Hong Kong no Phooey TR (Apr 2012)! The Yee's have it....TR finish #1101, 07/09

[franandaj]

That's always good, I like to leave a day at the end with no plans since we never ever get through the ones that we think we are doing!

 

[PrincessInOz]

That's always good, I like to leave a day at the end with no plans since we never ever get through the ones that we think we are doing!

I totally agree....although I suspect this has more to do with the fact that I'm running out of attractions to visit in HK!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers"...Hong Kong SIM Cards


"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers" Tennesee Williams


Today, my parents dropped in for a visit. They are so excited about the trip and have ALREADY packed!!
I haven't seen them so excited for a long time, so it brought a lump to my throat to think that they really genuinely want to be on holiday and in Hong Kong with us.



The other thing I found out was that our family TA had contacted her nephew, who lives in Hong Kong, and he sent two 3G SIM cards in the mail for us. We don't know the nephew and the kindness of the act (both on the part of our TA friend and her nephew) was lovely. Even DH was touched!

I know that I'll still have to sort out the price of these with either the TA or the nephew but this means that we'll have Hong Kong local pricing for our mobile phones and not have to pay the exhorbitant intercarrier charges for international roaming calls.




Now.....I just need to get me a new unlocked handset to go with the SIM card!

 

[queenie82]

I totally agree....although I suspect this has more to do with the fact that I'm running out of attractions to visit in HK!!

HAHA...yep...that is a problem

But I hope catching up with your cousin is good

 

[dgbg100106]

That's always good, I like to leave a day at the end with no plans since we never ever get through the ones that we think we are doing!

That is so me....

 

[dgbg100106]

Now.....I just need to get me a new unlocked handset to go with the SIM card!

A friend of mine was looking on you tube and found a video showing him how to unlock his phone... He said it worked great!

 

[kmedina]

Then I'll be thinking of you on Easter Sunday and hoping that your Easter Sunday turns out special.

That is so sweet of you. Thanks.



I hope you have nice weather, because the Wetland Park sounds like an excellent place for all three generations.

Keeping the day open is a great plan. I always want to do this every trip but never do. I’ve never taken longer than an 11 day trip though. If I do, I am so leaving an open day.

That is very nice of her to have him do that. I forgot to turn off my phone on the cruise ship. The bill just from the phone searching for updates was not pretty. Luckily, they prorated a package for me when I got back to save some money. I never used the phone once though, so I was disappointed.

 

[PrincessInOz]

HAHA...yep...that is a problem

But I hope catching up with your cousin is good

It will be. It's always nice spending time with her and the family.

A friend of mine was looking on you tube and found a video showing him how to unlock his phone... He said it worked great!

It costs about $75 to unlock a phone in Oz and the pain in the #$@ of time spent on the phone to get to speak to someone who knows what they are doing. In any event, I'm looking for a cheapie handset for basic voice calls and text.

That is so sweet of you. Thanks.



I hope you have nice weather, because the Wetland Park sounds like an excellent place for all three generations.

Keeping the day open is a great plan. I always want to do this every trip but never do. I’ve never taken longer than an 11 day trip though. If I do, I am so leaving an open day.

That is very nice of her to have him do that. I forgot to turn off my phone on the cruise ship. The bill just from the phone searching for updates was not pretty. Luckily, they prorated a package for me when I got back to save some money. I never used the phone once though, so I was disappointed.

International roaming and inter-carrier charges add up very quickly. That's why I always try to source a local sim card wherever I travel to. Glad your service provided got a package for you so that you didn't have too much bill shock.

 

[skiingfast]

Get cracka lackin on that packin!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Day by Day Account - Day 12


Day 12 - Departure Day!


Today, we'll be packing up and checking out of the hotel.

I suspect that we will probably meander around Kowloon for a last look in the morning. I don't know if my cousin will want to catch up again today or not; heck - I don't even know if I want to do that if there is a bit of packing to do.


I'm hoping to be able to wrangle a later check-out for mid afternoon if possible. If not, we'll probably just head to the Hong Kong airport a little earlier.


Hong Kong airport is one of those destination airports that people wouldn't mind being delayed in. The airport shopping is reputably one of the best in the world. I can certainly believe that as there is one of the major department stores has a branch at the airport!


My mother has already declared that she wants to go to the airport early to shop.

Time will tell if "mother knows best".


Our flight is late and we will be flying overnight. I don't sleep on planes; so I'll be looking out for a book or magazine to help pass the time on the plane.

We will arrive back home in Melbourne early in the morning the next day. In my case, there is no place like home!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Get cracka lackin on that packin!

You carrying a whip at the moment?

 

[queenie82]

Just don't expect anything CHEAP or GOOD VALUE or DUTY FREE in Hong Kong Airport..

I actually have had passing conversations with a couple of Americans on the same flights as me that Hong Kong Airport isn't where you buy stuff Wayyyy overpriced...

Not to mention DBF, who spends up to 9 hours in layovers coming to visit, who is yet to find anything other than an Oriental style robe for me to buy...

Just make sure as you're flying the rusty kangaroo that your carry on weighs no more than 6kg...

 

[PrincessInOz]

Just don't expect anything CHEAP or GOOD VALUE or DUTY FREE in Hong Kong Airport..

I actually have had passing conversations with a couple of Americans on the same flights as me that Hong Kong Airport isn't where you buy stuff Wayyyy overpriced...

Not to mention DBF, who spends up to 9 hours in layovers coming to visit, who is yet to find anything other than an Oriental style robe for me to buy...

Just make sure as you're flying the rusty kangaroo that your carry on weighs no more than 6kg...

I mentioned shopping....I didn't say I was going to BUY anything! I don't think I've ever been in an airport anywhere in the world where I would use the words "cheap" or "good value".

 

[queenie82]

I mentioned shopping....I didn't say I was going to BUY anything! I don't think I've ever been in an airport anywhere in the world where I would use the words "cheap" or "good value".

There is an exception to that though...and it is called duty free ALCOHOL at San Francisco Airport (or any International US airport...except that San Fran typically has the biggest range)
And the cosmetic company traveller gift packs at the Duty Free stores (Clinique, Estee Lauder etc) and fragrance are always good value.

 

[kmedina]

Some airports are fun to hang out in. Hopefully, you find something fun to do even if you do not buy anything.

 

[PrincessInOz]

There is an exception to that though...and it is called duty free ALCOHOL at San Francisco Airport (or any International US airport...except that San Fran typically has the biggest range)
And the cosmetic company traveller gift packs at the Duty Free stores (Clinique, Estee Lauder etc) and fragrance are always good value.

The last time I checked out alcohol pricing and perfume in North America, I actually found that some of it was cheaper on sale in the retail shops than duty free. I ended up getting my perfume on sale at Bloomingdales instead of duty free. It was $20 cheaper for the large size.

And we wanted some Kahlua. Turns out it was cheaper by $5 a bottle outside than in Duty Free...but then I was taken to a cheaper liquor shop by my aunt in San Diego. DH still grouses about it to today!

Some airports are fun to hang out in. Hopefully, you find something fun to do even if you do not buy anything.

I'm sure I will.

 

[PrincessInOz]

1 week countdown = 7 days!



Hey, Hey! It's another Saturday and that means that there is now 1 week to go.
THAT'S 7 DAYS!!!!! I'm in single digits...even where days are concerned!

I have 1 week or 7 days to go.









​

I'm going to have to start packing this weekend as my work schedule is just crazy next week. And I have two things I need to get.....an unlocked phone and more camera memory cards.

 

[usnuzuloose]

Well, if you ask mom , maybe she will help you pack..

You get to visit with family , that is extra bonus. I like doing nothing the last day, as you can go back an redo something that you didnt have enough time for. Very nice of the sims card Take plenty of pictures of the shopping in the airport, that doesnt cost a thing.

 

[dgbg100106]

Just 1 week... That is so great. I am excited for you..

 

[queenie82]

The last time I checked out alcohol pricing and perfume in North America, I actually found that some of it was cheaper on sale in the retail shops than duty free. I ended up getting my perfume on sale at Bloomingdales instead of duty free. It was $20 cheaper for the large size.

And we wanted some Kahlua. Turns out it was cheaper by $5 a bottle outside than in Duty Free...but then I was taken to a cheaper liquor shop by my aunt in San Diego. DH still grouses about it to today!





I'm sure I will.

All depends on what you're getting I guess...and the offers at the department stores...

I was of course comparing AIRPORTS...

I got DBF a larger size of his cologne not available in regular stores for cheaper too...

YAY for the countdown....

Although...

I know you're actually terrified! Hope you made use of today and do of tomorrow