April in Hong Kong

For our couples' activity this month, we spent the last Saturday in April at Ocean Park. Forbes rates the theme park as the 7th best in the world -- not having been to many, we can't compare, but we had a great day there and enjoyed the variety of things to do -- from seeing dauphin and bird shows, an incredible aquarium, to riding the mine train and raging waters' logs -- and finally enjoying the pandas.

The views from the gondola were spectacular and we were blessed with perfect weather!

The sea lions were basking in the sun -- the environment and setting for Ocean Park is really ideal. Only about 20 minutes from our apartment, the entry fee for seniors (65+) is free; unfortunately, I had to pay about $30 (US) but it was all inclusive.

Looking back over Deep Water Bay, we thoroughly enjoyed being able to see a great distance.

During the dolphin show, we noticed several container ships traveling the South China Sea. Of course, it takes lots of containers to transport all the 'Made in China" goods to the USA!

Ned and a couple of the other men rode the "dragon" roller coaster. The setting, above the ocean was really picturesque -- and the three complete 360 degree circles made for an exciting ride.

We enjoyed the ferris wheel . . .

and the varieties of fish in the aquarium . . .

and the funny signs!

But the giant pandas were the best of all -- everyone seems to loves watching them in action. We felt so lucky to see them that day.

This fellow seems to enjoy his lunch of bamboo branches -- he was quick to pull the leaves closeby and munch as long as he wanted.

The day at the park was surely enjoyable, made more pleasant with the company of good friends.

The grounds were delightful . . .

and the display about "How to Train Your Dragon" made us anxious to see the movie, which we did the following week. Great animation and terrific story line! I told my grandchildren that I hoped they liked Hiccup as much as I did -- for he was kind, gentle and such a good example to his friends, helping them to become more like him.

As we boarded the bus to return home, it was filled with families who had enjoyed their day at Ocean Park. This sweet little girl was tired, but still willing to have her photo taken.

Since it is NBA playoff time in the states, I thought it a good time to include a photo of a huge billboard about a block from our apartment. It has been there the entire time we've been in Hong Kong -- Yao Ming must be a hero to the Chinese!

On Monday nights, Burger King has a real deal . . . as evidenced by the number of missionaries (and a few of their investigators) who were there recently. The deal is: buy a whopper and get a free whopper junior. In my book, that means two can eat for the price of one. However, we noted that these fine young men were eating their whopper and getting a bonus of a junior to help fill them up!

Recently, our good friends Gail and Terry Oakes returned to the states. Living in Hong Kong for 5 1/2 years, Terry has been the Church's Director of Temporal Affairs in Asia -- a huge assignment. He's been so very capable and has been beautifully supported by his fantastic wife Gail. There were farewell parties for them, and this particular night, the branch we attend (Terry has been our Branch President) had an incredible program and dinner to honor them. It was obvious that that will be missed, and they remarked that Sundays will never been so exciting as they've been in Hong Kong associating with the Filipino members in our branch.

The women performed dances from their culture -- this group used simple pieces of fabric to make a very attractive number.

Blossoms and blooms abound in Hong Kong. Something is always growing, making a statement of beauty and color!

This is a city of great contrasts. One Saturday afternoon recently we went to Hollywood Road in Central to explore. There were wonderful antique stores and a very impressive Buddhist "Man Mo" Temple.

The longest 'undercover' escalators in the world are found in Hong Kong. They connect the lower level area of Central to the mid-levels. The idea is to ride them from one street to another upward; you can get off and explore, then continue up. It takes about 20 minutes from bottom to top if you continue without stopping. The Soho area is a fun place to visit, and there are streets with multiple restaurants that remind us of Paris.

Looking "down" from the mid-levels, it is easy to spot where many of the Chinese dine!

My love for orchids is shown in this spacial arrangement that lasted for weeks. It has been such fun to enjoy orchids -- probably couldn't grow them in the dry climate in Utah, but we are indulging here because the prices are unbelievably reasonable!