Happy Chinese New Years! We spent our holiday in the city, being tourists in our own town, and had a great time! First up, the Victoria Park New Years Market - in the heart of the city, this park is like Stanley Park - full of flowers and trees, and of course, the statue of Queen Victoria. Even at 2pm - we were among thousands touring the stalls and flower area.
Statue of Queen Victoria in the middle of the park
Sarah hiding among the wishing trees - these cherry trees are cut at the stem, and placed into chinese pots to be put in lobbies, and foyers at the beginning of the holidays. They are covered in red lai see (lie see) envelopes - like christmas trees - lai see is a huge part of the CNY - they are given to children and adults that are not married - some of the students at our school will receive more than $80,000 HKD this year.
The weather was perfect for touring around the city.
Some kind of fruit tree - no idea!
Daffodils, tulips, dahlias, primulas, and gorgeous orchids in the flower side. Traditionally just a flower market, this event has opened up to be more of a 'fair' - university students are now allowed to set up stalls and make money towards tuition.
Lost in translation....
Orange trees, and Bate flowers...
We were swept along with the crowds - couldn't have pulled aside to stop at any of the stalls even if we wanted to!
The next day, we went to Ocean Park - a huge, huge amusement park and interpretive centre only 5 minutes from our flat. Signature pose here in HK! The park is bigger and better than Disney - featuring rollercoasters, rides, food stalls, dolphin and whale performances, shark aquarium, Panda habitat (3 pandas), hot air balloons, and a 15 minute tram ride from one end of the park to the other. Amazing!
Tram from lower level (Panda Habitat at the back)up to higher level for the rides and more!
Too funny!
Entrance to Ocean Park - we spent 6 hours here! Ended up getting the girls annual passes - apparently this is where the teens hang out, when not shopping...!
Bob, or should we say, Giant Bob!
Shark aquarium was amazing - tanks beside and over top! We saw every kind imaginable - a really cool part of the park!
Shark aquarium
Just a little un-nerving..
The girls went on this ride - the wheel lifts straight up and around - won't see Jen on it...
Tram ride to upper level - our flat and Ap Lei Chau Harbour is to the right of these hills - we see the roller coaster and rides from our flat.
Another highlight of our holiday - cousin Val and her teenagers, Charlotte and Bronson, came for the weekend - we spent four great days touring, shopping in the markets, and eating great food in some of our favorite restaurants.
Val, Charlotte and Bronson Rogers visiting from Vancouver. Sarah and Meg are the same age, and they got along like a house on fire! It was great to see them, and catch up on family news from home! We will be seeing these guys again this summer in France.
Chinese acrobat troupe at Ocean Park, and hot air balloon above - end of a great day!
Chinese acrobats
Entrance to Shark Aquarium at Ocean Park (hearing the Jaws theme...)
Meg checking out the scenery!
Final score 21 Us, CAD 7
The McMaster family - Mitchell ready for the cameras!
Kev and his programme - reading material for the flight back!
Ciaran Hearn - from Concepcion Bay, NFLD - sat with Bob and Kevin at lunch the day before - Canada Chamber of Commerce hosted the team for annual fundraiser for the rugby program.
Heartbreaker - he fumbled the ball at the end zone, and recovered by the UK player - but the try was overruled. This player plays professionally in France, but represents Canada at this tournament.
Sarah and her mom
Meg and her friend Janice
The entrance to the stadium - just follow the crowds!
And after the games are over for the day - Bob and Kevin off to Lan Kwai Fong for a beer - with the other thousands..... kegs being opened every minute!
Yes, thousands....!
Our boys versus the UK
The team after the game, signing autographs and stopping for the cameras. Bob met the manager of the canadian team - UVIC rugby coach.
Girls teams posing after the game -
