Asia trip of a lifetime Part 1- Hong Kong

So so sorry peeps for my long and unintended absence. It's been a difficult couple of months then followed by the most fabulous vacation of life. I can't believe it's over and all week I've been fighting the post-vacation blues. We got back one week ago. I thought a bit of therapy was in order so I've decided to blog the trip! All pictures and videos can embiggen nicely. Now if you are friends with me and Serge on FB, then you will likely find not much new. There will be more descriptions however, but the photos, while maybe not the exact ones posted on FB, will certainly ring a bell. The first thing we did was get a hotel room near the airport so we wouldn't have to stress getting to the airport at rush hour.

Our journey door to door lasted about 25 hours. We had a 16 hour flight from Chicago to Hong Kong. There was no personal entertainment system and I knew this so watched This is 40 on my ipad and the James Bond flick on the overhead monitor. Also, no more free drinks on overseas flights on United. At least not in economy. So, heh heh heh, I got an idea. we picked up some duty free booze at the airport in Montreal since there the boutique is after you pass US customs in the airport. If we had bought it in Chicago, they would have met us at the plane door making the operation more complicated (though doable as that is what we did on the way home). Anyway, our beverage of choice lately, vodka martinis, look just like water. So we filled up a couple bottles of water with our drinky drinks. Had that on the plane with a couple of melatonins and poof, be both slept for 7 hours. I have never ever slept on a plane before, so that was really nice.

We arrived at the super modern airport around six in the evening. Even though we were exhausted, we were so excited to be back after twenty years. This is where Serge and I met two decades ago, and we hadn't been back since. We hopped on the special airport express train, about $12 apiece. I had already procured some Hong Kong dollars before leaving. I see so many Americans travel and spend their US dollars, but in general the merchants don't give a very good exchange rate. Much smarter to shop around and watch exchange rates and pounce when the time is right.

When we got off the airport train, there was a little shuttle bus to our hotel waiting. What luck! We were checked in in no time and checking our email and FB with the free wifi. So began our saga of REALLY SMALL hotel rooms. Honestly, the largest room we had the entire trip was on the cruiseship.

Then we headed out to explore and try to see if we could remember places we had been. Here is a jetlagged picture of me. We marveled at how many people there were everywhere. We found our old stomping grounds, Lan Kwai Fong, which is where all the expats used to, and from the looks of it, still do hang out. It was a crazy night since it was Friday. Here have a look.

The next day we got up late, like 10am and decided to have the hotel western breakfast, we just weren't ready for the local fare quite yet. Check out this breakfast menu:

 

Abalone soup and ham macaroni? Thanks, I'll pass. Although abalone soup sounds really good, just not in the morning. Our hotel had some odd quirks. There was a sign in our hotel room announcing, "We engross in your needs," followed by a list of hotel services offered. Also, there were many missing elevator floors, no 4, 13, 14, 18, 24, 34. I guess 4 is a bad number there? Also, there was a marvelous rooftop pool but it was only open two hours per day: 10am-11am and 5pm-6pm. Lame. Still we went up to have a look at the city.

Then we were off on our next adventure, to try to find the apartment building where Serge used to live when he was there. It used to be way outside of the city, but now the city has expanded in every direction, especially up, so it didn't seem so remote.

First metro, which were super clean and new looking. Then a commuter train out to Tai Po Market. Serge used to live in Tai Po, but we couldn't find his building. We looked and looked and looked. Then we walked around the market.

There was every fruit, vegetable, meat, poultry and fish product you could imagine. Most of the seafood was alive, so I suppose quite fresh. Serge said back when he lived there, they would decapitate the chicken in front of you, thus ensuring freshness. Glad I didn't have to see that.

Then we came back and tripped around the Kowloon side of town. There were huge Chinese banyan trees lining the hoity toity street where all the designer shops were. Being a man of limited means, I never go into such shops. But even if I were uber-rich I don't think I would. Travel means so much more to me than things.

Typical daytime street scene. Constant honking.

Typical food market lining a pedestrian alley. I had no idea what half of the things being sold were.

Typical night time street scene. Still the constant honking. We went to the Temple street night market and perused all the stalls. I hate the haggling scene so I didn't buy anything. Serge picked something up for his mother. Then we found this crowded place with lots of happy people eating, so we got a table and ordered beer and a plate of noodles for five bucks apiece.

Our first local food since at lunch I was bad and had a sausage mcmuffin with egg, since that is on the menu all day in Hong Kong. It was one of the things I loved about living there.

Then, due to a FB friend's suggestion, we made our way over to the Ritz Carlton hotel. Now when I was there 20 years ago, it was to help open the Ritz Carlton hotel, but 14 years later, they demolished the hotel to put up a condo high-rise. The Ritz is now at the top of the tallest building in Hong Kong. Here I am on the 108th floor. It was really high!

The next day, we took the peak tram up to the top and took in the hazy view. If you follow my left hand up to the really hazy building on the other side of the harbor, that building is the Ritz-Carlton building. Just barely visible.

Then in the evening after some difficulty communicating, we met up with my brother's girlfriend and her mother. What a coincidence that we both booked cruises out of Hong Kong that departed on the same day? Our boat was heading north, and theirs was heading south. Anyway, they were pretty jetlagged but managed to meet us for some dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

We escorted them back to the ferry and then got this great night shot as we made our way back to our hotel. Last night in Hong Kong.

The next day was ship time. It was our first time sailing with Holland America. And now after having talked with others who sail Princess or Celebrity, I have come to understand that they ALL offer the same product, it's just presented in slightly different ways. Holland America seemed classier, I liked the sophisticated music for example, but the food, shows and casino and shops are identical to the other cruise lines.

Our room looked snazzy. Normally, we ask the steward to put the beds together but we liked the layout better like this, so left them apart.

We had our first of many, many glasses of champagne. We were all about martinis and champagne this trip. We had the muster drill - practice what to do in case of an emergency. And then sailed out of Hong Kong harbor.

It was a little bittersweet since we had wanted to revisit the place where we met. Unfortunately the building was under construction. So no revisiting that fateful night. Oh well, hard to be sad when you are embarking on a 2 week cruise! Here's a video Serge took as we headed out.

Then dinner in the main dining room. We got there first and took the window waiting to see who our tablemates would be. We had one of many filet mignon dinners that night. Oh and I got my Caesar salad with anchovies too. Yum. Stay tuned for the next segment on sea days and Shanghai.

A trip to Stowe

Hiya all from the great white north. It has been so dang cold although today is turning out not so bad. Good thing too because we are going to the snow festival. I know there will be too many kids and I won't want to go back. But maybe I'll turn into a kid again and slide down the hills with them. We went on a "ski" trip last weekend with friends and it was too cold to ski. Oh there were fools on the hill practicing the craft, but seriously, you needed every spec of skin covered or there'd have been frostbite going on. It was single digits and windy. Don't I look happy?

So it turned into an eating and drinking (and drinking) kind of weekend. It was in the town of Stowe, Vermont, a couple of hours south of here. What a cute little town! Also it happened to be LBGT ski week which was a happy coincidence. It made finding a place to have dinner on Saturday night difficult though.

We went up the hill to check out the Van Trapp Lodge. Did you know that the Sound of Music is based on a true story and that the family escaped and set up shop on this mountaintop in Vermont? One of the kids (now an old guy) still runs the place. We missed the tour time though so maybe that will be something to do next time.

We were right up the road from the Ben and Jerry's factory. Serge and I have toured it before but the souvenir shirt I got last time is stained so I was able to get another one. I chose the same design but got blue instead of brown. Serge wouldn't let me buy the exact same one. He's funny that way.

There were lots of cool shops in the little town. I was amused at the poop paper, made from real moose excrement. Didn't buy any though. Ewwww. We did buy a jar of eight dollar relish. It is so good and we've used it on a bunch of things. Sadly, I don't think it's available anywhere here.  But next time we go down, I'll have to pick some more up.

There was also an ice carving competition. We headed up to the lodge area of the ski station and froze to death watching the artists ply their craft. I don't see how they could spend hours outside working like that.

And everywhere in town, there were ice sculptures. Some were quite elaborate. The artists have quite the arsenal of tools. The guy in front of our hotel had a lot of trouble because the arm fell off and it's tricky business getting it to stick back on. I'm still not fully sure of how that is possible.

We ate like kings. We hardly ever go out to restaurants at home. For the occasional birthday or special treat, so it's really fun for us to get to go to restaurants for EVERY meal. The prices weren't too too outrageous. About what one would expect at a tourist resort.

We did a really fun activity Saturday evening and took a 20 minute dog sled ride. Half the fun was watching the dogs get all excited about running. They were hootin and hollerin just aching to go. I posted a vid on FB of that. I would like to do this again but on their two hour tour through the woods. It was pretty dang cold though.

And a great time was had by all. Good friends, good food, fun activities. Now just need to get mother nature on the same page. We are on our thirteenth year up here and we STILL have not gone skiing. I may be able to remedy that this month. I'm crazy busy with work for a few weeks but I am planning a little road trip in there. I'll tell you all about that when I get back. For now, Serge and I are headed to the snow village to have a drink at the ice hotel. Trying to embrace this winter thing.

Oh and Georgie says Hi.

Stowe on Dwellable

Post vacay post

Well, well, well I have again been a bad blogger. But I can explain. I finished up the butt-kicking course I was taking and then left for a three week holiday. And I've worked every day since I got back. Again, this blog is perhaps redundant for the FB people since Serge and I have been posting pics of our travels along the way. One of the great things about our trip was that we MISSED the record breaking, city paralyzing blizzard while we were gone. They got the streets cleared up the day before we returned. Nice! This week we have had a lot of warm weather so a lot has melted but there is still a good foot on the ground in most places.

First leg of our trip was our every two year visit to the Pacific Northwest. The parental units rented a cottage on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle. Here's baby bro and I crossing during the only two hours of our week long stay that featured sunshine. I am not exaggerating, it rained every single day.

We went into the city several times to sightsee and to eat at Elliot's, the famous oyster bar and restaurant. I am amazed at my continued love affair for all things seafood. I liked the penn cove oysters, first oysters I've liked and I have tried many times. Also, I can't seem to get enough anchovies for my caesar salad. I used to hate those and now, heaven.

Here are Serge and I in front of the famous public market. I think this was the day he and I escaped to the movies to see This Is 40. OMG it was one of the funniest movies I have seen in a very long time. So raunchy, I just loved it. Saw it two more times I loved it so much.

On cousins night, we took the underground tour and learned a lot about the early beginnings of Seattle. It was a really interesting tour so if you ever make it to Seattle, I highly recommend it.

On Christmas eve, my brother and I prepared a turkey dinner feast for the family and then on Christmas day we had a marvelous hors d'oeuvres buffet. I came back a couple pounds heavier, and I'm sure those two days played into that.

The day after Christmas we flew down to Southern California. It was chilly for them but Serge and I enjoyed what would be downright balmy if it were here in Montreal. I had made a facebook event and invited friends for a happy hour. Out of 25 invites, we had two takers. Ah well, we have been gone going on 13 years now.

The next four nights we spent at camp mommy. She recently had knee replacement surgery and we tried to help out around the house as best we could. She seemed to improve during our visit, but, well, it sucks to get old. Talked to her yesterday and she seemed to be good, so I was happy about that.

Had New Year's Eve in Donna's garage again this year. It was cold again but I made it well past midnight which is unusual for me. We had two fun pinball machines to play with as the neighbor fixes them up and sells them.

Then on New Year's Day, we drove up and met dad at the Vasquez rocks in Agua Dulce. Very interesting place to hike around. You've seen these rocks in several episodes of Star Trek depicting several different planets.

Then Serge and I had a little getaway for a couple nights back in Long Beach. (Got the Hyatt Regency for $60 a night. God I love Priceline!) We had our big crab dinner at Gladstones the second night. Yum!

Then we went back to camp mommy and since it was her birthday, we went out to the best sushi place in SoCal, Kotobuki. Blobby, you should go next time you are in town. It is really worth the detour. We were so stuffed after that but it was sooooo good.

The next day was our annual gingerbread men decorating day. The kids went a little wild on the frosting on some of them, but it was them who got to eat them all. First year I didn't even get a bite. Oh well, next year.

Then it was our annual Feast of 3 Kings party at mom's house. Caya is 18 now and I think this is the first picture I've ever gotten of her and me. Look at that smile! The night was marred by some drama, a rarity and nothing I should discuss here, but I'm sure all feelings will have healed by next year.

So now you are all caught up. I'll try to pop in more often. Here is a little Georgie for you.

Our latest adventure

I know, I know, I know. I have been lax on my blogging duties. To be honest, with work and my class for my Master's program, my ass has been downright kicked. I have decided to take a break with the classes for next semester, I've been so stressed out, not eating, insomnia, it's all I can do to get through the day some days. So what do I do to add to that mess? I decide to embark on real estate adventures. Perfect timing.....NOT! For those who are not in the loop, we own (the bank actually owns) a couple buildings and we have 7 apartments that we rent out. The purpose of this is to have some kind of retirement plan, once the buildings are paid off, we'll have a steady income. Since neither of us will have much of a pension and I have never done well in the stock market, real estate is our plan. So we live in a fiveplex and we have another triplex. We bought the triplex ten years ago and it has provided a steady cash flow which helps us with our monthly nut. However, the building has appreciated quite a lot, so that the return on our equity is like 3 percent. A little better than the bank, but not great.

So I decided to look at numbers south of the border. Average home prices in Canada are about double what they are in the states. The numbers up here suck. What I am seeing down in New Hampshire are numbers similar to what they were here when we bought the triplex ten years ago. This property was the one that got me so excited about selling the triplex and investing down south. I'm sure that will not be the one that we buy, but when I checked out rents vs. prices of rental property, there are some really good investment opportunities. My goal is to get a 10% return on investment, which, from my observations, seems totally doable. Yay!

So last week, we called up our favorite real estate agent, put the triplex up for sale and in less than a week we had an offer. After countering, counter countering and counter counter countering, we had a deal. If all goes well with the inspection and financing, we'll close in January and I will start probing properties in the states. I have always done well with real estate and am very excited about this new venture. But there is no rush. We have our amazing Asia vacation coming up in March for our 20th anniversary and with a few extra bucks in the bank account, it's gonna be all that much more fun.

So now you are all caught up with me. I know y'all want a little Georgie porn, so here ya go. Mwah!

This n That plus Georgie porn

So Serge got a new camera. It was supposed to be our camera since I had a gift certificate to be applied, but he messed that up somehow (Did you push "apply gift certificate"? Apparently not.) and ended up paying it all himself. It takes really good pics though. The impetus for this was the upcoming TV show. None of our cameras do video well at the moment AND I discovered that if you're in the USA, you will not be able to watch the tv station's episodes on line. So we will take a video of the show so we can keep it.

One more week and it starts airing. I've noticed that often times some of the contestants end up on other shows to talk about the experience or the food. Ugh. I don't want to again, too dang stressful. Also, there is a public choice where people vote for contestants to come back. Please please please let it not be me.

Can you believe it, two blogs in the same month. Remember when it used to be everyday? I don't know how I did that. I have had a lot of time off though. I saw three movies this week. Argo, which I highly recommend, is a great true story and even though you know how it's going to end, it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kind of like in Titanic when you knew they were going to hit the iceberg. Really well done.

Then I went to see the Perks of being a Wallflower. Meh. I saw so many raves about it. It wasn't very funny or dramatic. Maybe a super light version of Ordinary People. Then today, Serge and I went to see Paranormal Activity 4. If you like the series style, you'll like this one too. So many chills and jumps and the last ten minutes was awesome. Serge still thinks the first one was the best. (When we both jumped off the couch and shrieked at the end.)

We had dinner last night at mother in law's house. Here is Georgie again, thinking he's a lapdog. I've told you about the yawning right? He must yawn hundreds of times per day. It's a really bizarre habit. Even when he's all excited about getting a coookie or going for a walk, a yawn will suddenly possess him. Strange 37 pound dog.

Let's see, what else? Gotta big week starting, another English immersion with my fourth group of nurses AND I start my next class for my Master's program. So, lots of homework coming up. The class is called, The Psychology of learning - how students learn. Should be at least interesting since it is related to my work.

Not sure when I'm going to do Thanksgiving. We missed the Canadian version and I have the turkey in the freezer so I guess I can do it anytime between now and the American version. Can't think of anything else except that I HATE that you closed your blog Rox. I already miss it and keep checking if you came back. Poo on you, at least send me a chatty email. Finally, here's a last shot of Georgie at MIL's house. He sat there looking at something for the longest time. Wonder what it was....

Snippets

* Been a while since I did one of these. Feels all retro and stuff.

* I have a lot of free time this session. The contracts didn't line up like they normally do. I've got 2-3 days of work per week. I'm not gonna stress about it, just enjoy it.

* Seeing movies is one way to enjoy it. Yesterday, Serge and I took in Looper, an interesting tale involving time travel and telekenesis. We are still confused about one scene, but it kept us blabbing about it well after it was finished.

* Today I took myself to see Step Up Revolution. I was the only person in the theater. Weird. I have a major new crush though now. OMG every time he was on the screen, I melted.

* Not going to post his name since I'm probably not allowed to post the pic. Even though it's already on the internet. He is the male lead in the movie. It was really difficult to focus on the plot when he was on screen. Woof.

* Got the holiday weekend off too (Canadian Thanksgiving). We are going on a little road trip off the grid. Should be some really nice fall foliage scenes. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. We are taking Georgie with us. Speaking of the little monster, here's a little Georgie porn.

* He's been especially needy this weekend. I worked three intense English immersion weeks back to back so he must have been missing me.

* I have been smoke free for 51 months today. According to my stats, I have NOT smoked 46599 cigarettes since I quit.

* Serge on the other hand, has picked the habit back up. He decided to smoke while we were in Cape Cod since there were other smokers among us. Then when we got back he requit. But that only lasted a week. Now he's back to a pack a day, sigh.

* The diet is going awesome. I look good naked again. Yay! Still two pounds to reach my goal though. Should be done with that this week or next.

*  Oh yeah, and on Saturday we went to POUTINEVILLE, a fancy poutine restaurant and yours truly ordered a salad! Admire, wont you, my phenomenal restraint. Meanwhile my dining partners ordered poutines with chopped up corn dogs in them! Okay, I got a bite, but that was it.

* My current English shows are Glee, Parenthood, 30 Rock, Big Bang Theory, Amazing Race and waiting for Smash to come back. Are there any I need to be watching that I'm not?

* This was fun. Maybe I'll write more with my light schedule. In the meantime Mwah, and thanks for stopping by.