Year of the Horse 2014

David, Jake and I decided to bring in the year of the Horse (according to the Chinese Zodiac) with a hike close by. We went to Lamma, a short ferry ride away. I fell in LOVE with this island. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Jake and David can always find a diet coke

 

 

I LOVE Lamma and will most definitely be going back. I am looking forward to another wonderful year in Hong Kong. Happy New Year

Christmas time in Asia

David and I went to Shenzhen, China to golf in a Mattel charity event. It has been 20 years since I golfed. I really had forgotten how much I loved it. I enjoyed it that much more because of the Mattel women that I golfed with. And our pink caddy ladies.

 

The Wade's took us to the "Panto", an English tradition where the audience is involved in the performing play. Nothing brings on the month of December more than a man in drag. We had the greatest time. And then, Bill and Kim invited us for "Hot Pot", a traditional Asian way of cooking that engages family and friends in conversation. Loved it!

Christmas was spent in the Philippines. Great times....and not so great. But, memorable for sure!

Heading from Manilla to Coron, Palawan

On the road to the Coron airport

 

THE airport

 

Flying Cebu and Philippine air was an absolute nightmare. Canceled flights, different luggage weights per airport, changed flights without notification, an assassination of a Philippine Mayor three hours before our flight with no announcement or explanation....exciting times for sure.

Fortunately the people and daily island hopping made it worth it.

 

 

The waters were truly majestic

 

 

A Christmas we will never forget. As beautiful as it was, I will NOT be away from my grand children again at Christmas time. It about killed me.

D'Agostini's visit Hong Kong

Our dear friends, Phil and Debbie, came to Hong Kong for a visit at the end of October and beginning of November.  I wondered how the trip would be for them because of the stark contrast of the quiet leisurely life of Woodland, Utah and the busy life of Hong Kong. There are constant crowds, lines, noises, and people in Hong Kong. You either love the differences, or endure. I believe they did both.

Much to Phil's chagrin we hit the ground running. Oh how he hated stairs...and in Hong Kong, there are more than you have ever imagined.

The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer palace in Beijing, China captivated Debbie.
Phil? Not so much.

When we went as far as we could on one side of the wall and decided to walk the other side, Phil had one word: "Why"?

 

He wasn't impressed. But we had a great laugh. David stayed back with Phil, and Debbie and I walked the other side. No regrets.

 

 

We thought Phil may starve because of the local utensils. He figured out a way.

 

The food can be a little scary...

Both Debbie and Phil enjoyed participating with some Mattel charitable events.

 

 

Ending with a Thai foot massage. Phil's favorite activity.

Debbie and I enjoyed a session at the Hong Kong temple. Debbie was incredibly touched to have the honor of doing temple work for an ancestor of a lady sitting right behind her. It was a special experience. I loved sitting next to Debbie in the temple, celebrating our journey as friends.

We did some Urban hiking

 

Next up: Hiking Dragon's Back

Ending with dinner in Shek'O

I think they had a good time.