Journals
Sunday,Jan 28 2007, 02:20:04 PMThe Final Episode...... Hong Kong to home!
The final Episode of my World trip 2006/7.
As usual when leaving one country to go to another I left with that “twang” that I wanted to stay longer and find out more about my friends & their country. Also not knowing the new country, there is always a little trepidation on arriving in a new one. I had no idea where I was going to stay in Hong Kong, as my original place to stay had recently fallen through, as my stamp collecting friend Maggie had moved to Canada. But Jeffrey, of Zorpia, found me a good & reasonable place to stay, right in the centre of Hong Kong, and near to the Zorpian Office. AND there was an internet connection there! LOL. Only a small room, but quite adequate for me.
Jeffrey very kindly met me in the city, took me to my hostel place, and then took me to Zorpia Office to meet Calvin, Jackson and his parents. So suddenly I met 4 new Zorpians! (Well new to me!) Jeff’s father showed me some of his lovely photos, and he looked at several of mine. Then they took me out to dinner at a veggie restaurant (Chinese/Thai). It was good to meet them, and a wonderful welcome for me into a strange new world, where living it UP has a different meaning! Hong Kong is full of some of the tallest buildings, both flats & offices! After the meal I returned to my place and got lost! I had forgotten which floor I was on LOL. It took me 30 mins of frustrated searching, and the sudden realisation that in my pocket was the full address! LOL!
My first full day in HK was spent in various ways.
Shopping (food)
Internet
Eating
Reading (Angels & Demons)
Looking around the buildings
Taking photos
Arranged meeting with Chris(tine) Bowen my Yahoo Stamp collecting friend.
Walking
My second day was spent in finishing Angels & Demons, and starting Digital Fortress! And walking around Victoria Park! Only 10 mins from my place. The park was full of active Hong Kongians doing various exercises. I have never before seen a properly designated “Jogging Circuit”. All colour coded, and only to be used for jigging, not even resting on the track was allowed LOL
At 2pm I arrived at ChrisB’s flat and on the 27th floor I met my final Yahoo Internet friend, with her twins and her mother. I had met Chris in “Stamp Addicts” several years ago, but with twins only a few months old she has little time for stamps right now! Also they are moving shortly! But it was a good meeting, and was pleased to have met another friend. After taking photos and hugging goodbye I was shown where the world’s longest escalator was and promptly took a ride LOL. I then had a long look around the busy and narrow side streets of HK city centre, and ate dinner at the lovely Organic Vegetarian restaurant called “LIFE”.
The next day I went off to the North West of Hong Kong, on the New Territories (mainland of Asia) to the recently opened and VERY interesting “Wetlands Park”. Here conservation was the main theme, part of HK’s effort to clean up the city and have real life preserved. I can highly recommend this place to all visitors.
In the evening I popped round to Zorpia office for a final meeting with those lovely people who run and keep all Zorpians with plenty to do on the internet! It is amazing what can be run in a relatively small office. I felt especially grateful and honoured to have met Jeffrey, and for the time he gave up to meet me. Of course the usual photos were taken!
My final full day was an unforgettable trip to the GREAT Buddha bronze statue. I caught the train to the Island, then the overhead cable car to the town up in the hills, the mists did allow us to see the sea & land below us, but only a hazy glimpse of the distant places and mountains and the airport! I went to two of the “shows” for tourists, the first “Walking in the Footsteps of Buddha” was I thought very interesting, and it made me think what an important person he was. He had the humility to NOT want to be revered as a God, and not to start up a new religion, but to a way of life that works WITH nature without harm. I really must read more about this great leader. The other show was “Monkey’s tail” a humorous moral cartoon! I first wandered round the tourist village, then the Buddhist Monks’ village, in the second all restaurants only served Vegetarian meals. I sampled one, which was excellent value, and filling, pity they use onions though! (I like cooked onions in food, but they don’t like me! Raw onions are… well to call them lethal, is a bit harsh….but!) Then I climbed the main stairway to the largest bronze Buddha. Fortified with my veggie meal I made it to the top, of what seemed like a thousand steps, and was awestruck by the views, and how BIG the statue was!
I always find it interesting that with both the Christian religions & the Buddhist religions that most followers like to have statues and physical resemblances of their revered people, yet I believe that both Christ & Buddha were not in favour of such items. This is one of the areas that the Muslims do obey their faith and do not have such items. I personally prefer to not to have “images”, and to keep things “Simple” and true. To me all faiths have something to offer, and all faiths should share their truths and be respectful of their differences, just as Jesus taught us.
On my last day I left my hostel at 8am to catch my HK flight to Singapore. (No reference to my throat vibrations when in musical mode!) I was met by two lovely Zorpians. Nani & Aidan. My last two internet friends on my world trip. It was such a delight to be met in this way. They took me to my hotel, in the Chinatown area of Singapore, and then whisked me off to a botanical park, where it rained upon us! (NOT ME BRINGING THE RAIN AGAIN LOL!) After that we found a veggie place to eat, in the Indian sector, which being Sunday was the day all of India met in this area (Well most of the migrant Indian population in Singapore. Though it felt like all India LOL - nearly all young men!) They then returned me to my hotel and went their ways. The next day I went by myself to the wonderful Bird Park, took loads of pictures. The following day Nani took me to Sentosa Island to the Butterfly park (Where we took photos of many beautiful insects, and had the “wonderful” experience of having three large SCORPIANS crawling on us! (Photos to prove it lol) I also held a long thin green velvety snake. We also went to the herb garden and the Merlion statue, the Singapore mythical creature. Inside the statue we saw the film of the story, walked round its head, and gazed out through the mouth! One of the most spectacular events was the water show. In daylight water fountains played to the music, but at night we were treated to a film show using water spray as the screen! A most ingenious piece of entertainment.
That night I finished reading Digital fortress!
The next day I went on a walkabout, forgot to take my map, and in my own way got thoroughly lost, taking pictures of the interesting architecture. Eventually by bus & train I found my way back to my hotel, having ended up miles from where I thought I was LOL
That evening I went to the Action Theatre and saw a new play “Everything but the Brain” by Jean Tay. All local, writer, story, casting etc. I really enjoyed this, my first and only visit to a theatre whilst on my trip.
For my final day I checked in my heavy baggage early, and took a train to two other areas of Singapore, Tampines & Pasir Ris.
Then the final take off preceded by the final seeing off by my friends Nani & Aidan
It was really lovely to meet these two delightful, friendly & caring ladies, a real credit to Zorpia they are. Thank you both for making me feel so welcome *HUGS*
I then flew back from tropical Singapore to the COLD Scarborough in about 13 hours, all in the dark! To make my return even more “welcome” the warm flexible tunnel that takes one from the plane to the building failed to work, so there was I in my shorts having to descend the staircase and walk out into the cold air to the protection of the airport. At Kings Cross station Edwin, Dilys’ brother met me and kindly handed me the train ticket to Scarborough (that she had bought for me), and at 3.30 I promptly arrived to Dilys’ arms and hugs!. Jonathan was there to help me transport my rucksack and one bag!
So ends a 4 month Odyssey.
A full and more comprehensive report will be written soon. And also many more photos. BUT there are THOUSANDS to sort through.
*SMILES*
*HUGS*
To all those who I met and played such a lovely role in making my trip such a memorable event.
THANKS
Chris
Saturday,Jan 27 2007, 04:13:04 AMBACK HOME
Just in case you want to know I arrived safely back homew yesterday afternoon, ON TIME! after a LONG DAY, 31 hours!
Will write a short journal soon of my last section of the holiday, then will get working on the complete story!
Also THOUSANDS of photos to work on.
THanks for reading, and for all of you good friends for taking an interest.
Love & Peace to all
Stay safe
*SMILES*
Thursday,Jan 25 2007, 05:27:33 AM~#~ Not Long till I am home ~#~
Yep I leave on the 23.59 from Singapore airport, on a Qantas airline plane.
NOW WHY
Would anyone give such a TIME for a plane to leave?
I arrive in London at 6.20, but it takes 14 hours! Oh Well will have to get up and walk about a lot on that flight!
Photos & reports will take a time to organise, so please be patient.
*SMILES*
Saturday,Jan 20 2007, 09:50:46 PMI meet a Quokka and 2 Snakes in Australia Part 6
of my World trip.....
My days with Mellissa & Josh in Toomwoomba were in the main HOT!,
but after Boxing Day the weather changed to cold & WET!, we had two
days of rain! That never happens, apparently, at this time of the
year. With Mellissa being so large with her baby she was unable to
get around too much, but that didn't stop us all having a great
time. There was an organic restaurant in Toomwoomba, which i had a
very enjoyable vegan meal. On Christmas Eve Josh took me on an
early morning walk to the local tabletop mountain, and had some
splendid views. On the return journey I managed to photograph a
Cicada, including a short movie of it "singing"! I made some
Christmas food, like a nut roast, chocolate sponge,(Yes Lisa
(Argentina) it WORKED this time LOL) and christmas fruit cake.
We often played a few games in the evening, like Scrabble (Which I
won!) and I introduced them to the drawing & poetry games! Which
went down well. We also played the Star Wars version of Monopoly,
which I won, much to my surprise!
It was so sad to leave on the 28th. Mellissa & Josh were great, I
am so glad to have met them. The nearest I got to kissing the baby
was kissing was the "bump"! More recently I know that they now have
a lovely baby boy. As far as I know everyone is doing well. Though
it was quite a exhausting time as Mellissa had to have a caesarian.
On the 28th I caught a bus to Brisbane and stayed there one night,
but went to SCARBOROUGH, north of Brisbane for an hour! Interesting
to see another Scarborough!
Next morning I was up at 4am to get the early train to Sydney, which
arrived at 11 pm! Stayed the night in a hotel near the station, and
then the next day went on my FINAL sleeper service on a train, the
GREAT INDIAN/PACIFIC journey, Sydney to Perth, taking three days.
On the Sunday morning went on an official tour of Broken Hill,
seeing the Royal Flying Doctor Service and other interesting places
in this outback city.
On journeys like these one usually makes new friends. I learnt a
new kind of rummy with one couple, and also played rummy with
another couple. I also met an Angentinian student on his way to
Perth University! I had my FASTEST seeing in of the new year, as
it happened overnight on the train travelling at 80KpH! Next
morning we had a two hour break at Cook. This has a population of 7,
and has many interesting signs up, like imploying people to get sick
so as to keep their hospital open! (LOL). Later in the evening we
arrived in Kalgoorie and being unable to go on the official tour my
card playing friends and i went on a walk about tour. To say this
place was hot is an understatement! it was DRY HEAT at 10 pm,
hotter than i remember at Alice Springs in the day time ! The pub
on the otherhand was TOO COOL, inside. so we shivvered inside and
boiled outside!
We finally arrived in Perth at 9.10 am EARLY!
GUESS WHAT?
It rained! Yet again my arrival brought RAIN!
Here I had a hotel right bang in the middle of Perth. and I stayed
here for 10 days!
Twice on two different days I met those I had played cards with on
the train! Small world!
Perth is a delightful city. It even has three free bus services!
On the thursday I visited Mandurah for a day trip, I met Mike from
Zorpia on the Friday evening, and had a long interesting chat and
was shown Perth from the the park at night. On the next day Mike,
his wife and child, Grace, took me to Scarborough Beach (I had now
visited 4 new Scarboroughs!) Then we went to a lovely national
park, YanChep and saw many interesting plants and animals, including
the venonmous brown snake! (Passed us by about three feet!) I
also saw a Cookaburra! It was that evening that I unexpectedly met
up with my train friends for a drink!
On Sunday I went to the Quakers (Religious Society of friends)
Meeting and passed on the Greetings from Scarborough Meeting UK. On
the Monday I went to the Perth Zoo, hoping to see a Platypus, but no
such luck! BUT I did see the other monotreme, the Echidna.
Tuesday was a GREAT day as I went to Rottnest Island by train and
boat and spent all day there. LOVELY place, anyone going to Perth
MUST go there. Beautiful unspoilt sandy bays. NO CARS! just
busses. but they have on this island two species that are native to
this island, one a dark snake, and the famous QUOKKA. If you love
animals you will love the Quokkas. They are totally wild, and so
tame and friendly. Just like a cat! (but they eat leaves!) They
are related to the wallabies. but are rather smaller.
My final whole day was made a real pleasure for me by my meeting
Danielle, one of my earliest internet friends. Unfortunately she is
having serious back problems, and is seeing speciallists about it
and trying to get it sorted before it gets too bad. It was lovely
meeting Danielle after all these years, and seeing her for real. We
only had 90 minutes together, and there were so many things we both
wanted to talk about. I wish her all the very best and hope the
problem will be sorted soon.
Next day I flew to Hong Kong, but only to wait there 12 hours for my
flight to Manila the next day.
Dee (Zorpia) very kindly met me there, and we had lunch together,
and returned to wait for Monica (Yahoo Stamp Addicts & Mystical
Dreamland) Monica arrived with a friend and took me to my hotel
near her university, and in the evening we went with three friends
for a meal & a chat.
On the Saturday Monica and her two lecturer friends and two
exchange students from Japan went to Manila city and explored the
ancient wall and several historial places. In the evening we saw
two firework displays as part of an internation annual
competition. We saw China's & The Philippines' work of art! We
heard that The UK won the overall competition. Though I know the
Philippines effort was a a WONDERFUL show, and surely must have come
second.
Travel in Manila is by Jeepneys and taxis LOL What a method of
travel are the Jeepneys. WONDERFUL for a cheap mode of transport!
but the roads are full of them all over the place!
On the Sunday. Monica, Agnes & Andy & I went for a walk round a
park and a museum.
Monday I went to meet Dee after work by taxi, and had a lovely
evening chatting and eating at a restaurant. All too soon it was
time to get back. and a big hug was our final meeting.
Next morning Monica's mum kindly loaned her driver to take me to the
airport, but not before giving Monica a final hug at 6 am !
I arrived in Hong Kong.
The final report from Hong Kong & Singapore will be in the final
part, sometime time AFTER my return home on 26th Jan.
THANKS AGAIN to ALL those who took time out to meet me.
*SMILES*
Chris
Friday,Jan 19 2007, 10:15:11 PMMy trip is coming to and end....
Tomorrow I leave Hong Kong for my last port of call, to SINGAPORE!
There I am being met by two lovely Zorpians, and may be a third! *SMILES*
The whole trip, inspite of a few mishaps etc has been WONDERFUL
There are so many nice friendly people in this world, and I am not just talking about my friends (Zorpian, Yahoovian, Myspacian , pre Interenet) but also people I met on my trip on my travels, many not even known by my friends!
So looking forward to meetin Nani & Aidan, and may be one other, but even more so to being home again, and being with dilys. We have been in constant contact by email and phone, but 4 months is a long time!
There will be a FULL long report of my trip, and photoss! I may make up a CD of the whole trip with all the best photos. I hope to be able to send this to all those I met.
Take care everyone
It Has been a pleasure meeting everyone, over 30 Internet friends, and several of their friends, and many more on my travels
*SMILES*
Chris