Monday, February 13, 2006

San Francisco was perfect. The weather could not have been better and it was fun to be back where we spent so much time when we were dating and where we got married. Sunday, we left early for the airport and so it was very relaxed getting there and waiting for the flight. We then landed in Hong Kong on Monday night after the excruciatingly long flight. It was as good as any airplane could be for nearly 15 hours. The economy plus on United was definitely worth the money and it seemed that they fed us several times or maybe we were just on there so long, they had to. What a remarkable airport. It was so easy to get around and is beautiful, spacious and clean. We found a Disney store and 7-Eleven right after we exited customs and it was super easy to buy train tickets and exchange money. We took the train to Kowloon and then a shuttle bus to our hotel. It is really easy to get around on your own here in Hong Kong. We love it! What a beautiful city. I can't help but compare it to landing in Guangzhou at 5 am last time in 2003 and feeling completely lost. Most signs are in Chinese and English here in Hong Kong. The hotel is just as described by those we know who have stayed here. (Thanks for the tip Hartwigs, Peakes and Rameys) We ended up being upgraded to a harbor view suite due to overbookings and when we walked in the room, our jaws were on the ground when we saw the view we have from our bedroom. An entire wall of windows with views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong. We would recommend the YMCA Salisbury to anyone waiting to travel. After not sleeping on the plane, it was easy to fall asleep with our body clocks thinking we had been up all night. It is so good to be in China again. Excited for tomorrow and hoping we can adjust quickly to the time change.