Christmas Decor 2020

 The Church Office Building was erected 15 years ago.  The same Christmas decorations have adorned the lobbies since it's completion.  The 2020 budget allowed for new décor.  I  was invited to assist in the process.

Ludmilla directs the entire decorating process.  Sister Ash creates while I wire everything to wreaths, trees, boughs, etc.

I brought work gloves anticipating services projects.  I never dreamed wiring Christmas ornaments would be a service.  Everyone poked fun at my gloves but my fingers survived the brutal twisting.

                         Anna, Sister Thredgold and Sister Blackwell join in the creation process.

                               The ninth floor foyer displays this simple nativity scene.

                        Another lovely scene greets those who exit elevators on the eighth floor.

                                      I frequently pass this lovely scene on our floor (10^th).

I actually enjoy the overall picture with the Asian vase and wall hanging providing the backdrop for the nativity.

This is the second time the wreath has been hung.  Unfortunately, another move was needed to find just the right place.

                                         Ludmilla continues to direct the décor project.

                                              Many hands assemble the new tree.

              Eleanor adjusts flowers, I follow with the wire.  She also created bows for the tree top.

Ludmilla asked that I not take picture of her without makeup.  She was stressed beyond belief.  The final product pleased her greatly.  She’s now adding fresh poinsettias to every floor.  She can’t stop!!

                           The tree in the lobby is finished!! 

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.