So here is the daddy version of the trip so far...The flight went extremely well. It was very, very, very long, but uneventful which was good.
Considering that my hyperactivity does not allow for me to sit still more than 15 minutes on a good day, I thought I did well. The most eventful part so far was the ride from the airport to the hotel here in Hong Kong. The driver drove like a maniac, constantly beeping the horn when anyone stopped in front of him, but we made it..... (I also learned that is against the law to talk to the bus driver here in China, and after riding with him, I think I now know why!)
I was shocked to see what Hong Kong resembles..alot like NYC. I didn't realize that it was such a populated city that never shuts down. This place is alive and busy! The hotel is very nice, however; the room is very small, and the bed is the size of a cracker jack box and as hard as a cinderblock, but it works. I just went to look at the "gymnasium" which in the USA means fitness center. I was happy they have a treadmill, so tomorrow morning I will be off and running...hopefully. Kate and I have a 1/2 marathon to run in November...no time to waste in preparing.
Today was Disneyland. That was fun. Navigating our way around here is a little scary, but actually a lot of fun. Being the competitive person I am, I felt a sense of victory when we actually arrived at the Disneyland Resort today. When I am navigating it by myself next week, I may not have the same "fun" feeling. Disneyland was a great way to try to help rid the jet lag. I loved the Buzz Lightyear ride- Caleb ultimately won, but it was alot of fun with the four of us competing. Grandma....I found out that grandpa may need new glasses...having a really hard time hitting the target...we will not discuss what place he finished.
Food...did I say food? I have not eaten much since arriving here. Kate has always said I am a picky eater--and I always thought she was crazy, but since arriving here, I verify that I am a picky eater. Where are the cheeseburgers, where are the french fries, a chicken nugget, bbq sandwich, a chicken sandwich???? For those that know me, you will appreciate this; I was thrilled when I found a bowl of fruit for lunch today. :) I did find a McDonald's and KFC today and bought Caleb some chicken nuggets from McDonalds. I thought I was going to venture out tonight with Kate and take the plunge on experimenting with some real Chinese food (General Taos chicken..where are you)??, but Kate decided to hang tight to the room tonight and I refuse to conquer that milestone without her! One funny moment today was when I was trying to order a drink from McDonald's. All I wanted was a Coke...the young lady at the register was insistent that I wanted Hot Cocoa....It is very hot and humid, and HOT Cocoa was not what I had in mind, but eventually she figured out what I wanted and felt sorry for my lack of ability to communicate and just gave me the drink. I expect I will be back in her line tomorrow :)
Please note the hat and the shirt in the picture..LC and VT is well represented here in China!!
Tomorrow we are going to check out the city. Grandpa is in charge, so I have a feeling we will see it all :) Just a few days away from the BIG day! I can't wait!!!!
Doug
8 comments:
I see your version of the food is the same as mine. There is a Hard Rock Cafe about a block or two up the street from where you get on the ferry, its across from one of thoes big indoor malls (that doesn't look like a mall from outside). The burgers and fries are very American.
Hang in there the food on the mainland doesn't get any better.
Fruit? For lunch? That's radical.
I like how you said you bought Caleb some chicken nuggets..Caleb, yeah. 'Oh, these are for Caleb.'
Jeff and I just read your post while he was home for lunch. It is so hard to believe that you are on the other side of the world...so exciting!
We are all ready for the game tonight...another first for Maggie~
Okay let me start by saying I was thrilled to check the blog in the same day and see another post. I told you guys I was addicted. I'm glad dad is enjoying the trip so far, and remember Doug take the one bite approach when trying new food, if you try just one bite who knows you may end up loving it. Nonetheless I am perfectly prepared to fix you all a southern feast when you return (whatever you like........homemade mac-n-cheese, corn pudding, chicken caserole, homemade biscuit....or maybe some homemade lasagna .....yours for the choosen).
Also, thanks for representing us near and far......we miss you already but your Lions will show their pride in a manner that you will be proud of!
So who is eating better, you or Caleb? :) Glad Disneyland was fun and kudos for the navigation success. But what is that on Caleb's head? Notre Dame? Remind us to get your kids some Penn State gear!
Enjoy the next couple of days. We can't wait to hear all about Nyah!!
Love,
Stace and Ron
If you want to see some of the older Hong Kong- and a really cool place, take the ferry to the other side and go to Happy Valley. There you will see a lot of authentic Chinese shops as well as the famous horse track. My family spent 4 weeks there when my hubby was medically evacuated out of China (to Hong Kong) because of a staph infection that almost killed him! While he recuperated, my 12 year old and I explored Hong Kong but mostly stayed in Happy Valley.
Just hoppin' through.
Kay
Kate, your husband's post is too funny. Looks like all is going well for you all. It is hot and humid in Beijing as well, however today was cooler and rainy. I can't wait to meet all of you. There are not many Americans in Beijing!!!! We are almost there!!!!
Missed you at the game, the Lions did very well for the first game. We know they will improve as the season progresses. Lee did a fantistic job, you taught him well. I wish you could have seen Maggies eyes with the opening fireworks display.
Say hi to all.
John and Lucy
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