolled down his window and “hawked” three times before moving again.
In China, lots of people feel that it is OK to clear their nose and throat and spit on the street. China has been working to stop this practice prior to the Olympics with limited success. On a cab ride in Beijing, the driver stopped rolled down his window and “hawked” three times before moving again.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Hong Kong ... Initial Impressions
Hong Kong (at least where we are staying) is like London with Asian looking people. This makes sense because; Hong Kong was a Crown colony of the United Kingdom until 1981 and was only transferred to China in 1997. The cars drive on the wrong side of the road. There are markers on the street reminding you which way to look (just like in London). It is even possible to hear a British accent on some people. Many people here speak English. We are definitely closer (culturally) to the United States than anywhere else on this trip.
View from the Hotel
We are staying at the Harbour Plaza Hong Kong and the view matches the name. So many different types of ships go by all the time. Enjoy some pictures from our hotel room.
Hong Kong
Wow! The view across the harbor is amazing. I really did not know what to expect when we added Hong Kong to the list of places to visit. We will find out more over the next few days.
The Airport Express
Connor is now leading the way through the airports. He knows the routine. Get off the plane, go through immigration, go through customs, and find the way to the hotel. Be quiet and cooperate fully in immigrations and customs.In Hong Kong, you take the Airport Express. We are going to the Kowloon exit. From there, we will catch a bus to the hotel.
Airport Security
We take airport security seriously. We try to follow all the rules. It was a surprise to us when Connor’s bag was flagged by security. We had to go into a secure bag check room. Apparently, magnets are not allowed in checked or carry on baggage. We bought a magnet toy in Beijing. The toy was not allowed on today’s flight. We walked outside of the bag check room and threw the toy away. Mary and I were focused on watching Connor throw away the toy. Connor noticed the security guard watch us leave the room and throw the toy away.
Think about the details of this story for a minute. Something should pop out at you.
Think about the details of this story for a minute. Something should pop out at you.
The Maglev Train
The trip to the Pudong International Airport was awesome. We got to ride a Maglev train. The entire ride to the airport takes under 10 minutes. The maximum speed of the Maglev train was 301 km/hour (180.6 mph). This was a new land speed record for Connor.
The train has a great time and speed indicator in each car to let you know just how fast you are going.
The train has a great time and speed indicator in each car to let you know just how fast you are going.
Subway Ride (We aren’t in Tokyo are we?)
We have enjoyed Shanghai, but it is time to move on. On our last subway ride in Shanghai, it was Tokyo déjà vu all over again. We had to push to get on the train. This time it was even harder because we had three suitcases to get on with also. Fortunately, we learned how to do this in Tokyo. Just push, there is always room for one more.
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