Life's a SCREAM!

February 15 (Monday)

Today's adventure takes us to Ocean Park. It's a blend of Disneyland and Sea World sort of. They have some great roller coasters which the Burdett's really enjoyed. Just a little too wild for John and me. We took in what we thought was a mild roller coaster, but actually turned out to be quite a thriller. Shane thought it rather funny that I was screaming my head off! Actually, screaming just adds to the thrill of the ride.Right? We also went of the wild rapids type ride, and I was targeted and got drenched from shooters above. We walked around a lot and looked at some animals. We only saw one panda sleeping, one koala bear, a wallaby, some seals, sharks, penguins...they were really cute! lots of different fishes and some creapy crawlies. I'm not a big animal fan, so that was plenty for me. It was a cool, rainy day.

"The Hair Raiser"

School of fish? Looks more like a university.

Look at me...I'm a jelly fish!

Muscles...I can do this!

My favorite fish - red crowns - weird.

The wannabe Kung Fu Panda

 

After a day at Ocean Park it was time for supper. We went to the Mongolian BBQ Grill buffet. We were all hungry. Jaxson, who doesn't eat much, made himself 2 pizzas and enjoyed every bite, along with a bowl of pasta. We all had our fill too, going back numerous times. M-m-m good!

His own pizza creation.

 February 16 (Tuesday)

Yikes! A call first thing this morning from Bishop Burdett. The plumbing in their apartment was backing up. Yuck! I immediately called maintenance, and fortunately they were able to fix the problem quickly.

John and I had to work today, So they went out on their own to Stanley Market. They got home in time to come to the Temple for the 4:00 session. After we went out to dinner in Sham Shui Po to the famous noodle place. The mushrooms were divine! We then crossed the street to our favorite Chinese style dessert place, hot sesame sweet soup, sago, almond dow foo, tapioca with taro and mango...and banana split! I'll have to find out the English names of these places.

February 17 (Wednesday)

Saving the best for the last...Disneyland! The Burdett's spent the day in Disneyland while we worked the early shift.  We had eaten out every night since they have been here, so I decided I'd make a home cooked meal. With my fancy cooking skills, I managed to throw together ... TACOS! It was a nice change from Chinese food.

After dinner, this being their last night in Hong Kong, there was still so much to see and do. We still wanted them to experience the Star Ferry, riding a Ding Ding, and see the Lazer show at Tsim Sha Tsui, which we managed to do all in one evening. Mission accomplished.

Hong Kong at night - Victoria Harbour

On the Star Ferry

Just off the Ding Ding

The Lazer Show beginning at the Clock Tower

February 18 (Thursday)

I'm kinda sad the Burdett's will be leaving today. We've had such a great time with them here. Our final activity took us across Hung Hom Bay on the North Point Ferry to Tai Koo for dim sum at Maxim's. We had called Auntie May Soo to join us, but there was no answer. We knew she ate there often, and sure enough, when we got there and looked around, there she was just sitting across the room from us. So we had her move to our table.

Finally, a dim sum meal before heading home.

Jaxson, Shane, John, Mike, Sharon, May Soo, Judy

Back to the apartment to pack up. Down to catch the taxi to the airport. 10 days in Hong Kong just flew by. So glad Bishop and his family were able to come. Thank you for the visit and thank you to our Park Meadows family for the beautiful dragon and phoenix tapestry, signed with all their well wishes. We love you all.

Homeward Bound

See you soon.

Phoenix on the left, Dragon on the right. Signed by members of our Park Meadows Ward. Thanks! Love you all!

February 19 (Friday)

Since John and I are in charge of preparing the apartments for new incoming temple missionaries, we had to get the unit cleaned and prepped for the Hathaway's arrival on Saturday. All the temple missionaries made a contribution to their food supply so they have something to get started with. The cleaning company was supposed to be in the clean on Friday morning, but when we checked on Friday evening, it still hadn't been cleaned!


February 20 (Saturday)

Because we had to work early, I couldn't get a hold of the cleaning company till after we got home. Again, we checked the apartment, and it still hadn't been cleaned. I'm was starting to get very annoyed. I called again and ended up on the phone for almost an hour trying to get some satisfactory answer as to why the place wasn't cleaned. The conversation went back and forth till finally I demanded that the supervisor come check the apartment, and I was not going to hang up the phone until she showed up at the door! This is out of character for me, but the Hathaway's were due to arrive in 2 hours, and I needed it be cleaned immediately! Besides that, the cleaning had been prepaid. Well, sometimes, you just have to be tough and hold your ground. The cleaning crew showed up with the supervisor, and the place was cleaned.

The Hathaway's flight was delayed, and they didn't arrive till about 11:00 pm. It was great to have them here, safe and sound. Being so late, we quickly made introductions, got them up to their apartment. They had served a temple mission here 2 years ago, so they were very familiar with most everything. That made things very easy.

Left to Right: Chans, Wongs, Hathaways, Rancie, Ngais, Bodilys, Nora, Lees

Elder and Sister Hathaway from California, USA

February 21 (Sunday)

We had to go to church early today to sit in on the Self Reliance Class that we will be taking over teaching when the Coffey's finish their mission in March. As I sat through this class, I received a testimony of this wonderful, inspired program that the church has created to help people become self reliant by starting their own business. The Filipino sisters in this class have been so dedicated to the program, it was so heartwarming to see. Being the 3rd Sunday of the month, we had a branch dinner. I love Pen. 3. It's such a great little branch. Funny how "great" and "little" can describe the same thing. The Jacinto family which moved into a family ward, have been back every week. They aren't enjoying their new ward. Maybe they'll just come back "home". I hope so, then we'll get our primary back.

John, Judy, Shannon, Rowena, Rommell, Gillian, Megan