Goodbye Asia - Hello UK!

July 16, 2010

We sadly left Hong Kong this morning but perhaps not too soon because the driver on the way to the airport said they had the first typhoon of the season on Thursday night! We arrived at the airport only to be one of the only people in line… curious, until we realized (a fw hours later while on board) that this flight had originated in Auckland, New Zealand and we were only of a few folks that got on board. I kept checking my watch wondering where the crowds were… I finally figured it out -- most of our Air New Zealand flight had gotten on in Auckland.

The flight was absolutely delightful. We flew business class (at an excellent price given the distance of 14.5 hours…). I had really thought long and hard about changing us all to Coach given that the kids did very well on the Sydney to Hong Kong leg… but I am sooooo glad I ddin’t.
I did not sleep that much due Thursday eve to our early departure time and I am fighting a bit of conjunctivitis that I picked up from Stephanie on the way into Hong Kong. I was tired and could use the rest! Wellllllll…. We ended up with flat beds and the most wonderful service by an all male (surprisingly Spanish!) crew. They were wonderful… laid out the bed for me and said “please sleep, we’ll look after the kids” … and they did and I did! So the 14 hours flew by (no kidding). Thank goodness for the movies, we had these cute little seats where we could visit (and play cards)… it worked our very well.

Our body clocks were still on Hong Kong time when we landed – but we hung in there…(so think landing at 3 pm and being on 10 pm for the children)! Shouts of “DADDY”!!!! could be heard loud and clear when the girls spotted Mark waiting patiently for us at Heathrow. We headed out to Salisbury to Mark’s brother Neil and wife Helen’s house and we would see our nephews/cousins – Thomas and Toby who were 14 and 12 – perfect companions for Michael and great cousins to the girls!

We were welcomed, as usual, with great warmth, comfort and hospitality when we arrived. Great food, easy living, good sleeps – just what the doctor ordered… just sorry Toby and Thomas had to sleep out in the tent in the backyard!! The boys were still at school so it was the end of one of their last weeks of the year.

Hong Kong - Day 3 Markets and a View of the City

July 15, 2010

We had been here in Hong Kong without going to the markets (despite being bang smack in the middle of the market areas -- Mong Kok) and without seeing the Hong Kong waterfront… so today was the day to check a few of those more traditional things off our list. We had planned to go to Chueng Chen Island by boat… but we were trying to learn from our previous days forays into the heat and crowds. We wanted to bite off just a little bit ... we decided to do what we wanted to accomplish first (what a thought!!) and then if we ran out of steam later - no worries... we would have done the top priority first!

So we headed down for a scrumptous breakfast buffet at the hotel where we all had our favorites from a stunning array of western and eastern breakfast goodies... this was the first time i had used chopsticks for breakfast (yummy dim sum and pork/noodles) ... along side chocolate croissant and swiss muesli!


When amazingly full of good food and information/directions for our "X-team Concierge" === Out we went for a peek at the flower market (orchids, orchids, orchids and more!), goldfish market and the bird market.


We made it to the first two markets - where the fish on display were amazing and they even had baby squid and varieties of fish beyond belief... and then the weather started to spit with rain and the girls started to go a bit limp ... (gosh and it was only noon...). Yesterday, it was Stephanie's turn to refuse to walk another step (we got a stroller from the hotel b4 we left on our outing). Today, Elizabeth was out of gas. We pushed on to a local street market with the promise of a toy (Barbies/spy cell phones are $2)... it worked!

We had fun going through the stalls and seeing what delights there were for not too too much money. I had great fun w/fabrics, decorating. There were fruits/vegetables, clothes, underwear, toys - you name it. We also experienced a downpour (our only one in Hong Kong!)... we grabbed another umbrella and waited it out. By now - it was time to find a taxi. We weren't walking another step ....

We got to the Star Ferry Terminal on the coast of Kowloon facing downtown Hong Kong Island. It was a jaw dropping view… The buildings/architecture were all amazing… the boats, freighters, cruise ships, ferries… all very much alive. We hit some souvenir shops and hopped on the ferry. Great peaceful, scenic ride!

Once on the Hong Kong side – we were headed to the tram station to pick up the funicular railway up the side of the mountain to Victoria Peak…We grabbed a bus which was just about to leave and it was an open top bus. Wow! To be riding amongst the buildings was fantastic!!!

However, the heat and time of day – now 3 o’clock… meant that both girls had really had it. Elizabeth ‘this is too much Mom’ and Stephanie “I don’t want to get off the bus”…. I echoed Stephanie’s feelings too!!! We decided to split up at this point – Simone and Michael would go off to the Peak and then the girls and I would go back to the hotel which we did.

The girls and i swam and swam in the deliciously warm pool water @ The Langham Place. Michael and Simone enjoyed the sites. We regrouped for a dinner by the pool high up on floor 41... and then swam more --- the girls. Michael showered and found an "Xbox" demonstration in the adjacent Mall which he found stiff competition on FIFA '10. Simone relaxed and prepared to leave on her midnight flight to Taipei. We will miss you, Simone!!!

I finally had some quiet time to pack and Michael kept me company until about 11:30 pm... did not want to sleep. Too excited about HK. I went to sleep about midnight but didn't rest too well. Had a bit of a cold and we had an early flight.... so i was up early to prepare the troops!

Hong Kong - Day 2

July 14, 2010

Today was a day of rest and recovery from Ocean Park! Long sleeps all round We all did various leisure activities – and yes, I did get a massage at the wonderful hotel spa. The children swam at the rooftop pool until about 2 pm. Fanny, my massage therapist (about 5 foot nothing) said in her special version of English “You need relax. Muscles tight. Take nice bath”! I certainly needed a work over after the hours of holding Stephanie at Ocean Park. Poor little lovey – she was pooped!

We took a subway/cable car trip to the most amazing site on the outskirts of Hong Kong - on Lantau Island (back near the airport and Hong Kong Disneyland!) - Ngong Ping (The Big Buddha). You take the subway (which was right outside our door - and so beautifully run) to Tuen Cheng where there is a very modern shopping center - complete with outlets.

The shopping in Hong Kong is legendary and for good reason. EVERYTHING is available here! Even in these 'suburbs' - the buildings are high rise apartments. You find a similar complement of eateries .... Delifrance (who could go w/o a croissant when visiting Hong Kong?), even McDonalds is pretty pervasive...ugh). But we always found a new twist in these sorts of places --- the restaurant here has an international food court where you could have any sort of asian food --- vietnamese, indian, japanese, thai, chinese... it was heavenly!!

Outside the subway station in this modern complex - there was an open space w/water 'spouts" - the girls enthusiastically took part with other Chinese children and adults! Anything to cool off...

Right next to the subway station, shopping, eating, bus terminal and VOILA - the cable car station!!

And here we found a new one on me… the cable car had a glass bottom (you pay extra of course) – but the views were stunning. We went up ‘glass bottom’ and back – ‘metal bottom”.

Michael and I had been to see the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery four years ago with Simone’s sister, Claire who was babysitting Michael in Hong Kong while I worked. Four years ago, the cable car wasn’t finished and we ended up in a taxi with a couple of ladies travelling from Singapore – long winding roads up into the green mountains of Lantau Island.

When we arrived there was the monument and a few small rourist shops run by locals. When we arrived THIS TIME – we were greeted by a replica Chinese village (think Disneyland but a bit more authentic looking) with souvenir shops galore and heaven forbid…Starbucks! Nevertheless – the site was amazing to see and experience. Stephanie was still pooped from Ocean Park and didn’t go up the long flight of stairs but Elizabeth, Michael and Simone did. We took a quick look at the monastery and back again on the Cable Cars… we were beginning to feel a bit more accustomed to the hear and pace of life in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong! Arrival and Day 1!

Monday July 12
Landed early to a gleeming, highly organized HK airport. We met Simone Cote, a dear family friend, college student and flower girl at our wedding!! (currently studying Chinese in Taipei before she heads to Shanghai to continue her studies on a break from Mt. Holyoke College) ... Simone was having a break from her studies and we welcomed her smiling face and easy, patient manner!! Welcome, Simone to our band of travellers!

Comment on coach vs, business.... kids were more 'contained' - they were literally glued to their seats and the abundance of movies... there was less movement from them...and seemed to have the same amount of pleasure/leisure. There lack of space overall bothered me a bit but the lack of service (do u want this or that and anticipating the needs - hot towels, extra drinks, I missed!).... overall though, a great flight by Quantas with terrific staff and perks!!

We arrived in Mong Kok at the Langham Place Hotel, a trendy version of the more famous Langham Hotel closer to the water in Kowloon. The hotel is an oasis in a part of Hong Kong teeming with people, markets, activities. Last time i was in HK - it was for work and we stayed on the "Hong Kong Island" side - which is where the financial markets and the international businesses tend to be based. We were in the newly opened Four Seasons (divine, serene, lovely in every aspect) .... this time we chose for a little more (ok, a lot more) hustle, bustle, the real Hong Kong from the ourside in....

Tuesday July 13
Since we were still on Sydney time (a bit) 2 hours later .... everyone got up early (except Simone who is still on local time). We knew if was hotter ... by about 30 degrees from Sydney ... in the mid-90s during the day.... we went to the 41st floor to check our the rooftop pool. Wow. It was wonderful. Warm and spacious. They had an area where - at a reasonable time of the day - you could get a massage. They also had a great fitness center and fantastic spa... where the treatments tend to be for 2 hours where you can reallllllllly relax. I am trying to see where I can't fit one of those sessions in!!

SInce we were up and awake we decided to head for our favorite theme park.... Ocean Park for the day (Michael has been there 2 x b4)...after a gorgeous buffet breakfast @ the hotel where everyone caught up on the lack of decent food the previous day!! Having a nice full tummy we decided to brave the subway and bus and head out for Ocean Park. We had a bit of a challenge finding the right bus - but we did it! We arrived at Ocean Park so excited for the day ahead....

Ocean Park is part amusement park, part rides, part aquarium, zoo.... circus.... and it is set high in the hills/mountains overlooking water. So that means getting across mountainous setting is by .... an amazing cable car up to the 'other half of the park' and then once there .... walking!!!! oh my - in 95 degree heat and very different needs (thrill rides for those who could ride... steph missed by a half inch most rides' height requirements...)... need for shade, water ,,, all in an amazingly beautiful spot. We were challenged by the map (very winding and w/o great straight directions from one point to another) ...and the need for keeping hydrated ...but we managed a very fulll day - leaving exhausted by 7 pm....!! We found the Raging River ride w/water thrills by about 5 pm when we really needed it! The day was like what i think a difficult mission might be like, hitting many a hard spot and finding the best way round to move forward - keeping the troops happy :)

We literally jumped on a passing bus with fingers crossed we would get back to central Hong Kong. We did! Made it to the right subway stop, hit the local McDonalds (kids, remember?) .... we did have seaweed fries, though!?!

The adults had soothing baths - kids chilled a bit and we were all asleep soon thereafter with dreams of Ocean Park dancing in our heads :):) Where will we go tomorrow? Big Buddha by cable car? or Cheung Chau island by ferry?

Great Barrier Reeif to Sydney Harbour

Thursday, July 8
Today was the big day… our journey to the Great Barrier Reef…. The outer reef – right near the Continental Shelf where the water goes from about 20 feet deep to 1 mile down…. Yikes. The QuickSilver boat took off from Port Douglas -- about 50 min drive north of Palm Cove. I, for one, (and Sandra too) had mixed feelings about the whole experience but were keeping a good stiff upper lift about it. Sandra doesn’t swim and Ashley hadn’t snorkeled before – but both were game to get onboard! The boat travels for 1.5 hours and docks at a permanent platform at the edge of the reef. There is lunch provided and a bunch of different activities… snorkeling, diving (Michael would have his second scuba diving experience), an underwater viewing platform and a semi-submersible submarine which did quick tours of the reef.

I needed to conquer several fears, although a strong swimmer nevertheless …. 1) the ride – I can get seasick… 2) bringing my children on a boat and being out in the middle of ‘nowhere’ in the Pacific Ocean (hence – I haven’t gone on a cruise); 3) snorkeling for me… what would it be like out there with all those fish!! 4) what would the girls do? Would they snorkel – if not – what would we do for 3.5 hours while Michael did his dive and no doubt snorkeled like crazy!

QuickSilver has the #1 spot in this reef cruising market for the masses for a reason … they have nailed the experience. It proved to be one of the highlights of the trip for all of us and for me --- plus conquereing ALL the fears in one fell swoop. You board the boat, get a seat and then they have coffee/tea/drinks for all until the boat leaves. Once the boat leaves, they take the time to explain the reef and the activities. Jellyfish are a deterent for swimming/snorkeling for much of the year- luckily we were out of ‘stinger’ season but there were ‘bluebottles’ that could potentially sting so we were encouraged to don lycra bodysuits if we were snorkeling… you can wander around the boat – inside and outside where u r blown sideways!

When we docked – we couldn’t imagine how all the people in the boat could manage to get their gear (suits, flippers, mask, snorkels) without massive lines and upset…. Well – the Aussies were so lovely and laid back – people managed easily and before you knew it – all of us were going off the platform and snorkeling!!! It was amazing, amazing. Fantastic!! The girls were troopers and loved it. They hung on to me with one hand and had life jackets but we managed to cruise along looking at the beautiful coral and sea life. There was also a makeshift small dock where you could hang on in the middle of the roped off snorkeling areas. Michael did his dive (not as good overall as his first diving experience in Turks and Caicos because it was shorter and they had to hold hands! (bummer))… but he loved the snorkeling and also saw a sea turtle when he took a spin on the semi-submersible sub.

Lunch was a lavish affair considering our location – full buffet and treats. On the way back – they had cheese and crackers and lots of souvenir goodies and underwater pictures for sale. We bought, bought, bought of course! I was thrilled to have conquered the list of fears – thrilled. Sandra wasn’t seasick and Ashley enjoyed the snorkeling too!!

We ended our day with a stroll around Port Douglas and an early dinner outdoors at ‘Mango Jam’ restaurant. When we got back to the apartment – we popped our ‘Welcome’ bottle of champagne we had gotten from the landlords -- which we were keeping to celebrate our vacation together!!

Friday, July 9th
Sadly our last day in Cairns and Palm Cove. This was meant to be our ‘beach day’ before we left for Sydney later in the day (6 pm flight). Although we had a lovely view of the water from the apartment – we had not gone to the beach much due to other activities and the weather too. We had prayed hard for sun and we got it!! Sandra and Ahsley took a long walk (ending up turned around a bit by the one way roads and paths – but did spot a kangaroo!) so I packed up our gear, did laundry and we headed for the beach about 11 am.

We had a great swim all the way down at the beach at Palm Cove (about a 20 min walk along the beach) where there are nets to catch any remaining stingers and the odd crocodile which may be about the place. You do realize in Australia that there a bunch of things that are dangerous in the wild and they are not too far away at any point in time!!

We had great fun in the waves – water and air temps in the low 70s but fun in the surf with the other Australian children on their mid-winter break! We played at the beachfront playground and ate at a nearby restaurant. Back in the water for a “quick” swim before heading back down the beach for showers, final packing and making our way to the airport. Little did we know – that time slipped away and although I wanted to start walking about 2:35 – 2:45 …. We got out of the water at 3:15!!! Ahhhh….. we grabbed our stuff and trotted down the beach. Sandra and Ashley were walking up to meet us and we got a lift a little of the way back.

We made it safely to the airport – with some burning rubber… thank goodness Ashley is a race car driver among his many accomplishments! The flight to Sydney ended up delayed but enjoyable on VirginBlue. We arrived at our hotel about 11 pm – late. The hotel was marvelous and RIGHT DOWN THE STREET from the Opera House, which we spyed as we stumbled in … the view from the room was spectacular – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We fell into bed – pooped but delighted to having made the transition from tropical beach to city….

Saturday, July 10
A good long sleep later…. We woke up to the great bliss of the Quay Grand Suites. We overlooked Circular Quay – one of the many working docks in and around Sydney - Our room was very cool in its design – ooos and ahhhs … Jacuzzi, full kitchen, washer/dryer, 2 TVs… iPod docking station – pull out sofa and then a bedroom which u can make separate room. We collected ourselves together – had a bit of room service and a bit of food from our Palm Cove experience (they children loved Cocoa Bams… a cross between trix and cocoa pops…).

My dear friend Meg and her husband Greg live in Sydney. Meg is American as well. We met in London @ LSE … gosh over 25 years ago! Greg is from New Zealand with his own Health Products online site. Meg has her own media and public relations firm. Meg and I agreed to meet early afternoon.

We were very anxious to walk down the block to the Opera House. We did that and were amazed at its grace and beauty… such splendor and brilliance in the design. We would have loved to have seen something performed… another day when girls are older. The Botanical Gardens were across the street – so a wonderful location. We grabbed some lunch dockside before heading into town.

Although our plan was to head to CentrePoint – for a look around Sydney from above – we ended up strolling the streets in search of a jacket for Michael …. Who btw made it w/o one down under!)…. We decided to head back to Meg’s house and see Greg and their two dogs – Lily and Lucy. The ferry ride was such a treat. Much of Sydeny is water oriented – both residential and industrial. Water is part of the life of most Australians – with over 90% living on or near the coast…!

Meg and Greg live very close to the water in a gorgeous, spacious flat. We visited, walked, fell in love w/their dogs (still MISS YOU LUCKY!!) and went out to dinner at a local Italian restaurant - graciously driven back to our hotel! All were asleep very quickly!

The food in Sydney was terrific – all sorts of ethnic varieties reflecting the population, coffee amazing. They take coffee VERY seriously here. Meg and Greg had a coffee machine fit for Starbucks and there are coffee spots everywhere… great for ‘round the world mama’ here. I needed the boost often. I still need to work out what a “flat black” and ‘Long white” coffee are!!

Sunday, July 11
We had another lazy morning although we got up earlier – a good sleep after our first day in Sydney. There was a pool, hot tub and gym all in the same area in the hotel so Michael and Elizabeth went downstairs. Stephanie was still feeling the effects of our marathon swim on Friday and had decided to continue to play … Club Penguin (a ‘membership’ was her reward for doing so well so far…I did a load of washing to keep us up to date for Hong Kong.

We got going around 11:30 to Meg’s great suggestion of Toy Story 3 @ IMAX cinema. We got there and were disappointed to find out that the 12:30 and 3 pm shows were sold out. We bought tix for the 8 pm show w/Mom having grave doubts since we had to get up early for our Hong Kong flight the next day. Tix cost … $US 65 for 4 of us!! We went off to enjoy the other delights of Darling Harbour. – where this a Maritime Museum, Aquarium, etc….

All around the world…Sunday/early Monday morning was the day of the big Match – Netherlands versus Spain in the World Cup. We had been following the tournament since we left in June. In Sydney, there was a spot in Darling Harbour where huge TV screens were erected for all the soccer (“football”) fans to gather… that meant 4:30 am Monday . There were events on Sunday celebrating the biggest day in worldwide soccer – including an opportunity for the kids to play on a floating mini-field with 7 other kids of all ages and nationalities …which they did and loved!!

Lunch next and Meg met us there. She is a gem!! We decided to use her good advice and car to secure an earlier movie spot elsewhere and grab a museum in the interim. We went to the 5 pm show and enjoyed a few moments at the cool Powerhouse Museum of Science and Design.

Kids loved the movie and celebrated with a romp at the video arcade where Elizabeth beat all in a 4 way simulated car race and was the big winner on ‘Deal or No Deal’ game! A cab ride home, quick stop at shop next to hotel and we had a dinner of chicken soup, fruit and leftovers! Love the kitchen in the hotel…

Monday, July 12
So off went the alarm @ 6 am, on went the Sports channel and Michael and I watched the last minutes of the World Cup Final Match and overtime as the girls continued to snooze next door. The ending was what Michael wanted. SPAIN! So the day was off to a good start. We then got a call that our taxi needed to come early due to the horrendous Sydney traffic… I think many people waited until the match was over and THEN started off to work.

We arrived at the airport – no problem, early in fact! Each country is different in the ticket documentation it requires so we needed to get a print out from Air New Zealand of our tickets going out of Hong Kong… we did that and had a chance to walk through the spectacular Sydney airport. Wow…. There really is everything available (most non-essentials) but it was a site to behold!

Quantas did not have a full flight (hence our last minute change to Quantas from Cathay Pacific) and the plane was brand new and gorgeous. This time we were going coach (9 hours and no sleeping required)…. The kids loved the selection of movies and promise of ice cream for dessert and I for one appreciated the extra room that fewer passengers presented!

Many, many movies, meals and snacks later ….

pics from Tropics/great barrier Reef

Australia and Living the coastal Life - Brisbane/Cairns

Thursday. July 1at We arrived bright and early to Brisbane … 6:45 a.m. along with a throng of tourists… so different to Korea where most of the international arrivals were Koreans. Well – my friend Rose and I recognized each other quickly after 17 yrs! We had worked together in England many moons ago. Rose’s husband, Steve is a consultant and she has two daughters, Alannah, age 12 and Aoife, Age 10. Rose’s sister and brother-in-law, Ona and Brian were also visiting from Ireland so we had a full house! Rose and Steve live in East Brisbane about 2 km (about 1 mile) from the city… a city with an “S” shaped river moving through it. Lots of ferry traffic and boats of all sorts.

We settled in and had another delicious breakfast of pancakes, cereal and fruit. The children played together and we planned our day. We decided to go to the South Bank Arts Center to see the Art Museum and the Science Center. By the time we were leaving Elizabeth had fallen asleep…. So I waited home with Alannah and Brian were were a bit under the weather and jet lagged respectively. Elizabeth was completely out – despite trying to revive her a couple of times so we decided to head for the park (across the street) when she woke up. I met a very nice neighbor who had lived in Houston so we got to talking about US and Australia.

The Science Center was a big hit! Lots of fun and a ferry ride home. We had a very nice meal together and an early night… after the red eye the previous night. Even Elizabeth!

Friday, July 2nd
After a great sendoff breakfast – we went to a real “WOW”! place… the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary… unlike any other animal experience… you really felt you were a part of the animal’s world. This was a HUGE highlight for Mom and the kids… we were in enclosures with kangaroos and emus…. Birds, farm animals… koalas… A real thrill!

We were able to have our picture taken with a koala – such a treat. They are very, very cuddly… they ARE NOT bears (so we learned)… they DO have a distinct scent  We loved this place – and the surrounding area. This was the first time we thought ‘yes, we could live here…!”.

We ended our day with a bus ride back into time and a bit of shopping – UGGs all round (Mom got some gloves… girls, boots). We found some good souvenirs too.

We had a delicious Italian take-out – there are an amazing number of immigrants here – so being from NY area, we felt at home with this piece… there is also a huge British influence and our hostess was from Ireland.

Saturday, July 3rd
We had a day that was hanging out and recovering a bit! We did a good long walk were we saw ‘flying foxes’ at rest in nearby trees (aka bats)… spent some time watching “Aussie Rules Football” a bit like rugby (Michael was very interested in this game that his dad played at his age when he lived in Perth, Australia). We also hit the local soccer ground for a local game.

Tonight was our very first Aussie “Barbie” (aka BBQ)…. We had friends/relations over and had all sorts of great meat (sausages, steak. Lampchops)…. Followed by our new favorite cookie the Australian “tim tam” which they serve frozen (due to the heat) and are amazingly chocolately. We love them…

Sunday, July 4th
It is strange not to be in the US for this special holiday. I actually had my first bit of cardio exercise – running. The weather was beautiful – about 60 degrees. It was a delight. Lord knows when I will go again.

We had a lovely walk around Brisbane’s Botantical Gardens, their local markets, huge lunch and a ferry ride back. We sadly said “good bye” to our friends – alas, friendship renewed! We were off to Cairns – a holiday spot up the coast. Our dear friends, Sandra and Ashley were meeting us at the airport with a ‘people mover’ – an 8 seat van.

We made it on a lovely VirginBlue flight – Elizabeth met a nice girl from Cairns on the plane – who we hope to meet again when we are here. The flat is right on the Pacific Ocean – three bedrooms, just beautiful (found on www.homeaway.com). It is finally warmer here… high 70s.

Monday, July 5th
We woke and had a real “WHOA” as we walked down to the beach. This has to be one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen – just pure sand, palm trees, gorgeous palm trees – not many people… love it … stretching mile after mile. We are staying in Palm Cove, just north of Cairns – pronounced “Cans”. This is heaven on earth – with beach and mountains all together… it is surprisingly unspoiled (as opposed to American beauty spots which are not national parks). Very low, tasteful development/attractions.

After having a super long walk/frolic in the surf – we had a lazy lunch and decided we needed to see a bit more… so we headed to an interesting Aboriginal cultural center – Tjapanji. There, we tossed spears, boomerangs (Michael and girls were awesome – mom, fail!) - learned about native foods, beliefs and what it is like to be an aboriginal in today’s society – very difficult to keep the culture in tact.

Tuesday, July 6th
Hartley’s Crocodile Farm! Today’s adventure. Crocs, crocs and more crocs. This country has more crocs than any other – they weren’t kidding with ‘Crocodile Dundee’. You wouldn’t think there would be enough to keep you intrigued for 5 hours… but it is true – we were! We saw crocodiles being fed, lazing in the sun, swimming and jumping… we also saw a crocodile farm where they raise about 20,000 crocodiles for meat and leather products. We also saw another first… a baby koala in its mom’s pouch. That was something! The kids had their picture taken holding a croc … and Michael had a lovely snake “scarf”…. Ahhhhh! I didn’t but was tempted w/a red croc wallet to replace my Big Buddha one… price tag stopped me. $1000.

Wednesday, July 7th
Up, up, up and away! We climbed aboard the Kuranda railway b4 9 am… and made the slow, winding train ride up to Kuranda atop the Great Dividing Range – this lovely journey took us away from the ocean up the mountain for 1.5 hours with a few stops along the way. We saw hairpin turns, waterfalls, sweeping rainforest views…. We appreciated all of the amazing turn of the century labor that put the railway together…!

Kuranda is a place for the original aboriginal people, artists, “hippies” and lots of shopkeepers!! There is much shopping and rainforest related fun. We stopped by the butterfly sanctuary to see the amazing Australian butterflies. My personal favorite – the Cairns Birdwing…. We shared some time with the aboriginal and local children in the park – coloring, petting zoo and more. There were some adorable puppies … we were tempted 

Seoul, Korea: City Living, Markets and History …. !

We spent nearly 4 days and 5 nights in Seoul living the life of ‘urban dweller’ – new to the children. Our friend’s apartment is on the 24th floor of an apartment complex. Watching out for cars (lots), not rolling out of our backyard but onto the street or to the park and the fun of the marketplace replacing the typical US shopping experience. This all took place in a city with 20 million people in the greater Seoul area where not many people speak English and the level of tourism and its trappings is very low. There are about 40 M. people in Korea.

Apart from our English speaking hosts…. there was not much conversation with others due to the language barrier. We all learned to say “thank you’ and “hello” in Korean fairly quickly. There was also a ‘bow’ accompanying both phrases. The way it should be, one might argue! The Korean language has an alphabet (unlike Chinese which has more figures for words)…. So technically you would be able to ‘sound it out’!

The Korean currency is the WAN which runs about 1200 WAN = $1… so you hand over 10,000 WAN for something that costs around $10!

Saturday, June 26th – we arrived @ the apartment to a lovely meal and eventually a nice flat bed!!! We slept between 5 (Mom) - 7-9 hours (kids) that night…(going to bed about 11:30 pm local time… so we were able to get right on the sleep pattern in Seoul but not the length of a long sleep… There were some hairy “jetlag” moments during the day but honestly, surprisingly few. Michael slept over with the Lee boys and the girls and I were in a guest room in another building.

Sunday, June 27th – Michael and I attended Mass at the Internat’l Catholic Church and were one of several new attendees at this very diverse Mass. We were asked to introduce ourselves, along with the other new attendees and met several folks afterwards as a result of saying that we were from Chatham, NJ!

In the afternoon – we headed for the Main park in town (see pictures below) and joined the many Seoul citizens who were walking, riding bikes (renting them for about $3/hour), playing basketball, riding little bumper cars (a favorite with the children). We spent a very peaceful afternoon… doing what one does in the park. Playground too, of course! I also found it interesting to be the only caucasian family in the Park!

We ended our day with a meal of ‘shabu shabu’ where you are seated at a long table – each with a burner and a pot on the table in front of you. You each have a control panel which you use to control the heat as the waitress pours in a very light vegetable broth. You are presented with a heaping plate of lettuce, vegetables and dumplings which you add to the pot as you likr. As the soup heats up you are given a plate of thinly sliced meat. With chopsticks you dip one of the sliced pieces of meat into the broth which both flavors the broth and cooks quickly! You take out the meat and then dip it into different dipping sauces. Delicious! By this time, the broth is cooked through and you add your noodles. Wait a few more minutes and then you have a delicious soup.. . this is Shabu Shabu!

Monday, June 28th We are starting to sleep longer … that is a good thing. It was excellent that at this stage, the girls and I were in a different room. Although we all slept well on Sunday evening- we tended to get up earlier than the boys – so we would stay downstairs until 9ish and make our way up for a lovely breakfast each morning! We made pancakes and enjoyed a real ‘american breakfast in Korea’! We kept a nice slow pace in the morning – the boys playing on the xBox or basketball and we played in the various areas around the apartment complex. There were many nooks and crannies – meandering walks and areas for ‘mediation’…. (if only )

We journeyed later in the day to the main Temple in Seoul – dating back 500 years. It was a fascinating juxtaposition against modern Seoul all around it. The temple, courtyards and gardens were a lovely, magnificent oasis. I was told by our hosts it pales into comparison to the Forbidden City in Bejiing. Another trip!

There was a very cool outdoor replica of an old Korean village about 40 years old in a next door Folk Museum next door. We enjoyed looking at how life was ‘back then’.

The kids loved our next ride… 10 people in a taxi meant for 5 people. It was a short ride to ‘Insadong’ – an outdoor street market where we sampled foods (starting w/ice cream and working backwards through dinner …) we picked up souvenirs and soaked in the sights.

Tuesday, June 29th After another good night’s sleep – thank goodness… we trotted off to the local ‘Paris Baguette” – a chain of stores which has delicious pastries…. So we piled our bags high and headed back to the apartment of a continental breakfast fit for a king. We got ourselves going around noon – boys got in some basketball. We headed to the War Museum where we stayed outdoors exploring the boats and planes from the Korean War. You could feel the impact of the war in the various exhibits…

We headed for another market for lunch where we dined in a restaurant this time… The American Diner! The boys were missing American food and this is THE place to go! Outside in the market –we were able to score designer goodies/s[po for a fraction of the price.

The boys went to a local baseball game with Bob Lee – LG Twins and Laurie and I went out for a drink. Thank goodness for Mae – a terrific new babysitter. Thanks, Mae!

Wednesday, June 30th Sadly, our last day in Korea. Everyone wanted to stay longer. We had just gotten into the swing of things. We had an easy morning and Elizabeth and I went back to Insadong market for a little shopping. We were all packed up!

At about 4 pm – we strapped our luggage into a cab – literally – hanging out of the back of the cab much to our mutual chagrin but we headed for the airport. We had an 8 pm red-eye flight to Brisbane, Australia. Good bye, Korea!

The flight was smooth and service gracious on Korean Air. They did their best to make a red eye as comfortable as possible… we got about 3 – 5 hrs sleep.