Hong Kong quite the city.

Well the second leg of our trip is almost complete.  Three days ago we arrived in Hong Kong and we were greeted by a wonderful young lady named Rosita.  Yes that’s right Rosita.  Apparently most children are given a western name in addition to their formal name and because she was smaller than the girl in school that was named Rose she was called Rosita.  After we were greeted by her and a driver we were taken to an exquisite hotel The Peninsula, if you ever have a chance to splurge a little, everyone should experience this kind of treatment at least once in their life.   The hotel is 85 years old but the rooms are very modern and full of technology and the service an attention to detail is so far unsurpassed. We are on the 25^th floor the hotel only has 27 floors so we are nearly at the top and we look out at the Victoria Harbor.  A bustling harbor during the day and a beautiful sight of lights at night, almost all the buildings in the harbor join in this light show every night.  We did a 45 minute cruise on a Chinese Junket and watched the light show from the center of the harbor it was amazing.  On Sunday Rosita took us on a tour of the real Hong Kong.  When we arrived and walked around the town ourselves we just noticed the extreme amount of people, traffic, and congestion and thought oh my God this place is crazy, You could not go ten feet without someone trying to sell you a watch, handbag or wanting you to come to their tailor shop to be measured for a suit they would make for you in a few hours.  Yes Bert did follow one of them down a little alley to see what they had to offer and I’m thinking really we just got to Hong Kong and my husband is going to disappear in an alley?  It was quite the experience. But then we were introduced to the local side of Hong Kong.  Went to the local markets, ate Wonton Noodle soup, (yes I did step out of my box a little.) and had what they call milk tea.  We saw all their special herbs and some parts if animals I really never want to see again. She also brought us to a very special temple that was beautiful and serene.  I learned a lot about Hong Kong and its history that I never knew and it reinforced by decision to always have at least one day of a destination specialist when I travel.  On Monday Bert and I ventured out on our own, used the subway system which is clean, efficient and you would never know that there is really a city below city here.  It was very easy to use and we traveled to a Zen Garden and Nunnery.  The Garden was so peaceful and the nunnery (like a monastery), felt surreal.  You could feel the presence of a higher being surrounding you.  Now being the good Catholics that we are we had to find the Catholic Church and visit there a very quaint little church but that same serenity was there.  Hong Kong is a thriving City not a truly relaxing place to visit but for culture and business and shopping it is a destination that I am very glad I was able to see.  Today we venture on to Saigon, Vietnam, Ho chi Min City, whatever you want to call it.  I’m a little anxious about this destination as I have a feeling it is going to be very emotional.  I will write again in a couple of days until then God Bless. You can see more pictures on my facebook page.