Typhoon #8 -Hong Kong

We had three days in Hong Kong where I met up with a fellow who might assist us in setting up a branch office to help manage our Asia media as well as development. We were there over a weekend so Em and I had time to explore. We went to the Ladies Market. Em discovered "purse heaven" and so did I because these purses were 1/10th the cost of purses in Europe or the US (think its real Gucci?). We walked the streets until we were worn out. While in the market we heard Michael Jackson, "You Are Not Alone", blaring. We turned to look and there was a sea of Asians staring at TV screen at an appliance store. We snapped a photo.

The next day we had lunch with friends at the peak of Hong Kong Island. That afternoon a Typhoon came ashore and our flight to London was touch and go. We ended up taking off in a Typhoon #8 (I am told the categories only go up to ten). One person told us not to worry if we see the plane's wings flapping like a bird as we take off. I was so proud of Em. If she can take off in a Typhoon then I think she can fly in just about any condition.

Sydney, Australia

Josh and I had a fabulous time in Sydney. The pictures above display a brief synopsis of our 10-day trip. When we first arrived in Sydney, it was late at night and I was only able to see bits and pieces of the Sydney Harbor. The next day, I awoke early and excitedly peeled back the curtains only to be stunned by what I saw (The first few pictures were taken at that very moment). We spent the next day at the Toronga Zoo learning about the different wildlife of Australia. We learned that the Wallaby is in the family of the Kangaroo, with the only difference being the size. We also learned that for many years it was taught that Koalas were lazy animals because it was believed that they got drunk off of fermented eucalyptus leaves (now they have found that it takes a longer period of time to digest the leaves which leaves the Koala in a constant state of lethargy ). The Zoo sits on a cliff that overlooks the harbor and the views are incredible... The next days were spent visiting and catching up with friends. Some days while Josh was in meetings I would take walks down to the harbor and peek my head into the various shops, bookstores and cafes. It is such a safe and clean city and all of the people are so friendly... The day before we left Josh took me to one of his favorite places in Sydney (now mine too), Watson's Bay. We spent the afternoon walking along the coastal pathways snapping pictures of the unbelievable landscape (we even spotted a whale off in the distance). It was so perfect and picturesque I had Josh re-propose to me... We ended the night walking through the South Heads National park. It was surreal to see the points where the military had carved out barracks and placed their cannons in order to protect the harbor of any unexpected attacks. After our hike up to the South Heads park , we ate at a historic beach front restaurant named Doyle's...Our time in Australia was such a blessing to both Josh and I. It was truly a spectacular trip and we are thankful for the experience. It truly is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

Next stop.....Hong Kong

Hamilton Island, Australia

Josh and I just spent a lovely 3-day holiday in the Whitsundays on Hamilton Island. It was an unbelievable experience and words will not do it justice.
Some of the highlights: helicopter ride onto the island, chasing wallabies through the resort, massage and pedicure at the spa, trip on the dinghy to fish for reef fish, picnic on sandy bay, hike to the long island pier, sea turtle watching, waking up to a beautiful beach front sunrise, resting on the porch hammock, playing scrabble, battleship and various Australian board games (one game was named Tipayatung)

As we were leaving the resort, we brushed shoulders with Pink and her boyfriend who were staying at the resort before her Sydney tours begin. I had ro explain who she was to Josh as we boarded the boat to leave.

We had an incredible time and are already planning our next trip.