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!
The highlight of our May was the visit of Elder Oaks, Elder Hallstrom and Bishop Burton (and all three brought their wives) to Asia. They were in Bangkok, Thailand and other countries such as Cambodia, Viet Nam, Laos -- then they came to Hong Kong for five days. Meetings in the Conference Room a few feet from my desk took place on two separate days -- I was privileged to serve the men lunch and morning/afternoon breaks. On Saturday, I prepared lunch for them on the 10th floor and another for 30 on the 5th floor. Obviously, I needed help . . . and it is always forthcoming from wonderful senior missionaries. Above is pictured the gift baskets that I prepared and had placed in their hotel rooms. The final full day of their visit here included a very special meeting on Sunday afternoon for our International District -- certainly their visit will long be remembered by all who were in attendance. We felt blessed to be able to assist.
On the way to the office one morning, I spotted an adorable little girl sitting with her nanny on the ding-ding (tram). We all got off at the same stop, and proceeded to walk in the same direction. When she arrived at the school, I inquired if I could take a photo -- she seemed happy to stop for a moment while I was indulged. I simply adore the children!
We keep going back to Nan Lian Garden because it is such a peaceful spot. A recent couples' activity saw a group of us wandering the paths and enjoying the beauty of this special place.
It was my first visit to the nunnery, which is quite impressive, but the pagoda is still my favorite part of the garden.
Obviously it takes a lot of labor to keep the gardens looking so pristine -- the workers could be seen in their "traditional" Chinese hats.
Near the garden is Plaza Hollywood -- plus many high-rise apartments. Certainly a "mixture" can be found in many parts of Hong Kong.
The library in Causeway Bay is a beautiful building -- I suspect it is well-used because the Chinese seem to be very well-educated and lovers of learning.
We had the choice experience in May of attending a BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir performance. It was incredibly good -- with a great variety of selections in the program. Many of the Filipina women from our branch were also there -- as photographed above with Ned.
As we were nearing the temple one Thursday evening for our regular assignment there, I noticed a beautiful flowering tree which I couldn't resist photographing. The sky in the background looked especially interesting that early evening.
Seeing Andrea Bocelli in concert was pure pleasure. Along with about 15,000 other "fans," we watched and listened as Mr. Bocelli thrilled all with his singing. He was joined by a symphony orchestra from Taipei, Taiwan and a chorale group from HK. Also, there were three superb guest performers -- all stunning. It was an evening to remember, and we were so happy to celebrate Elder Watson's birthday with him and his wife.
A holiday from work (May 1) and a beach party for our branch occupied this Saturday afternoon. The weather was ideal, the scenery was beautiful and the branch members love being together.
Volleyball and other games were enjoyed by many . . . while others sat on the beach and watched. 
Finding a starfish shell, walking along the sandy beach, and just enjoying the beauty of the shoreline made for a pleasant few hours doing something "out of the ordinary."
Walking to the office one morning, I noted a water-main break! Cars were passing, pedestrians going by, officers and workman looking at each other, but the solution hadn't yet been reached! 
