Making Memories

November 30 (Monday)

Today's adventure took us to the Prince Edward MTR area, Fa Yuen Street. Went for congee and oily sticks. Not bad. not good. Rated: 6 for flavor. Rated: 1 for ambiance.

On the MTR we came across this very interesting person. She definitely was making her own fashion statement. She had about a dozen colourful mismatched hair clips in her dyed red hair, make up that was more like war paint, and enough rings and bracelets that she could open her own store. It's too bad you can't see her outfit which was a smattering of pinks, reds, orange and purple with blingy sandels...a bag lady at best.

John tried to be as inconspicuous as possible when taking this picture. You can see our reflection in the window. Her appearance was what caught our eye, but her personality was nothing short of schizophrenic. She was constantly talking to her imaginary friend and would laugh and carry on as if someone was there talking with her. At one point, as our ride progressed people filled the seats next to her. One lady came on the train and stood next to her because there were no more seats. The strange lady kicked her in the legs and yelled something like, "get out of here!"  Everyone just stared and moved away. One way to keep people from invading your space. Pretty crazy!

Went to Kwai Fong to order chops (Chinese name stamps) for the kids. Also wanted to pick up the spinning tops that the kids were having so much fun with. Jade had bought 1, but all the kids wanted one, so we thought we'd go back and buy more. After roaming and wandering up and down and round and round all the aisles, we could not find the store! Frustrated after an hour, we gave up. I'll have to ask Jade if she remembers which level and what area the store was. 4 levels of shopping in a mall designed as a maze, did us in.

The GooBur Tour is in Xian today leaving for Beijing. Because of poor visibility, flight was delayed.

December 1 (Tuesday)

It's so nice to have Victor with us this week. He knows the area fairly well and is a great tour guide when it comes to places to eat. Today he suggested that we go to Yuen Long in the New Territories to try the Tai Wing Wah Restaurant famous for "Village Cuisine". The place was packed and we had to wait in line for a table. Of course, like many other restaurants, if there is room at a table that is not full, they just seat you there with complete strangers. The food was not a disappointment. Rated: 9.  It could have been a 10 if we had our own table and the rest rooms were clean.

Exploring the streets of Yuen Long

I found a nice little brass Buddha to add to my miniature collection. 

Now that's one honkin' kettle! 

John loves his chicken feet!

On the way home, we stopped by Kwai Fong in hopes of finding the lazer spinning top store again and order more chops for the rest of the grandkids. After talking with Jade and picking her memory about where the toy store was located, we finally found it! Do you know why we couldn't find it yesterday even though we walked past it many times? They were closed!!! When the shops are closed, there is a metal garage-like door that  completely covers the store, so you don't know what is behind it. No wonder we couldn't find it! So we loaded up on the spinning tops, actually called "UFO Gyros". Everyone will be happy now, especially me.

GooBur Tour - The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square


December 2 (Wednesday)

Today's itinerary took us by bus to Kowloon City. This is an older area and there were many Thai businesses. We decided to try a "hot pot" restaurant. This is a unique style of cooking. In the middle of your table is a gas burner. They put a pot of boiling water on it and you start throwing in your various ingredients to cook. It started with tomatoes for the base. Add to it sliced pork, beef, shrimp, fish, and intestines? (I didn't touch that), and lettuce and water cress. Toss in what you want, and fish out what you tossed in. Rated: 6. At least I can say I've tried it.

Ready...

Set... 

Go...

Any resemblance? 

Budgies for sale, for pets, not lunch.

Sweet little girl in front of Thai restaurant (owner's daughter?)

Not quite like a Wal-Mart Service Centre

We came across this street of auto services. You better hope your car never needs servicing because their garages are only large enough to fit one vehicle, barely. What is pictured above is the whole size of the garage! Oh how spoiled we are when it comes to space.

Got an email from the girls today. They finally found an amazing shopping place... now they're happy. GooBur Tour - The Great Wall of China


December 3 (Thursday)

This past week has just flown by. The kids will be back in Hong Kong tonight. Their trip to Xian and Beijing had its ups and downs. Flight delays were a definite downer as it wasted one whole day. Weather was cold and windy, but clear, so they got a good view while on the Great Wall of China.  Shopping was good at one point, but not enough time. Of course seeing the Terracotta Warriors is simply amazing. All in all, I think it was a great experience for them all.

Sick of Chinese food? Yup. Tonight I've made reservations for just the adults at Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill, an American franchise. It will be nice to have "normal" food. Emmy, Azia and Parker will watch the little kids tonight. I made tacos for them. That will be a treat after a week of Chinese.

Just got an email from Wayne requesting prayers on his behalf...he has a bad cold and hoping that it won't turn into laryngitis. YIKES! That would be disastrous. With concerts on Friday and Saturday, this couldn't come at a worse time.

Victor leaves today for Singapore to catch a cruise with Melisa. They will return in time to spend Christmas with us.

The Goodman's arrived first, back from Beijing. We waited and waited and waited for the Burton's to arrive. We thought they would be right behind since they were on the same flight, and we booked the same shuttle company for pick up. However...the Goodman's ride was there waiting, but the Burton's ride never showed up!!! Ultimately they ended up catching 2 taxi's back to our place. Someone sure messed up the reservation. Not impressed!

Oh well, carry on. I got the kids fed their tacos, then the adults rushed off to our dinner reservation at Dan Ryan's. It was a wonderful meal and a much needed time out without the kids.

I booked a hotel room for the Goodman's for one night since they were leaving the next day. the Burton's stayed with us. 9 people in our little unit was rather crowded, but we all survived.


December 4 (Friday)

Jade, Jasmine, and Emmy did a quick trip back to Shenzhen to pick up Emmy's grad dress which she had custom made. She looks gorgeous in it! It was a rush trip since Jade had to get back for the return home with the shuttle coming at 4:30. Sad to say good-bye. I'm missing them so much. I hope we will be able to go visit during our summer break. By then their new house should be built. It would be fun to check it out. Or, it would be awesome if she could make another trip back!

One last picture with Anna and Elsa at Harbour City

All packed and ready to go home...We'll miss you...Bye bye Hong Kong.

No time for tears, we had to get ready for Wayne's concert. Jas and the kids decided not to attend the Friday concert, but would go on Saturday. So John decided to stay with them as Jas wanted to return to Ladies' Market.

The concert was awesome. The only disappointment was the crowd, which was smaller than we had anticipated. Nevertheless, the concert was great and very spiritual. Other performers for the evening were Leah Cerbolles and Songs of the Heart Singers. Wayne did an incredible job, as usual, especially considering he was battling a cold. Having a priesthood blessing sure helped him make it through. He had glowing comments by many who had attended.

Guest singer - Leah Cerbollos

When we got back home and off the elevator, I noticed someone sleeping on the bench. It was Phoenix! I woke her up and asked what she was doing there. She was waiting for me. She felt like she needed to talk to me and that I could help her. Without going into a lot of detail, we sat and visited for about 1/2 hour. She actually seemed to be listening to what I had to say this time. She seemed focused and her mind didn't wander and she didn't interrupt. That's progress. Anyways, I managed to get her to agree to meet with one of our church psychologists in hopes that they can help her. I invited her to come to Wayne's concert with us tomorrow. I think it would be good for her to hear some good uplifting music and feel the spirit of Christmas.

December 5 (Saturday)

Another busy packed day planned. First on the agenda, pictures at the Hong Kong Temple. Target time: 9:30 am. John went ahead with the little boys, the rest of us followed momentarily. We thought they would wait for us in the lobby, but when we got there, they were no where to be found. So we thought they probably had just gone ahead to the MTR station, so we headed there. When we arrived, they were not there. What? Where could they be? They left before us, yet we didn't pass them. There's only one way to go. Wait, wait, wait. So much for keeping to our schedule.

When we had left the apartment, it was very chilly and extremely windy, so John and the boys decided to go back and get their jackets. Apparently, we must of missed each other as they were going up the elevator, we were coming down. We finally met us and headed off to the Temple. Took a quick walk around the Temple and took some pictures. The Temple is closed till December 8.

Azia, Cardiff, Sawyer, Parker, and Emmy with Grammy and Grampy in front of the Hong Kong Temple.

 Next stop, lunch. We decided to go to the MOKO Food Opera (food court). We introduced the Burton's to "Pepper Lunch" and they loved it. Added some dim sum items and specialty drinks. then off to our next shopping adventure at Kwai Fong for the girls. John took the boys to Li Yuen street to the Knick Knack store. The girls found lots to shop for but only had time to get through 2 out of the 4 floors of shops. I guess they'll just have to come again.

Rush, rush, rush home, change and get to the Wan Chai for the concert. Poor Wayne! he was trying to get his family to sing with him, but everyone was being so defiant. I don't know what happened between the time we left the apartment to when we arrived at the church, but suffice it to say, thank God for small miracles. When we got to the Church, the whole family, including Jasmine were up on the stage practicing The First Noel...amazing. They all sang during the concert. It was heartwarming!

The Concert was magnificent! We could sure feel a special spirit. There were many VIP non member guests and the parents of the young performers plus many other friends of members. It was estimated that there were about 200 non members attending! The Children's Choirs were so delightful as only children can do. The strength of the missionaries also added to the spirit of the evening. So many people commented how wonderful it was to be able to see and hear Wayne's family perform. It added such a personal touch to the evening.

Children's Show Choir 

Junior Show Choir

The highlight for Azia was the photo op with all the missionaries. That made her day. That made her trip all worth while! She's so cute that way. She loves missionaries, elders and sisters alike. She'll make an incredible missionary herself someday.

Some of the 150 Hong Kong Missionaries with Emmy, Parker and Azia 

Elder Peacock (AP), President Lam (Mission President), Elder Liew (AP)

President and Sister Lam and us.

Oh yes, Phoenix did come to the concert with us. She was very silent the whole evening. However, when someone asked her, "Are you a member of the church?" She looked at me then smiled and said, "Not yet." That to me was hope, and a sign of good things to come in the future.

Me and Phoenix 

The Family with Elder and Sister Chamberlain

These last 2 nights wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the coordinated efforts of Sister Chamberlain of the public affairs department. A very successful event.

December 6 (Sunday)

The night was short. Now here we are at another good-bye. I didn't think it would affect me as much as it did. It was wonderful having some of my family here and I'm so grateful they were able to come. I didn't think I would be so emotional about them leaving.

Company is great, but there is something to be said about a house of order. I did manage to get things tidied up before heading off to church. However, as the day wore on, my occasional cough turned into a constant cough. Add in a runny nose and watery eyes, and a sore throat, I think it all adds up to a full blown cold.

I decided to go to church, but by the time sacrament meeting was over, I knew it was best to go home and not spread my germs around...especially since the sisters in the branch are always so huggie. It was fast and testimony meeting and there were many tender moments. This didn't help my weepy cold. I couldn't tell if it was emotional tears, or tears from my congested head and runny nose.

As I looked at my calendar today, I had looked at it with such great anticipation with family coming and the daily agenda of activities. Suddenly it had come and gone in a flash. 2 weeks. Now I'm having withdrawal. I'm so grateful for the time we had together. There were stressful moments for sure, but overall, the great memories will out weigh the sibling fighting and bickering. And we'll laugh at all the things that stressed us out..rides that weren't there to pick you up, flights delayed, fear of abduction, fear of getting lost, fear of not knowing the language, annoyances of rude sales persons, ill mannered people, not being able to keep on schedule, smog, etc. etc.  There will be stories to be told and retold as wonderful memories were made. But for now, I'm just suffering withdrawal. I miss my family and count down the months till we'll be home. That's the hardest part of my mission.