Steve and Cami's Visit

We had been anticipating Steve and Cami's arrival -- their first day they hit the ground running. Traveling on the ding-ding became common throughout their week with us.














Because Steve had served his mission in Taiwan, he loves all things Chinese -- every day must have been a deja vu experience for him.














Ordering a new suit (or more) and an overcoat was a priority on the first business day -- he checked book after book for good fabrics and was pleased with what he found!














A visit to Victoria Peak is a "must do" in Hong Kong. The tram has been in operation for well over 100 years -- a great way to get to the top!


















Since we had a good day, weather-wise, we ventured up to the Peak early in their visit.














Spectacular views were everywhere.














A great couple -- and a perfect backdrop!














Skyscrapers are seen in every direction you look!















Strolling down a path at the top of the peak, Ned and Cami stand by the "rock" where Hong Kong was dedicated for missionary work in 1949.

The Night Market had eager shoppers in Steve and Cami -- in fact, they went twice during the week.

Venturing out on their own while we needed to be in the office, Steve and Cami found the climb to see Ten Thousand Buddhas to be very interesting.

Monkeys could be seen in trees along the way.

A sign points the way . . .

A favorite spot, Nan Lian Garden, was enjoyed before returning to meet Margaret mid-afternoon. The pristine setting is very impressive.

Of course, nothing is more beautiful than our Church Administration Building. Though it is surrounded by tall buildings, it anchors the corner of Gloucester Road and Fleming Road and is a well-known landmark amongst locals.

A shopping trip to Stanley Market was fun -- but the setting by the bay is one of the best parts. There are small boats and lovely surroundings.

Of course, a highlight was attending the temple. Fortunately, Steve and Cami had the opportunity to meet President and Sister Goo and were treated so warmly.

The Flower Market was as beautiful as ever . . .

and the Bird Market was most interesting too!

A stop at the Jade Market helped Sandra and her brother, Kelvin, meet their "quota" of sales for the day. We really appreciate Sandra and the things she is willing to create for her good customers.

We met Ned for dinner (he was at work that day!! Afterwards, we walked the promenade near the waterfront and enjoyed a display still up from Chinese New Year.

The Symphony of Lights -- Laser Light Show was impressive -- every night at 8 p.m. there is a 15 minute show. The best view, as seen above, looks directly over to Hong Kong Island from Kowloon.

Then we revisited the "Night Market" to make a few more purchases.

A trip to Big Buddha took most of the following day!

and no one was disappointed in the gondola ride, the Po Lin monastery, or the climb to see Big Buddha and the surrounding smaller Buddhas.

Afterward, the bus took visitors to Tai O fishing village -- a place we enjoy seeing over and over.

Steve and Cami were fortunate to see the pink dolphins that day - not always possible!

There is no shortage of taxis in Hong Kong! Toyota Corollas are the standard.

At night, the Church Administration Building looks beautiful!

A bake shop near the apartment had some favorite treats!

Finding some unusual fruits, found mostly in Asia, was appealing to Steve!

The entrance to our apartment complex -- where we all stayed together and talked several nights until the "wee hours."

This foot massage salon is one I've used -- Steve and Cami treated themselves to a 50 minute massage with Joey and one of the other women who work there. It's a bargain at only about $10 (US). Reflexology and foot massage salons are in every block in this city. And, at certain times of the day, they are very busy!

Steve and Cami enjoyed exploring the small streets near our apartment, as well as the more exciting parts of Hong Kong.

Adventuresome and anxious to eat Asian food, we had several good dining experiences. This particular day, it was dim sum lunch. We are grateful they made the time and effort to come for a visit -- we will always remember having our sons and their wives (and yes, little Max at Christmas time) experience our time in Hong Kong. We do love this city!

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!

One year ago today . . .

On April 6, 2009,we entered the MTC in Provo, Utah -- then 10 days later, arrived in Hong Kong. What an unbelievable, stretching, learning, growing experience this year has provided! We've loved our association with the Area Presidency, the Filipino members, and the Chinese people! Our love for all people in all places has grown and expanded.

Today, April 6, 2010, we had a public holiday and decided to spend a few hours exploring a place we'd heard about -- Kowloon City Walled Park. This is a beautiful place where thousands (perhaps as many as 100,000) had lived in cramped and difficult situations until the "city" was demolished and people were relocated in the 1990s.

On this peaceful day, many adults were spotted doing their tai chi exercises in the park.

Fortunately, we met a most kind, interesting man who told us of growing up in the city. He spent his life there until the city was demolished and the population relocated. His English was very good and we were appreciated learning of his "life in the walled city." In his current situation, he comes to the beautiful park each morning for his exercise and daily walk.

We continue to marvel at all the experiences and opportunities available in Hong Kong. The last six months of our stay here will continue to be filled with seeing and doing new things. Of course, the most important part of our being here is the day-to-day blessing of serving in the Area Presidency offices, working with our dear Chinese friends, and associating with the wonderful senior couples.