Day 39 - The Penultimate Day
Today was clearly the hardest day for us all for the whole trip. We all woke up again around 3.30am however we were able to go back to sleep. As we had not set an alarm, the next thing we knew it was 11.30am and we had missed breakfast. I think Jacqui got up around 11.50am, I finally got up around 12.15pm and the kids at 12.45pm. It was a good indication that we were worn out from everything that we had done on the previous 38 days as well as still trying to get over the jet lag.
Once we were up and going, we headed across to a shopping centre called i-squared where there are more groovy shops and you are less likely to be harassed by street hawkers. First stop (basically an emergency stop) was Starbucks to get a dose of caffeine and hot chocolate with some muffins to get the body started. We then strolled around the shopping centre and I purchased a new Lowepro backpack for better transportation of my new lens and other existing camera gear. It also has a place for my new monopod for when I eventually go out and about taking photos. It is extremely comfortable and lightweight and a great way to store my equipment at home so I am very happy.
We also discovered a supermarket so purchased some sushi, sashimi, fruit and other goodies to take back to the room for lunch and nibblies. As we were up late, the day got away from us so we headed to Hari's bar for the 2 for 1 happy hour drinks before heading to a German restaurant for dinner. After dinner we strolled to the waterfront via a unique subway system that enables you to walk from our hotel to the waterfront without having to cross any of the major roads. Within the subway system is a shopping mall as well as a 3 storey department store so the people of Hong Kong really know how to maximise space.
After a look around we headed to Pier 3 where we were to meet the boat for our evening cruise around Victoria Harbour. Basically the cruise headed both East and West along the Victoria Harbour between Kowloon Island and Hong Kong Island. It also takes you past the old airport which was located within the harbour. As planes entered, at times there was only 150 feet between wing tip and building. This made for some pretty tricky flying and my hat off to the pilots in doing this safely time after time. It was a good compliment to the tour we did yesterday and gave us a great insight into the city of Hong Kong.
Even though there is a distinct odour in the air, you are harassed as you walk around and the streets are dirty, you still could not beat Hong Kong at night and the beauty it holds all lit up. It is also amazing to see so many high rise buildings in such a small area. It was pointed out to us that in Hong Kong the average number of people per square mile is 17,200 whereas in Australia is more like 2 per square mile.
Tomorrow is the official last day of the World Trip and we have had an absolute blast over the past 39 days. The experience that we have had will be unforgettable and something I am sure we will all look back on in years to come and have very fond memories. Having said this, we are all happy to be heading home as 40 days is a long time to be away and we do miss our family and friends and a sense of normality. We will certainly come back different people (particularly the kids as one will come back as a teenager and the other no longer a child, more of a small adult) for the experiences that we have had.
Once we were up and going, we headed across to a shopping centre called i-squared where there are more groovy shops and you are less likely to be harassed by street hawkers. First stop (basically an emergency stop) was Starbucks to get a dose of caffeine and hot chocolate with some muffins to get the body started. We then strolled around the shopping centre and I purchased a new Lowepro backpack for better transportation of my new lens and other existing camera gear. It also has a place for my new monopod for when I eventually go out and about taking photos. It is extremely comfortable and lightweight and a great way to store my equipment at home so I am very happy.
We also discovered a supermarket so purchased some sushi, sashimi, fruit and other goodies to take back to the room for lunch and nibblies. As we were up late, the day got away from us so we headed to Hari's bar for the 2 for 1 happy hour drinks before heading to a German restaurant for dinner. After dinner we strolled to the waterfront via a unique subway system that enables you to walk from our hotel to the waterfront without having to cross any of the major roads. Within the subway system is a shopping mall as well as a 3 storey department store so the people of Hong Kong really know how to maximise space.
After a look around we headed to Pier 3 where we were to meet the boat for our evening cruise around Victoria Harbour. Basically the cruise headed both East and West along the Victoria Harbour between Kowloon Island and Hong Kong Island. It also takes you past the old airport which was located within the harbour. As planes entered, at times there was only 150 feet between wing tip and building. This made for some pretty tricky flying and my hat off to the pilots in doing this safely time after time. It was a good compliment to the tour we did yesterday and gave us a great insight into the city of Hong Kong.
Even though there is a distinct odour in the air, you are harassed as you walk around and the streets are dirty, you still could not beat Hong Kong at night and the beauty it holds all lit up. It is also amazing to see so many high rise buildings in such a small area. It was pointed out to us that in Hong Kong the average number of people per square mile is 17,200 whereas in Australia is more like 2 per square mile.
Tomorrow is the official last day of the World Trip and we have had an absolute blast over the past 39 days. The experience that we have had will be unforgettable and something I am sure we will all look back on in years to come and have very fond memories. Having said this, we are all happy to be heading home as 40 days is a long time to be away and we do miss our family and friends and a sense of normality. We will certainly come back different people (particularly the kids as one will come back as a teenager and the other no longer a child, more of a small adult) for the experiences that we have had.
