Day 1 (7/09/05)

Well woke up at 3:30 am and got up and surfed the web. We got down to breakfast at about 6 am. It was ok. We wandered around the airport and converted some cash. We really liked the Regal Hotel. It is very nice. Flat screen tv, comfy bed, and we did find English television programs.

After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and took a cab to downtown Hong Kong. I would love to say we have great pictures of it but it was pouring down rain! The mountains meeting the bay are beautiful! After we got checked in at the Marco Polo, we took the #273 bus down to Stanley Market. When we arrived it looked like the weather was clearing. We even saw blue skies. When we got into the market we wandered around and bought a couple of things. Susie we got Christy’s name for you. Then, the weather let loose! Buckets of water falling from the sky! We then bought another umbrella. I did buy two light weight tops for a total of $5.50.

We left Stanley market at about 2 pm and realized we hadn’t had anything to eat since 6 am. An hour on the bus and we decided that we were not going to be adventurous on our meal. We went down to the hotel restaurant, Gripps American Restaurant. We had cheeseburgers and fries. We aren’t sure if the meal was really good or if we were just so hunger that anything would taste good. We did find two things that are made in the US- mustard and hot sauce.

We came back to our room to hang out for a little bit and to regroup. I laid down and started to fall asleep. Matt made me get up and told me to work on the computer and then he laid down and fell asleep. Ginny, from the ISS, called to check on us and to confirm the time we would meet at the airport tomorrow afternoon. I let Matt sleep for 20 minutes and then we when to the Harbor City Mall. It is huge! There was easily over 200 shops, restaurants plus our hotel.

Tonight we are going to go down to watch the light show on the harbor. Matt has said no way to the Star Ferry! If we go to Kowloon it will be through the underground tunnel by taxi or shuttle.

One thing I have noticed is that the air quality is not very good. Lots and Lots of exshaust from all the buses and cars. I have notice that sometimes it is hard to breathe.

We are very tired and are hoping that we can get a good night sleep tonight! I would love to sleep until at least 5 or 6 am. Tomorrow we leave for Hunan! I can't wait until Monday! Our Maggie Day! We will be posting pictures tonight!