Hong King Kong

Hong King Kong The first things you notice about Hong Kong are the towering apartment blocks. Massive octagonal apartment towers stand side-by-side, one after the next in repetitive clusters like cement and glass beehives. A sterile, temperature-controlled, multi-lingual subway system snaked us efficiently from the airport into the city center.




Our hotel was located on a small island adjacent to Hong Kong island. Our room number was 102921: 10th building, 29th floor, 21st room. The anonymity of the voluminous Rambler Oasis, though very modern and clean, reminded us that we were merely cogs in a giant, communist machine. From our window, we looked out over a shipping yard of frightening proportions. For as far as we could see, huge metal boxes designed to become the cars of freight trains were stacked ten high in countless rows. Giant robotic claws maneuvered between the boxes, lowered, clamped, and lifted them onto colossal freighter ships. The ships lined up in the harbor to be filled with cargo, then floated slowly into the distance toward American ports.

Kim had been planning one very important event for our Hong Kong trip: Disney Land. Oh yes. The best part of Hong Kong Disney Land is taking embarrassing photos of yourself wearing silly Mickey Mouse souvenirs — thankfully, we have only included a smattering of the cheesiest photos here for your scoffing pleasure. Hong Kong Disneyland has only one ride for adults, Space Mountain. Its thrilling to careen through the depths of nostalgic outer space, screaming wildly in the darkness. As the ride slammed to a conclusion, we stumbled slowly into the daylight, squinting and swaying with confusion and motion-sickness. Perhaps that is why there is only one adult ride: our queazy stomachs can't take the abuse.

Hong Kong city has the skyscrapers and urban compression only comparable to New York City. When crossing a street, it is always a group experience. We discovered a few hidden gems of Hong Kong: an herb shop where patrons line up to pay 50 cents for a steaming cup of healing tea, a boutique dedicated to tiny, hand-crafted deserts and a vegetarian restaurant covered in inspirational paintings. With only 5 days in the city, we were unable to scratch too deeply into the secrets of Hong Kong, though we walked incessantly throughout the network of high-end shopping malls and crowded street markets.

Our hotel had a gym facility, so every morning we spent a couple of hours jogging, lifting weights, doing yoga and relaxing in the sauna. If you see us, you may remark just how healthy and fit we look...

Love,
Dan&Kim

Lisa posted on 2008-05-12 at 12:05 pm

All I can say is...I want your lives!!! Love, Lisa

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Jay posted on 2008-05-09 at 11:47 am

Thanks, Dan. I went to Hong King Kong but have to get to work. I will save the rest for later, like candy stashed. I see more now how much work, care and love you have put into your communiques. I for one really appreciate it. They pull me in and I don't like leaving...

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Elizabeth & Stuart YP posted on 2008-05-09 at 11:47 am

Hi Dan and Kim Amazing.........was just talking about you both and bing! into the inbox popped your email. We miss you too... chicken situation had reverted to same as last year - 10 roosters this time! A friend has 'culled' 7, the rest have gone into hiding. How are you both? Elizabeth & Stuart YP New Zealand

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Mom posted on 2008-05-09 at 1:05 am

great to here the adventure continues. With love,hugs and kisses oxoxoxoxox

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