Dong Millionairess

We arrived in Hanoi safely and on time this afternoon. There were signs of severe flooding in the countryside around the city. Our hotel is fine, exceeds expectations! The area surrounding the hotel is chaotic to say the least. Irene is suffering from Culture Shock.
The helpful front deskman has told us to expect 20 fellow travellers mostly British.

Tomorrow we leave Hong Kong for Hanoi. We have enjoyed a wonderful time here with our generous hosts The Rev. Peter Ellis and his wife Judi. Our sincere thanks to them both for making our visit so memorable.

It was lovely to meet up with so many old friends and for Irene to make so many new friends.

I have just called the emergency contact line for the trip to Vietnam to confirm that all is well.
The Typhoon made landfall at Hue on the coast this afternoon. Although there is flooding our trip is unaffected at this stage.

The Chi lin Nunnery, Hong Kong. A community of Buddist nuns whose fabulous buildings were funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Pagoda at Chi Lin Nunnery

The weather closed in on the The Peak today!

Tropical Storm Ketsana is dumping a lot of water in Hong Kong!
Today maybe a day of indoor pursuits: Museums, shops and coffee stops.

West Kilbride Girls

How small is our world? Irene, Margaret, Lorraine and Ruth, all from West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland meet up in Margaret's home overlooking the South China Sea.

Margaret, thank you for having us tonight for a fabulous dinner. We made it home through the Typhoon.

x

More Hong Kong Girls

The smiles of the chinese people we met were matched by their kindness. We were back on the road in a matter of minutes. We took the opportunity to learn how to say "thank you" in Cantonese.

Rembering the advice given as I left Glasgow"the times when you are off balance are the times you will remember most, don't fret, take a deep breath and think logically.." Well, we did when we got a puncture way up near the Chinese border.

Today we have a Typhoon in Hong Kong and it's heading towards Vietnam as are we!

Hong Kong Girls

Pat, Judi, Irene, Lizzie, Lorraine and Beth.

The only "gap" todate was the gap betwixt the boat and the jetty!

Fishing for lunch

Jumbo fish restaurant

Today we toured Hong Kong Harbour and visited Lamma Island on the Mariner's Club Launch.

Bubbly n Strawberries were the order of the day.

Lost in translation...
At the hairdressers: after having my haircut the young man who I assumed was about to dry my asked "you ready for wince"? I thought "wince, am I ready for wince?" What was expected of me? "wince?" I asked again. "Missy like her hair winced before dwy?" Then the penny dropped, up I got and walked to the basin where I had my hair RINSED.

Jade Market

Bird Market

Flower Market

Hygiene Hong Kong Style

Fish Market Hong Kong

Irene arrived from Dubai on Friday. She had problems choosing a bag for the trip so she took them all!

Irene arrived from Dubai on Friday. She had problems choosing a bag for the trip so she took them all!

Lunch in Habibi with Michelin and Judi

Enjoying post flight spa treats!

My bags are packed...