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 i
n Hong Kong. We do love this city!
On July 3, we attended the open house of a new church meetinghouse across the street from the Hong Kong Temple. The window on the upper level provided a perfect backdrop of a photo of the temple.
There were many very effective displays -- the one for family history provided a backdrop for a Chinese family who were attending.
Prior to attending the open house, we had a senior couples' 4th of July brunch in the cultural hall of our building. Elder Linford sang "God Bless America" (he's sung it for over 70 years) and his deep bass voice resonated. Elder Whitman, on the piano, can play anything and sound marvelous. We enjoyed group singing, round-the-table ping-pong and a delicious brunch.
Yummy food is always enjoyed by all. The tables were festive and many of the women wore red-white-and/or blue.
July 1 was a holiday for Hong Kong -- the anniversary of the turnover from British rule to China (1997). We had the day off and served in the temple in the morning -- after lunch (Sister Goo always provides a meal for the temple workers -- this time it was hot dogs, potato salad, veggies and brownies -- delicious!!) we explored. People were at work keeping Hong Kong Clean while others were enjoying a day off work!
Festival Walk is a beautiful mall close to the temple. An ice skating rink there provided a great place to cool-off. Our daytime temperatures are generally a little over 90 degrees with the low temp of the day about 85 degrees. Considering the 80-95% HUMIDITY, we are grateful for air-conditioning and places like the mall!
I'm so drawn to the children, and little Simon Burby is adorable. His dad is a University of Utah law student doing an internship with the Church legal department, so they are spending several weeks in Hong Kong this summer. His maternal grandparents are thrilled to have Simon and his parents staying with them.
When shopping at IKEA last week, I spotted an adorable little girl "just cooling it" in a special chair. She was agreeable about having her photo taken (I always ask parent's permission first!)
Our dear friends, Elder Chuck and Sister Carol Kewish have returned home to Provo, Utah. They are sorely missed as Area Public Affairs missionaries, but Carol needed medical attention and they are home where they should be. It was hard to see them leave, but they are never far from our thoughts.
Before leaving Hong Kong, the Kewishes wanted to go to the Peak. A rather clear day helped us get a few good shots of a city we have grown to love.
Spending time with our Filipina women on Sundays is always such a joy! This particular day there was an activity of making pearl earrings. They rush to have their photos taken whenever a camera is brought out.
Cat's Street Bazaar in the mid-levels is a fun spot to visit. There is everything from expensive antiques to "cheap" souvenirs.
Western Market is a beautiful, historic, well-preserved building. On the upper level, there are stalls after stalls of fabrics -- many beautiful Chinese silk pieces were inviting, but I didn't buy anything. The problem is: fabric is great, but the clothing needs to be constructed!
Out our apartment window, the building diagonally across the street is getting a face-lift. In one long Saturday recently, all the bamboo scaffolding went up. It is an amazing project! I don't think I'd be interested in climbing out thereon!
A Chinese cooking class this month (with accompanying written recipes) should allow us to be able to prepare something authentic when we return home. The variety was wonderful, and we were appreciative of our Chinese friends who willingly taught us -- the food was enjoyed for lunch by our husbands.
Joyce (left) and Sister Yuen demonstrated (and let us help) spring rolls, various chicken and fish dishes, noodles, fried rice and mango pudding. These women are expert cooks!
Ned and I went to Sai Kung village recently (another holiday on June 16) and enjoyed seeing all the fresh fish. 
Carrying the fish from one place to another was made easier by the handy shoulder pole.
Fishing boats were lined up and the customers on the pier would place their order and the men would deliver by pole or climbing the ladders. Talk about FRESH!
People were enjoying the beach that day -- lots of families were in the village and on the sand!
The boat ride out to the island was pleasant indeed.
Our friends, Jay and JenaVee Smith completed their mission in June. A program was held in their honor, and one of the dances was a traditional Philippine "glass" dance. Holding a filled water glass in each hand with one balancing on the head, these women were amazing. They could move in every direction, and even got on the floor and rolled over while still balancing the glass on their head. The one in the center, Luz, says she began doing this when she was 6 years old.
Friends of Blake and Becky in St. George, the Snows came to HK (15 year old daughter is in the center) on their way to mainland to get their newly adopted son. It was a pleasure to spend a little time with them here in Hong Kong. We know they will love having Tao join their family.
