Surprise--Hong Kong!

The fact that Daniel and I took a trip to Vietnam is probably news to many of you. However, the trip to Hong Kong was a surprise to me! Last week Daniel and I were on our way to one of the top destinations on my list--Vietnam! However, our day did not go as expected. Praise God, it went better than we expected!

Since our flight was cancelled in one city, we missed the one in the next. The airline worked with us and ended up making us this side trip where we had 5 hours in Hong Kong! Flying in was exciting, as I had no idea I would be going there that day and had no idea what it would be like. I was surprised at how much I actually liked it! Islands, high-rises, boats, culture and fashion....

We got our passports stamped and took a train to the center of Hong Kong! Our eyes were open wide taking in every sight. Tons of high rises, lots of traffic, but it is situated in such an interesting way on the water with the mountains behind, closing in all the people to one area. Here Daniel is looking out the window of the airport express train.

We had to make as many memories as possible in five hours! Hong Kong, here we come!

It was the perfect weather and time of day. Just hours before sunset, everything looked warm and enchanting. Tons of people were walking fast! I noticed that in the Philippines I walk faster than everyone and am taller than many people. In Hong Kong I was slow and everyone was stylish, modern, fast and tall! I only saw one child the whole time we were there, and it was a foreigner in a stroller. Not a place for small children, take note! However, it IS a place for awesome shopping if you have the money! (I also took note of that and don't plan to return soon!)

I love the water and boats coming and going. Such a unique city! I've been to port towns before, but this one is just unique.

Tons of public transportation...double decker busses and taxis. I noticed a British influence, but driving was still on the right side.

Now it is dusk and we are looking for a place to eat. What looks genuinely "Hong Kong?" We kept getting hooked to looking down new streets, but we knew our time was short.

Ah! This looks foreign, doesn't it? Indeed it was a new experience, using chopsticks with who knows what it was we ate. We were served some funny tea, and we paid using our newly exchanged Hong Kong Dollars. Truly we took in as much as we could in a short time and felt by the end we "had the city under our belt" (Daniel joked!). "We've seen it all and done everything!" We had so much fun and were thankful for this special side trip surprise the God had in store for us!

Now, back to the airport on the train to catch a flight on Hong Kong airlines to Hanoi, Vietnam!! What adventures will lay ahead next?!