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[queenie82]

I checked on BestFlights before I decided to jump on the deal. There were a number of flights around the $900 mark and some again at the $1100 mark.

I guess I could have gotten it a little cheaper or not...but DH and I had been talking about HK for about 4 months now. He was thinking about going during the January break. But I think it might be a little bit too cold.

So, when this deal came out, the last day corresponded with the first day of the March school holidays. I figured it would be really rare to find another deal later on.

It all works well so I totally understand snapping up the deal. I still grimace paying $880 for ONLY Hong Kong... It's not that far...
But it is a 'good deal' in the reality of things. Whether it should be that expensive or not.

I truly hope you have a lovely time. You know that
It has that 'vibe' of it just FITS into the scheming that's been going on...
3 days will be a lovely relaxing time. The Hollywood hotel I didn't visit but it's a fair hike from the park. I don't know how busy the buses are in the morning getting you to the park.
The Disneyland one should be nicer. It was so quiet when I visited it didn't have that 'vibe' like when you walk into the Grand Floridian...but....it certainly is beautiful.

In 3 days though...you could so half a day each day and do things multiple times

 

[PrincessInOz]

I know what you mean about $880 for only HK. But I don't think that DH nor DS wanted to head towards the US again and we wanted to see something different. None of us have been to HK. DH knows I need a disney fix......and if it weren't for radiation issues, I think DH and I would have chosen Japan over HK. Paris will have to keep for another trip.

I'm hoping to stay 3 nights at the Disneyland Hotel and have 2 full days at the park. I know it is a lot smaller than DLR and that will give us plenty of time to have the afternoon back at the hotel and head out again for the night.

I'm also wondering about using it as a base for Lantau Island.

We have either 11 or 12 nights in HK. I think we may want to either head to Macau or to the mainland in this time. We have family friends that are TA and she was originally from HK. I might have to ask her about where she would recommend staying.

 

[queenie82]

Been trying to work out accommodation and things to see/do in HK. Aside from trawling through your TR (again)....did you come across any good internet sites in your research?

I've looked at HKDL and there isn't a package out for next year yet. So, I might wait for early in the new year.

Research...
The Hong Kong Tourism bureau in Australia is VERY VERY helpful. My dad went to the Sydney office for me and they were great with all sorts of wonderful and USEFUL brochures

I considered for a while going to Cheng Chau Island but there was no demand for tours and I found enough to do without it
http://www.tiptoptours.com.hk/tours_show.asp?lang=eng&c=HK&ID=004CC

I honestly didn't do a HUGE amount of research beyond those HK brochures and the travel agent ones.

I used the top website...not the other but I hear it's ok

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/
http://www.hong-kong-travel.org/

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks. I'll take a look at those over the next week or so.

I was looking at the discover HK today and thought it was pretty good.

 

[queenie82]

I would DEFINITELY ask people who are from there. I have friends from HK. They weren't the GREATEST help. But they planted seeds to think about so I was a bit more 'informed' as to what I might like best...

Quotes from when I emailed -
what kind of stuff do you like seeing? there's not a whole lot of sightseeing here in HK. But I would recommend taking the peak tram to the Peak, and walking around the Stanley markets, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. and also a day out to Cheung Chau island (by ferry) to see the "older hong kong". of course there are also the theme parks i.e. Ocean Park, Noah's Ark and Disneyland.

I would agree with Helen about the peak , tsim sha tsui ( over the harbour) , Tai O for sightseeing generally.
> I am not great at finding hotels but may help to see if theres any good package ( air fare + hotel)
> its good to stay in tsim sha tsui, mong kok. causeway bay, central as they are all centre of the hubs, should go check out asia rooms.com for any specials.

Big help
But it made sure I was thinking the right places.
I did like being based in Tsim Sha Tsui as I felt safe and secure. It's more 'upmarket'. The further from the water you move the 'cheaper' it gets. And if I was with DBF I would have probably been happy staying at the cheaper places.

There are some kid oriented things in the buildings along the water at Tsim Sha Tsui too...I think....somewhere there is a Discovery centre or something that had that pixar exhibit at one point...

 

[PrincessInOz]

These friends are usually excellent! Her mother still lives in HK and they visit almost every year. They ALWAYS stay at a different hotel and the last trip, my parents went with them. They took my parents everywhere.

I'm keen to go to Ocean Park too. Pandas.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I would DEFINITELY ask people who are from there. I have friends from HK. They weren't the GREATEST help. But they planted seeds to think about so I was a bit more 'informed' as to what I might like best...

Quotes from when I emailed -
what kind of stuff do you like seeing? there's not a whole lot of sightseeing here in HK. But I would recommend taking the peak tram to the Peak, and walking around the Stanley markets, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. and also a day out to Cheung Chau island (by ferry) to see the "older hong kong". of course there are also the theme parks i.e. Ocean Park, Noah's Ark and Disneyland.

I would agree with Helen about the peak , tsim sha tsui ( over the harbour) , Tai O for sightseeing generally.
> I am not great at finding hotels but may help to see if theres any good package ( air fare + hotel)
> its good to stay in tsim sha tsui, mong kok. causeway bay, central as they are all centre of the hubs, should go check out asia rooms.com for any specials.

Big help
But it made sure I was thinking the right places.
I did like being based in Tsim Sha Tsui as I felt safe and secure. It's more 'upmarket'. The further from the water you move the 'cheaper' it gets. And if I was with DBF I would have probably been happy staying at the cheaper places.

There are some kid oriented things in the buildings along the water at Tsim Sha Tsui too...I think....somewhere there is a Discovery centre or something that had that pixar exhibit at one point...

I think I had a look at the Discovery centre on the website. I don't remember much; so it was either not very memorable or I need to take another look.

I'll ask our friends where they would recommend staying. At this stage, as long as its clean and near a train station, I'll be happy.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Did you make it to Stanley market?

 

[PrincessInOz]

Bedtime for me. Need to look my best to meet Her Majesty tomorrow.


Hope to catch you tomorrow sometime.

 

[queenie82]

I did a half day city tour which dropped us off there briefly. (was included in the bus transfer....yes....train 'quicker' but me and luggage and on my own = bus...)
ANYWAY

Yes. I took off immediately to the sort of temple thing which is up to the side. It was clear as MUD how to get there which meant it took most of the time I was there. And probably not worth the effort. But. It's there to wander around. It's a whole series of boardwalks and starcases with 'exercise' areas along the route. I'll dig out photos later...

I only therefore spent about 10mins at the MARKET. Nice enough. But being tall with big feet there was no point clothes or shoe shopping. I did get some cute chopsticks, one with DBF's name and a set with mine. And a keychain each too. (both wooden)
Plus some other knicknacks...which somehow we still have and didn't go out as souvenirs....hmmmm

I would definitely visit. Give it a few hours. Given you have the time.
But from what I saw (which I didn't see all of...trust me...) it is a pretty typical market

 

[queenie82]

Bedtime for me. Need to look my best to meet Her Majesty tomorrow.


Hope to catch you tomorrow sometime.

Night...

Sorry. Trying to clear through my unread emails ...ugh....too many newsletters and stuff...

I am too trying to get to bed

The son of my piano teacher is in the Army and was at Duntroon within a few feet of the queen at the ceremony and at the tea.

 

[usnuzuloose]

Hope you get to see her. Oh remember to curtsy, we dont want you making headlines over here.

 

[klmall]

I made it here!

Hong Kong! Sounds so interesting - wish it wasn't so far away for us right coasters......

Last to past on the new thread (thanks usunzuloose for the PM!)

 

[usnuzuloose]

Your welcome! glad you made it here. Have a great day at work.

 

[franandaj]

Yes. I sure hope Queenie's brushed up her Qantas Airline barbs for me.

Aside from strike action, their service hasn't been too crash hot lately and I almost let the deal go.




I'm hoping so. I need a Disney fix and we wanted to travel before DS turned 12.
I'm thinking of 3 nights at HKDL and the rest in HK proper.

I missed this news last night! How fun!

You need a ticker.

Yes! You do!

I don't have space! What with all the photoboard icons and all...

Uhhh you could lose the fogies icon.

I believe it is an English way of describing whole potatoes, baked with their skin left on. During and post world war, when food was still scarce, baked jacket potatoes used to be eaten with a bit of salt for 'tea' or dinner.


We baked the potatoes in foil and then serve it with grated cheese, baked beans (warmed up), coleslaw and guacamole. Like this:

When I'm at work on Tuesdays, DH usually organises the potatoes during the day and sets the oven timer so that when I get home about 6 or 6.30, dinner is ready. As it is a simple and easy meal to prepare, it means that the cooking preparation side of things can be done DH without too much effort or cutting into his work time.

OK now I get the jacket thing. You've posted a pic like that before. I just didn't make the jacket connection.

 

[PrincessInOz]

totally forgot to sub into this new thread!


Ummm....work has scheduled a meeting right at noon. Looks like I'll be meeting with them instead of going to see the Queen.

Oh well!

Life goes on.

 

[skiingfast]

Sorry PIO. I guess that says something about the prority of OZ.

 

[usnuzuloose]

Well you got out of that curtsy didnt you.

 

[franandaj]

 

[usnuzuloose]

This issue is addicting