November - Antiques Market, Victoria Peak, and more

 

We rode the old cable car to the peak on our first visit.  Then, as we excitedly began the hike to the bottom, we took a wrong turn.  At a major intersection we took another wrong turn.  We finally reached the Church Office building seven miles later.  I wanted to repeat the attempt and we found success!  The antiques market appeared on our way to the ferry.

Victoria Peak – Hong Kong in the background

Antiques market – lots of jewelry and Chinese trinkets

                     Chinese statues and dragons, always dragons

                        Painting, jade statues, and teapots

                                    Mask varieties and Buddha statues

                        Rick stands next to more dragons.  They symbolize power and strength.

Mao statues and other characters.  Many antiques/culture markets display old Chinese items.  I assume many of these “treasures” belonged to grandparents.  

     Old Chinese coins, statues, jewelry, and more.  One man's treasure. . .

Senior missionaries eat lunch on the 4^th floor.  This is an extension to a chapel with a kitchenette nearby.  It appears to be a harmless group but the noise level often rises and lots of laughter occurs daily.  We enjoy this crowd.  We all work hard so this short, social break is always welcomed.

Initially, we were allowed sit together in groups of six.  The number has since been reduced to four.  Covid strikes again.  7 of our seniors are MIA on this day.

     The Blind Pig.  Is this a good name choice for a restaurant?

This drawing seems to replace the menu.  Pork represents the major meat available in Hong Kong.  Fish, or course, leads the way in prevalence and popularity. 

The Salted Pig is located next to The Blind Pig.  Many diners enjoy both locations.  The name still leaves me halting at the door.   Is it cultural?  What’s in a name?

Wah Fu Waterfall, Sky 100, and Halloween

The Wah Fu waterfall is slightly hidden behind the ocean walkway on the south side of Hong Kong Island.  We were disappointed to discover the locked get.  Then we watched all the natives slide through the rungs and head to the falls.  We saw no reason to stay behind.

   What a beautiful discovery.  BBQs, picnics, children playing, and a delightful scene awaited us.

Asians always snap photos in a variety of poses.  We needed to wait our turn to approach the waterfall.  Truthfully, watching the “photo shoot” is sheer entertainment.

As our ferry crossed the harbor we enjoyed these sailboat views.  The old airport can be seen in the background.  This facility now serves as a cruise ship port.  Thanks to the pandemic, the absence of cruise vessels creates a stark scene.

It seems an entire fleet turned out for a spectacular autumn day event.

MaryAnne, this photo is for you!  The tipping boat did not look easy to navigate.  I was amazed at the strength the crew displayed in righting the vessel.  

Sky 100:  The tallest building in Hong Kong, 393 meters.  One can go to the top observation deck for free during your birthday month.  We took advantage of the offer as Rick only pays a senior citizen fee.  The view is breathtaking.  We arrived after sunset but still enjoyed a spectacular sight.

What a view!  The western side of the peninsula highlights the multitude of roads seen on a busy Friday evening.

    The harbor looks like a sheet of dark glass as the window reflects other visitors on floor 100.

       Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Ferry Pier seem so serene from floor 100.

                                             We act like tourist as our photo is taken on site.

Sister Latimer snapped this incredible photo during her July visit at dusk.  Imagine a phone camera capable of such professional looking pictures.

We hosted another couple in our apartment as we celebrated Halloween, virtually, with our entire district.  Costumes, treats, games, and a lot of fun were provided by our host.  Virtual Bingo was a blast.  Who knew we could create this much fun in a pandemic situation.  These Senior Missionaries know how to make any circumstance a positive experience. 

Aqua Luna - October 2020

 Victoria Harbor tour on the Aqua Luna

Seven couples and one sister comprise our current district.  These missionaries are accomplished, delightful, and totally fun-loving with every adventure we share.

The approaching boat gives us the feel of stepping back in time.

We step from land to the unsteady harbor waves.  Two crew members pull each of us onto the vessel.

              Everyone is served a beverage by attentive crew and soft music plays in the background.

                         Rick relaxes near the front of the vessel as we begin out evening tour.

                        The clock tower takes on a different aspect from the harbor.

       This dusk view of Central (business district on Hong Kong Island) is serene and lovely.

              Even the convention center appears different from the center of the harbor.

Our apartment seems larger than usual from this view.  The entire journey provided a new perspective of the scenes we see every day.

                        This refreshing outing made me feel like I’d received a spa treatment.

                         I speedily snap one last photo of Rick as we returned to the pier.

Weather, Holidays, and New Senior Couples

 November 1, 2020

Red tape on the lobby doors represents a typhoon warning before witnessing any broadcasts or stepping outside to feel the powerful wind.

Nets cover the lampposts on the harbor front hotel when weather warrants the precaution.

Senior missionaries head to the northern territories for flu shots.

The Hong Kong Heritage Museum enjoys this splendid location.

The Elegant tea cup display provides a perfect photo op.  My birthday month is honored with the  cymbidium plant.  Each of the twelve china cups was beautifully designed.  This display was one of my favorites. 

Rick gives Bruce Lee’s pose a try.  Actually, he looks great in this position.  We had no idea this martial arts expert was such an icon in Hong Kong.  His legend continues to outlive his short life.

We enjoyed these “misting” butterflies.

      Autumn festival at North Point – what a beautiful scene of lavender flowers

          Children celebrating on the square, playing with light sticks and other glowing attractions

               Mid-Autumn festival full moon – notice the glowing orb this woman holds on a stick.

The John Denver Tree – this major attraction stands as a landmark in downtown Wan Chai, near the Church Office Building.

      Newbies!!  Sister McAllister joins me along with Elder and Sister Burke at the John Denver tree.

The Cantonese speaking employees sing for my surprise birthday event.  The song requires lots of hand clapping and singing aloud.  I felt extremely honored.

                      Weekly groceries – Thankfully, $598 HK dollars is closer to $75 US dollars.