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Hong Kong ...
After getting packed up at our hotel and saying goodbye to the Hood family, it was time to rush to the Embassy and then on to the train station for our ride to Hong Kong. We were supposed to take a taxi to the Embassy, but a sudden down pour meant all the cabs were quickly snatched up. As a result, we walked/ran to the closest subway station, luggage and all, then boarded a very crowded train for downtown. Once we arrived, our coordinator ran up to the Embassy while we waited in the underground station, then we bought our tickets and boarded the train for our two hour ride to Hong Kong.
Once we arrived in Hong Kong, it was immedately apparent how different everything was. For starters, Hong Kong was much more lush and tropical; in a way, it reminded us of Hawaii. Secondly, everything was bright, shinny and new. And the most obvious difference (albeit a silly one) was that the cars drove on the opposite side of the road. In our the traveling we've done around the world, this was the first time either of us had been in a country where this is the case.
After a short taxi ride through the cross-harbor tunnel, we arrived at our hotel, right on the edge of Victoria Harbor. Due to some hotel credits Kevin had stored up from work trips, we were able to get a free room at the Grand Hyatt, which was undoubtedly the fanciest hotel either of us had ever seen! (Thank goodness it was free.) We took a little time to explore the streets and the hotel, then everyone crashed for the night.
The next morning we woke and packed the bags, then boarded the airport tram a few blocks from our hotel. It was really amazing because we were able to check-in with our airline and check bags, all before boarding the 30 min. tram to the terminal. Along the way, we enjoyed the passing scenery and the beautiful weather.
REMEMBER: Click on any picture below to view or download a larger version.
The cramped subway in Guangzhou
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Guangzhou's huge train station |
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On the way to Hong Kong |
Michael enjoyed sitting on the cup holder |
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"We're on our way!" |
A passing bullet train |
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One of the older engines we passed |
The countryside near the Hong Kong/China boarder |
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This building in Hong Kong had gold-colored glass |
And this building had pink and blue glass |
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The view of Victoria Harbor from our hotel room |
Another view |
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Michael was so happy when we arrived |
Michael and Mama enjoying some play time |
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"We needed this!" |
Getting a bottle while taking the long elevator ride |
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The hotel's pool was incredible at night |
Their roof-top garden was also beautiful |
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The grand lobby |
One group shot for the record |
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Every bus we saw in Hong Kong had two levels |
The city lights were so beautiful |
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Getting some "fast food" in town for dinner |
Mama and Michael having fun in the taxi |
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The tram to the airport was really nice and new |
There were some beautiful sights along the way |
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Michael got some play time before the flight |
Sleeping was a bit difficult, but we made it home |
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