September 2014 - Hong Kong and Shenyang

After a particular busy few months, and seemingly not enough time with each other, Russ and I decided that we needed to devote a few days to relaxing, with no work!!  So we met travelled to the Philippines for a few days work and then on to Hong Kong for some 'us' time.  It was time well spent, recharging us for the following weeks and months when we are organising to make our move to the Philippines.

In Hong Kong we managed to see some beautiful and interesting places, and catch up with friends from Korea (who are now living in Hong Kong) - always a wonderful part of visiting any place!!

We have, many times, seen the Ngong Ping cable car from Hong Kong airport, so this was the perfect opportunity to take the 6km trip to the Ngong Ping village (a theme-park style village - not very impressive) and walk up to Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastry (both very beautiful and worth visiting).  The walk through the bushland was relaxing and quiet, as most people stay close to the tourist areas.

Looking back towards Hong Kong Airport (on the left)

Once we were away from the tourist area, there were interesting
(if derelict) buildings and beautiful plants.

The highly-anticipated restaurant was overrated!!

Hong Kong never fails to impress!!

Part of the view from Victoria Peak

We even found some locals..... well.... they are now!!  Dinner
out in Stanley with Sam, Heidi, Brenda and Brent (can you tell we've
all lived in Korea???)

Russ is lovin' it!!!!!

The view from our hotel - right across to Sam and Heidi's place....
I think I can see them waving.....

SHENYANG, CHINA

We had a couple of weeks at home and then headed over to Shenyang in northern China.  We visited a friend and colleague of Russell's, Wang Hui, and he certainly looked after us!!

The view from our hotel room...

The shopping centre near our hotel - a National Day concert
was on just when I visited.

Beautiful cultural dances, choirs and bands.

These lovely people were "looking after" me for the morning.

This shopping centre is the biggest I've ever seen!

Dr Wang Hui took us to a jade market, and bought me
a beautiful bracelet - he really looked after and spoilt
us the whole time we were visiting.

Restaurant meals were often in private rooms with amazing food
and great company!

Russ tries silkworm.......

The Friendship bridge across the Yalu River to North Korea,
at Dandong.

Heading to the Great Wall of China.

This section of the Great Wall is called the Hushan
(Tiger Mountain) Great Wall, and is the most
eastern part of the wall.

Looking at the border between China and North Korea.
The river marks the border.

Dr Wang, Russ, me and Dr Zhou - at the top of the wall!

Our final dinner in Shenyang.

Russell's $10 latte (which tasted more like instant!!),
at the airport before heading home. China is much
more a tea drinking country than coffee!!

This was my first time to China (apart from Hong Kong) and it was a great experience - friendly people, lovely countryside, interesting food, and the chance to make new friends!