Wednesday 28th July 2010

Today we took a shopping trip out to Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui.  We didn't go for anything in particular but just browsed around all of the shops.  I bought a Nintendo DS game from Hong Kong Records.

For lunch we stopped at a Japanese cafe/bakery called Panash.  I had macaroni cheese and it was very nice.  Once we finished shopping we planned to go to Hong Kong Space Museum.  Unfortunately, when we stepped out of the door we found that an horrific thunderstorm was passing over.  I heard the loudest crack of thunder I have ever heard in my life during that storm.  It scared me so much that it made me jump!

Eventually we did arrive at the Space Museum, somewhat wet and soggy!  The Space Museum was good although I preferred the Hong Kong Museum of History.  But it was still great.  I went on a ride involving the power of a gyroscope which was really good. 

Tonight Mum cooked us Normandy Chicken which is delicious chicken in a creamy sauce.  It is my favourite meal of all time. 

I am still tired from yesterday so I am going to bed now. 

Speak soon.

Love Meganxxx

Tuesday 27th July 2010

Today it's Ocean Park day! Woooo! I have been looking forward to today all holiday. If you don't know, Ocean Park is a theme park/zoo where you can go on cable cars, see pandas, watch dolphins (with pink tummies) and sea lions in a spectacular show!! In other words it's fab.

We had to get up early to take the ferry from Hung Hom to Central and then we waited for the bus through the Aberdeen tunnel to Ocean Park. It was a good day to go as the weather wasn't too hot. I think Dad was quite excited as he didn't get to go to Ocean Park with us last year.

The first thing we did on arrival was watch the summer special splash show. It was really good. There were five divers, diving into a small round pool from great heights. It was amazing to watch - an excellent show and Dad really enjoyed it.

After that we walked toward the Giant Panda enclosure.  Jia Jia (the female) and An An (the male) were really funny to watch because they walked around their enclosures (one each - pandas lead solitary lives) and ate bamboo!  We stood watching and trying to catch them on camera for more than half an hour.  Below is our best effort.  It is my favourite attraction at Ocean Park.

Then we took the cable car ride over the mountain.  It was spectacular.  There were beautiful views of Repulse Bay and huge container ships out at sea.

My other favourites included: the sea lion and dolphin show, and the sea life carousel where I sat on a sea horse (not a real one!).

Overall Ocean Park was a tiring but fun day out.  When we arrived back at the hotel we all relaxed and went to bed earlier than usual.

Love Megan xxx

P.S.  The answers to COUNTDOWN CONUNDRUMS are as follows:

1. PROGRESSIVE
2. ARTICULATE
3. HERITAGE
4. SKYSCRAPER
5. RETRIEVAL

This week's quiz has more of an Asian theme.  You may need to do some research.  Good luck:

1. In Hong Kong, what is another name for a hurricane or cyclone?
2. Which sea surrounds Hong Kong?
3. What is the name of the city that used to be under Portuguese rule, that is close to Hong Kong?
4. What is the name of the ferry company which has run a regular ferry service across the harbour since 1898?
5. Which country occupied Hong Kong during World War II?

Monday 26th July 2010

Today we slept in late because we were so tired from the full day out yesterday. We were going to make a trip to Ocean Park today, but from looking at the weather forecast (http://www.hko.gov.hk/contente.htm) we decided that it would be too hot. Instead we went on the tram from Central to North Point and back. It was a really interesting journey.

On the way back we got off at Admiralty and went shopping in a western shop called GREAT. We bought lunch and walked up to Hong Kong Park to eat it. The fountain was working in the park today so I walked under it and got quite wet (see photograph at the top of the page!).

After lunch we all felt exhausted from our trip so we trudged back to the hotel. Guess what we did next - relaxed bythe pool!!! It was a really cool day.

In the evening we caught the shuttle bus into Tsim Sha Tsui and went to a restaurant called La Villa. We remembered that the food was brilliant from last year and we all ordered the same meal. My fish and chips were delicious! I really enjoyed today. Ocean Park tomorrow!!

Speak soon

Lots of love Meganxxx

Sunday 25th July 2010

Today we were invited to one of Dad's work colleague's houses, Mabel, who lives in Tai Po up in New Territories for a poolside bbq. To get there we had to get up early and catch a train to Tai Po Market from Hung Hom. It was a really enjoyable ride even though I wasn't properly awake!

When we arrived at Mabel and Edward's house, there was the sound of barking dogs. Once we were insidce we saw why - Mabel has four dogs! Mabel and Edward had thought of everything - from towels to insect repellant and suncream to inflatables in the pool. I jumped in the pool almost straight away because it was such a hot day.

Susheela and her husband and four children came as well. It was cool having other kids to play with instead of just me!!!

The day passed really quickly (because I was having so much fun) swo when we had to leave I was disappointed but also very tired. Mabel had bought me a really nice toiletries set as a gift. Thank you Mabel and Edward for a great day.

Once we got back to the apartment, Dad cooked bruschetta, salad and potatoes for tea. Delicious as usual.

Speak soon

Love Meganxxx

Saturday 24th July 2010

Today was Dad's first day off so we took him up to the pool for a swim as it was a nice day. He really enjoyed relaxing. Dad and I had planned to go and watch the dragon boat racing in TST in the afternoon but he was enjoying himself too much so we didn't go!

In the evening we took the ferry to Central and walked up the escalator to a greek restaurant called Rick's. It is the BEST RESTAURANT this holiday. I had chicken souvlaki and it was GORGEOUS!

After our fabulous meal, we got a taxi to Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre. There was a book fair going on down there and we went to have a look. There was a section called 'English Avenue' where all the English books are so we walked around there. Mum didn't see anything she fancied but Dad and I bought 2 books each. It was really busy. We then got the ferry from Wan Chai to TST and a taxi home. There was a massive queue for the taxis and we eventually got home at 12.00 midnight!!! We're off to Tai Po tomorrow. We've been invited to Mabel's house there - Dad works with Mabel. I'm looking forward to it.

Speak soon

Love Meganxxx

Friday 23rd July 2010

Today as soon as we were ready this morning, Mum and I caught the Star Ferry to Central. We were heading for HK park, a lush green park surrounded by skyscrapers in the middle of the city. We remembered the way from last year and hot and bothered, we finally arrived.

There is a fountain/waterfall that you can walk under and cool yourself down. Mum and I were both looking forward to that. After a small walk around we walked towards the fountain. When we got there we saw that the fountain wasn't working. We were SO disappointed. We also went in the conservatory at the park and looked at the plants - lots of cacti, as well as looking at the fish and terrapins.

Not long after we arrived back at the apartment, Dad arrived home. He told us that he had two conference calls one at 7.30 pm and the other at 9.00 pm. So we weren't able to go out to eat. We therefore ordered a Chinese to be delivered to our apartment from the website 'Food by Web'.

Whilst Dad was on his conference calls, Mum and I went for a walk in Whampoa. We visited Pacific Coffee (a sort of Starbucks) and had an ice chillino. It is a type of coffee chilled - it was really yummy!

Speak soon!

Love Meganxxx

Thursday 22nd July 2010

Today Mum and I got the shuttle bus to Hankow Road in TST and walked to Harbour City (a massive shopping centre). It was raining really heavily (again) so our umbrellas had another outing! We went into a few shops including H&M and Hong Kong Records where I bought some new clothes and a DS game.

When we had finished shopping, Mum and I got the Star Ferry: TST to Wan Chai (where we bought lunch at Pacific Coffee) then Wan Chai to Hung Hom just for fun!!! It was really cool!

It was still raining heavily when we arrived back in our apartment. Mum checked the weather forecast on the HK Observatory website and there was a Black Rainstorm Warning in force! This meant that Dad couldn't get on the Star Ferry to come home because he wasn't allowed out of the office! The thunderstorm passed after about 15 minutes so Dad wasn't too late home. He forgot to take his umbrella to work, so I went to meet him from the Star Ferry with his umbrella because the rain was still heavy. He was very grateful.

For dinner we had roast potatoes, bruschetta and salad, followed by Saint Etoile egg tarts! It was REALLY DELICIOUS!

Speak soon

Love Meganxxx

PS. Well done everyone on the last quiz. You all got it right so I've decided to step it up a bit. This week's quiz is COUNTDOWN CONUNDRUMS. All you have to do is unscramble the eight to 11 letter words. Answers to the same e-mail addresses by Monday. Here you are:-

1. sgeorrpvsei

2. ltuacrieat

3. ghetreia

4. payrkscsre

5. lvtrireae

Wednesday 21st July 2010

Today we knew that it would be a bad weather day because typhoon warning No.1 had been hoisted. Knowing this we decided to go to Hong Kong History Museum in TST. We wanted to go last year but we didn't have enough time. I thought that it would just be lots and lots of reading about boring stuff! However, it was really good. It was better than the Science Museum we visited last year (which is next door!).

The museum is really interactive and there are loads of great photo opportunities. Dad would be proud of us because admission is free on a Wednesday so we didn't have to pay anything either! If it's a rainy day and you don't know what to do go to the Hong Kong History Museum on Chatham Road South in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Then we had to walk down to the Hotel Shuttle Bus and there was an incredibly heavy tropical rainstorm. Everyone got their umbrellas out but you still got wet. It is quite strange when it rains here because the rain is like taking a warm shower.

Vanessa Cheung had organised the DLA summer party and it was really good. Thanks Vanessa! We all sat round a long table and had drinks and tapas. There was a really mixed crowd - Hong Kongers, Australians and Brits. It is interesting to meet people from different places. Mum, Dad and I then got the ferry to TST and a taxi home - it was a late night!

Love

Meganxxx

PS. Today's quiz will be posted later - got to dash now as I'm off out.

Tuesday 20th July 2010

Another lazy day by the pool (after running yet some more errands for dad!) because it was too hot to do anything else. When we picked up the laundry from Mrs Chi King, we also dropped off two of dad's work shirts.

Dad had told us earlier that he was going out for lunch, so he wouldn't want a big meal when he got home. Mum and I decided to order lunch by the pool. So we ordered a Margherita pizza (for us to share) and a caesar salad (for mum only!).

When Dad arrived home from work, we had a snack for tea and then went out for a walk in Whampoa (the local neighbourhood). Dad bought me an ice-cream from Haagen Daz and we looked in a book shop called Popular.

Once we got back to the apartment, we played a card game called Boggle Slam. It is really fun!

Love

Meganxxx

Monday 19th July

Today we went out to drop off our laundry at Mrs Chi King's (see picture - me outside Mrs Chi King's in Whampoa). We then went to Park 'n' Shop to buy various things that Dad and and I forgot. Mum also let me have a look in ROXY (a fantastic clothes shop) but we didn't buy anything (again, much to my disgust!).

After that a chilling day by the pool was in store which I really enjoyed. Mum still hasn't swum as many lengths as me!

When we came down from the pool we realised that we forgot to buy bread to go with the spaghetti bolognaise we were making for tea. Mum couldn't go and get it without me because she was cooking. I decided to go so I went to Saint Etoile by myself and then went to meet Dad from the ferry! Dad was surprised but pleased to see me!

Love

Meganxxx

Sunday 18th July 2010

Today we took Dad across to Central and went on the Escalator. It didn't feel as hot as last year but still a lot warmer than the UK! Dad really enjoyed it . He is usually the 'man with the map' showing us where to go but we showed him where to go today! It was quite funny!!!

After going on the Escalator, we walked down to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens to show Dad the animals. The apes were the best by far. Most of the other animals were sprawled out in their enclosure sleeping because it was too hot for them! There were belts hanging from the top of the apes' enclosure and they were swinging on them like Tarzan! One of the males was holding a stick in its feet and swinging at the same time! But then it dropped the stick and it went off into a corner to sulk! We were surprised at how human-like their behaviour is!

We all felt hot, sweaty and ready for a swim after that so we caught the Star Ferry to Hung Hom and had a refreshing swim at the hotel.

That evening Dad's work friends, Neville and his girlfriend Clara and Andy Cooper came over to dinner at the Waterfront. Nev brought a swear box (a bear poo from Winnie the Pooh!) to put money in if anybody swore! Andy brought some history magazines for Mum, a Hong Kong phone for Dad and a game called Gobblet for me. At the end we played a card game called Uno. Clara was really good at it and she won!! It was a really fun night!

Speak soon!

Love Meganxxx

P.S The answers to the MISSING LINKS quiz are as follows:

1. SUGAR

2. BRANCH

3. IDLE

4. STANDING

5. RAG

Another quiz, COUNTDOWN CONUNDRUMS, will be posted within the next couple of days.

Saturday 17th July 2010

Today we went to Jusco - a Japanese supermarket in Whampoa - to buy some food to stock the fridge up. Then we decided to go and lay by the beautiful rooftop pool and go for a swim. I really enjoyed it and swam 31 lengths!!

At lunchtime we shared a burger and a salad. The food by the pool is GORGEOUS!! We stayed by the pool until 6 o'clock when we went to our room to get ready to go out. We went to the New Sangeet (an old favourite - see last year's posts) for an Indian meal in Tsim Sha Tsui. It was just as good as last year and one of the waiters remembered us!

After eating we went shopping and looked for a new phone for me. We didn't buy anything though - much to my disgust!!!!

It was our first full day in HK and I really enjoyed it.

Love Meganxxx

P.S This year I wanted to make my blog more interactive so from now on I will be posting various quizzes along with my posts. Send the answers to mine, Mum's or Dad's email address. You get one mark for each correct answer. I will count them all up at the end and the prize will be a present from Temple Street Night Market in Hong Kong. For this one please, email the answers to me by Wednesday. I will post the answers on Wednesday evening. Enjoy!!

MISSING LINKS

Each clue consists of three words which have a fourth in common. For example, PAINT, ELBOW and PROOF are linked by the word GREASE.

1. Brown - Daddy - Cane (5)

2. Local - Olive - Line (6)

3. Thought - Bone - Away (4)

4. Order - Stone - Ovation (8)

5. Time - Doll - Trade (3)

Friday 16th July 2010

Read Thursday 15th (below) before this.

We woke up after an interrupted 5 hours sleep and turned our mind to arriving in Hong Kong. All of us were really excited - especially me!!! As soon as we stepped of the plane onto the airbridge, we felt the heat of Hong Kong and thought, 'It's good to be back!' I thought of all the places that we visited last time we were in HK but I especially remembered the hundreds of times that we went on the Star Ferry to Central. Once Mum and I got the ferry from TST to Central then Central to Hung Hom, just for fun!

After catching the Airport Express to Kowloon, we got a taxi to the Harbour Grand. It used to be called the Harbour Plaza (where we stayed last year) but changed its name since last year. We had so many bags and suitcases that all three of us had to squash in the back with hand luggage on our knees! It was quite a tight squeeze and warm too!

When we got to the hotel, we found out that we had the same room but three floors lower! We were really happy so we unpacked and went down to the Waterfront Restaurant for tea. I had their Margherita Pizza which is really gorgeous.

After the meal we all started to yawn because we didn't sleep properly on the plane. Mum suggested that we go up to the room and go to sleep so that's what we did. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...............

Love Meganxxx

Thursday 15th July 2010

Today we have been driven down to Heathrow airport - a 3 hour journey from our house - to catch our connecting flight to Zurich, Switzerland then from there to Hong Kong. I was (and still am) very excited about revisiting Hong Kong this year. Because we are flying business class, we got to go in the Star Alliance Gold lounge. It was so cool!

When the time came to go to the gate, a message came up on the flight screen that our flight would be delayed 1 hour because of storms in Zurich. This meant that we might miss the connecting flight to Hong Kong. We all groaned. I was so annoyed with the weather!!!

Just before we landed in Zurich an air stewardess told us that our flight would wait for us to get on. We thanked her and Dad became ridiculously giddy. It was really funny.

There was an Australian lady who was on her own and really worried about missing the connecting flight to Hong Kong. She wasn't in business class so we got the stewardess to give her a message about where the gate was and waited for her to help her get to the flight. She was a very nice lady and grateful for our help. She had also got another flight back to Australia the next day from HK. Yuck!!! We got on our flight with minutes to spare and we all felt really relieved. 'I wouldn't have minded a night in Zurich after all!' Dad said. I wouldn't of either but I would have preferred to be on the way to Hong Kong!!

(This plane journey is continued in the blog entry above - Friday 16th July!)

Love Megx

I'm back!

Hi everyone!!

Just to let you all know that I am going back to Hong Kong this Summer so I will be restarting this blog. I hope you like it as much as last Time. Watch this space!!!!

Love Meganxxx