Our bags were packed and we were ready to go - but not all the way home just yet. Since our goods were still en route, we planned a couple of stops on our way back to the US. First stop - Rosenheim, Germany.
When the Steelcase group from Rosenheim found out were were traveling home through Europe, they asked Ken if he would stop in for a few days of training. Of course it was no problem. Training was scheduled for Thursday and Friday and we decided to spend the weekend as well to see some of the area.
I had never been to Europe before and so I was very excited to see everything. After an overnight flight to Munich with all the shades drawn, the morning arrived and I lifted the shade to look out. What a thrill. My first look at the Alps!
We landed and traveled to Rosenheim which is about an hour south of Munich. After a short rest we were ready to explore. The first thing I noticed when starting our walk was the almost storybook quality of the town center. There is a pedestrian town square in the center surrounded by very old buildings and churches. Curving streets lead up to the square and there are very few traffic lights in this area.
Even though it was mid March and quite chilly, the outdoor life was quite the norm.
Coffe shops encourage outdoor seating by providing blanket throws for the customers who want to enjoy their drinks in the fresh air - desserts too.
Spreading out a bit from the town square is more beautiful architecture and a peaceful town to enjoy.
As you travel farther out from the center of town the look becomes much more contemporary and the Steelcase offices are no exception. It is a work environment most everyone would enjoy, especially the cafeteria with the lit floor and the outdoor patio.
And the following morning we had a light snow falling at breakfast.
We returned to Hong Kong from Sydney. We had a few days to say our goodbyes to our many friends and to our favorite places. We stayed with Janet since our goods were already in the sea container and heading home. It was both beautiful and sad to experience.
Our friend Vesper planned an outing for Janet, Ken and I. We went to a golf driving range (the biggest I have ever seen) and spent an hour tuning up our shots.
After our golf excursion we had lunch at an outdoor Thai restaurant that was both beautiful and delicious.
Our last group goodbye was dim sum hosted by our friend Rommel. His brother Ronald was in town and several other friends we had met before. It was a feast as usual and a chance to say farewell to many of our friends.
It is difficult to sum up what our stay in Hong Kong has meant to us. As for me, it was the adventure if a lifetime. In all my childhood (and adult) dreams, living in Asia was something beyond my imagining. It proved to be two of the most interesting, educational, exciting and rewarding years of my life. We have both made life-long friends who we enjoy spending time with. And we have taken with us so many wonderful lessons on culture and art and history and tolerance and so very much more. Hong Kong and all of Asia are a part of our beings now and we are so much richer because of our time spent here. We invite all of our friends to come visit us and we will definitely return to visit you. It is only farewell and not goodbye.
Manly is a place not a gentleman's demeanor. The morning was kind of misty and overcast, but we did not mind at all. Once again we boarded a ferry and headed off to the coastal part of the harbor.
We arrived at Manly Wharf to find an old friend from New York City.
There was some light rain as we took the short walk across to the Corso and Manly beach.
Manly is also a surfing beach. It is not the Great Barrier Reef, but the locals have a great time even on a blustery day.
And always safety first!
After lunch overlooking the water and a slow wander around town. We were ready to head back to Sydney proper. Of course we also had a short stop at Max Brenner's Chocolate by the Bald Man.
Once on our way, the wind freshened some more and I think everyone in Sydney left work early and headed for their sailboats. It was quite the sight as we made our way back.
And as we headed said goodbye to Manly we also had to say goodbye to Australia. It was time to go. This was truly a dream trip and we are planning to go again as soon as we are able. Australia we love you!
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