Frankenweenie

With Halloween fast approaching thoughts turn to ghouls, goblins and Lang Kwai Fong. It is a bit early for the latter, but the first two are in full swing. We decided another must do for our guests is a ride on the 100 year old tram system. And the best place to head on the tram is Times Square.

Unlike its namesake in New York, our Times Square is a seventeen story shopping mall with a penchant for decorating for the seasons. This year is no exception. Tim Burton's new Movie Frankenweenie is getting ready to open in Hong Kong and many of the characters were at Times Square to greet us.

Some were gracious enough to pose with us as well.

It was lots of fun watching the kids interact with the characters and get ready for that sugar high coming soon.

Boooooooo!

Kowloon Afternoon

Tuesday afternoon found us meeting my friend Vesper for a dim sum lunch at a Michelin rated dim sum restaurant in Kowloon. The lunch was yummy and afterward we took a stroll through Kowloon Park and to the waterfront.

Our stroll started at the pagoda in the Chinese Garden, one of my favorite spots in the park.

We found lots of turtles taking advantage of the sunshine and warm breezes.

An exhibit along one of the walkways featured sculptures of animated stars. Grandma even got a bit frisky with one.

As we moved along through the park we found a teeny tiny Mc Donalds.

Each section of the park has its own unique and beautiful features. The pond area is simply stunning.

There are even flamingos.

The upkeep of all these beautiful features falls to a tireless group of gardeners and caretakers. But all of the work in the sun demands some additional protection.

As we wound our way to the waterfront we stopped by Heritage 1881. This is a complex of former British government buildings that have been turned into a shopping and dining mecca. Despite that, the original architecture and beauty of the complex remains and is a popular site for wedding photos.

The afternoon of our visit there were about ten wedding parties vying for the "best" spots. It was a fun diversion to watch them.

When we reached the waterfront our guests were in for another treat. The Harbor Ferry is the oldest of the ferries operating in Hong Kong and a ride on the ferry is a must for any and all visitors. (We took several.) Our ferry pulled into the pier with its smartly dressed crew, and we were on our way back to Hong Kong Island.

Lamma Island

If you are looking for a quiet day, Lamma Island is the place to go. We took a relaxing 25 minute ferry ride to the South of Hong Kong Island and arrived at our destination for the day.

On Lamma the only vehicles permitted are small delivery trucks not much bigger than a golf cart. There are no cars, motorbikes or even horses. The principle method of transportation is the bicycle. Each day the pier is lined with hundreds of bikes belonging to all of the commuters who live on the island and work in town.

Life on the island combines hard work and relaxation.

Claire and Pam each ate their first meal entirely with chopsticks. Easy to do when there is no silverware to be had.

Following lunch, we walked through the village and wandered the shops. There are many cute little boutiques on Lamma and I think we hit them all.

On our stroll back to the pier there was an intriguing picture just screaming to be taken.

What do you do after an afternoon on Lamma? Stop in to see my favorite Lamma resident Ana at Cochrane's Bar and enjoy a Painkiller.

A Walk Through the Gardens

While my guests were still adjusting to the time change, I thought a walk through Nan Lian Gardens would do us all some good. Although I was there very recently (see earlier post), I love the serene atmosphere and was anxious to return.

Claire and Pam were captivated by the beauty of the gardens, especially the water features.

Architectural detail is always fascinating as well.

The gardens are lovingly cared for with each tree and shrub trimmed meticulously by hand. We saw one gardner working on a bush as we arrived and shortly before we left she was still trimming it. Look closely by the rock in the center.

And before leaving you must admire the Nan Lian Rock.

It was a lovely afternoon with lots of fresh air which led to a good night's sleep for all.