Hong Kong - How Quickly It Happened

Thanks to a unique opportunity I find myself in a hotel room at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. When the possibility of coming to Hong Kong for 3 months was offered and it was confirmed that Catherine and children could join us there was little chance we were going to turn it down. Ever since leaving New Zealand I had hoped to have a position where I might be offered chances exactly like this.

It was exactly 2 weeks and one day after my return to work from our Holiday in Cancun, Mexico that this came up. We had only really just got back to any sort of normality in our routine. The cases had only been away for a few days and suddenly they found themselves back down from the loft and all the clothes were being packed back into them.

Catherine was doing loads of Hong Kong research on the web and contacting pretty much anyone we knew who might be able to give us any info. Thanks to all those who helped especially Robin for the unnaturally long email outlining things to do, and not to do....it will be a great help.

Another win for me was that at the 11th hour a chat from a work friend in Hong Kong provided me with just the information I needed to have an excuse to pack and take my golf clubs. They are now in Hong Kong with us and I hope to add some Asian golf clubs to the portfolio of places I have played...and very possibly a trip to New Zealand.

We were joined by some friends on Thursday for a few drinks and a whole lot of banter. It was fantastic especially since it got us out of all the packing we still had left to do. We said our good byes and went to sleep knowing we would have our work cut out for us in the morning.

Having one week to arrange all the details of care of the house when we are away and all the other little bits and pieces were handled so well by Catherine that I really just had to follow a few basic instructions on Friday morning an we were ready to go at pretty much exactly the point that the Taxi turned up. I think Catherine might have some Swiss blood in her after all, it really was that efficient!

The 11hr 20min was the part of the trip I was least looking forward to, apart from the one heading back that is. We took our seats and let the hours trickle away. The BA staff helped make the trip so much easier that the trip we had to Mexico where I can honestly say that the Cabin crew might as well not have been there. Both the Girls and Catherine slept well and I watched movies and moved through different levels of consciousness during the whole flight.

Hong Kong airport is one of my favourites. It is my 3rd time through here and the place has a certain feeling of calm about it that I just never feel at any other airport. Due to having the children in tow we got fast tracked through immigration(handy considering we were the last off the plane due to the amount of stuff that accompanies us) and the priority labels on our bags actually worked for once. They were already on the carousel by the time we got to it.

As we came out of the arrivals hall we were met by our Hotel transportation and that was about all I had to do... since that point I have not had to carry, push or pull a bag. The trip from the airport by road is great, some stunning views and the roads are great. We got to the hotel, checked in and relaxed.

After a couple of hours we caught a taxi over to times square as we were after a couple of items fro the Laptop. 3 levels of shops selling electronic equipment I spent the whole time telling myself I have 3 months so I do not need to buy it all today. We bought a Web cam and a Small wireless optical mouse for less than £20 which seems to be fantastic value.

That was pretty much the end of the day, we went back to the hotel, had some dinner and all went to be exhausted from the last 24 hours.

Some Pictures..

Hong Kong Day 1 Slide Show