Here Comes the Sun

The sun came in bright through the windows, and wanderlust and I woke up and got ready fast to make the most of our last and half day in Hong Kong with the big goal: get to Victoria Peak!

Wanderlust took his first ride in the Hong Kong subway and was impressed with its clean stations and efficiency. We got off at Central and roamed around before deciding to take a double decker electric trolley towards downtown. I could not believe I missed it before -- but it was good to ride with the locals as they headed to work.

We got off at the Bank of China building (I believe the tallest building in HKG -- correct me if I'm wrong.) Here's a tip to get a good view of the Hong Kong Harbour: go to the observation deck here and you'll enjoy a great view of the area. Especially great if it's raining. Plus: it's FREE!!!

Cabbing to the Peak

With time at a value, wanderlust suggested cabbing it to the Peak to avoid a 45 minute bus ride. The ride was great going around and round the curvey peaks, and I think we even saved a few dollars!

The Victoria Peak is a spectacular view of the many skyscrapers around the area, and especially great when the skies are clear. We were disappointed we could not get here at night but promised to come back.

The customary YALP was down at half volume as not to frighten the tourists milling about. We went to another area and were taken for 20 Hong Kong dollars by a guy offering pictures in a rickshaw. Well it has to happen to the best of travelers!

Disappointed that the Victoria Tram was down because of a fallen tree, we got back to the cab stand to taxi back to the SHeraton.

Pre-Flight Sauna

Another great tip if you are heading on a LLOONNGG flight is to go to your favorite spa for another treatment. Wanderlust suggested a return visit to the Rainbow Sauna. We spent about 2 hours soaking in the hot sauna and then enjoying a good deep massage. We both felt colds coming on and being steamed and kneeded by beautiful women helped get most of the bugs out! I highly recommend this!

We had about 90 minutes to make the flight so one more cab ride to Kowloon Station and the Airport Express train where one CHinese woman brought about a dozen bags onto the train. We settled in another section to dash for the plane.

Leaving on the Longest Flight, Take Two


We checked in at the United Counter and saw our requested business class seats cleared. Checked the bigger bags and breezed through immigration to make the plane. This time with me leading the way I got on the right escallator.

I snapped a few pictures of the plane with my new digital camera and headed into the 747-400 and upstairs to our exit row 15A (for Wanderlust) and B for me.

We still had a bit of colds in us (I think it was from getting drenched yesterday) and after choosing the meal of Cajun Chicken with filet and passing on desert Wanderlust went to sleep.

I could not sleep yet so enjoyed the delicious "Chocolat" with the gorgious Juliette Binoche, the underrated Lena Olin and the incredible Dame Jude Dench. Wonderful story, real characters, good mix of drama and comedy. Even Johnny Depp was very good. Watched it a second time before landing (this was the fourth time I seen Chocolat, having seen it before in the movies with Claire and Theresa.)

"What Women Want" had a few laughs mostly by Mel Gibson but most of the characters were plastic and the story was overwritten. It was enough to put me to sleep.

We slept about 6-7 hours before waking up about 45 minutes to JFK. Wanderlust had the fruit plate and I the chicken Fettichine ALfrado which was too big to finish but pretty good.

Return to the Impersonal Sheraton

We landed about 25 minutes early in Terminal 7 at JFK (I was disappointed that we did not go through the new International Terminal.) Breezed through customs and Immigration where agents "welcomed us home." Got the bags and I called the SHeraton to get the van to pick us up.

Like last time, we waited about 45 minutes in breezy weather which did not help our colds. We had to carry our big bags onto the bus ourselves until the driver saw we needed some assistance.

Reaching the Sheraton the desk agent gave me one room that was the size of a linen closet. Wanderlust's room had the air conditioner that could not shut off and was also closet sized. We definitely felt clastrophobic and I went back saying as a Platnium and a Gold we should get better rooms. We both got suites on the upper floor but he seemed a bit annoyed at doing some extra work.

What is a Sidecar?

Wanderlust thought before crashing for the night that we go to the bar and have sidecars and toast our great trip. The bartender said he knew what wanderlust ordered but first gave us some sour tasting thing that tasted like Jack Daniels soaked in ice. Then the second drink tasted like sour orange juice.

We settled for Sam Adams beer instead. The bartender then got his thoughts together and mostly succeeded in putting together a sidecar *not as good as your's Rudi's, or the ones at Smith and WOllensky's.) But as a good gesture he gave us the Sidecars for free. Finally, someone who does the extra mile at the hotel.

Wanderlust and I then called it a night.

And Our Adventures Come to an End.


Wanderlust managed to get an earlier flight the next morning at JFK and we headed out early to the airport on the Sheraton van. Heading there, I realized I left behind teh Swiss Watch Wanderlust gave me two Christmas's ago. I was devestated (yeah, too sentimental) but called the Sheraton and in a few minutes housekeeping returned the watch. I would pick it up later.

Wanderlust and I got through security to the gate (funny for me since I did not have a boarding pass) and at the last moment his upgrade cleared! We hugged and said our so longs for now and headed off to our own paths.

Thank you to the following for this incredible adventure:

*Kery and Votnot
*The people's of India, Nepal and Hong Kong
*United Airlines

*The Staffs of...
*Maura Sheraton, Delhi
*Sheraton Hong Kong, Hotel and towers
*Hotel D'Annapouri, Katmandu
*The Spa Angels at The Rainbow Spa, Hong Kong

Apple Computers (for my trusty MAC)

My dear "children" YAZ and EDDIE, for letting me travel and not destroying my home,

Everyone who gets something out of these writings,

And of course, my kid bruddar, favorite travel companion and best buddy, Wanderlust. Thanks for helping me learn to "Let the Adventure take me"

Until the next adventure..