Photos!

Here are the photos we said we'd put on. Sorry there isn't that much. We'll promise to take some more touristy ones soon. Sorry about the quality of the mobile phone pictures.

Asian Photo-taking Stance 1 (we'll start a collection)

Our view from upstairs of a double decker bus of cops sitting on this person... Apparently unrelated to the London bombings (cos we didn't see it on the news afterwards)

Trees with lights and the London Bridge done in Pink

Tower Bridge at night - opening (1)

Tower Bridge at night (2)

Tower Bridge at night (1)

Stuffing face with salami, cheese and grilled eggplant ciabatta sandwich

Our new view (No London Eye this time...)

Our temporary bedroom

Our temporary living room

Our temporary kitchen

Harrods

Typical London day today. Set off today in our magnificent Gore-tex jackets to brave the cloudy wet day. Then we caught the bus out and by the time we got off, our jackets were in our bags, where they would spend the rest of the day. The sun came out, as if the summer rain had never been here.

Today we went to Harrod's. And were not as awe-struck as we'd expected. Wasn't as fancy or posh as we imagined. Maybe because it was sale season, with the bargain bins everywhere. Still, it was packed and they did have some nice fancy stuff around. And they had some weird Egyptian ornaments and sculptures around. We made our way over to the food hall, which is where we got our lunch today. We walked past all the in-store cafes and oyster bars (where they charged you 14 pounds for half-a-dozen oysters! - bloody hell). We got ourselves a picnic lunch: ciabatta bread, (smelly) cheese, antipasto, hommus, salami and mortadello, which we ate outside in Hyde Park. A bit exxy, but, you've got to do the Harrod's foodhall at least once. And it was nice, so was worth it.

Thought I saw Gwyneth today. Near Marble Arch. She was wearing jeans, a black top, and blue sunglasses. Tam reckons it wasn't her, but she didn't even notice.

We've started to settle down a bit here. We've bought some concert tickets. We're going to see the mighty Weezer next month, and we're going to have to stay here until at least Xmas, cos we'll be seeing Ms Joss Stone in December.

We've still just been hunting for the elusive job, reading up on Rome for our trip next week, and watching TV. They play Friends here like three or four times a day!
That's about it for now. We haven't been able to upload any photos here in this net place cos their computers don't allow it, but we'll bring in the laptop tomorrow and upload some. And the dial-up I spoke of previously, we aren't allowed to use it at home because they apparently have a premium number, which costs heaps. We're only allowed to make free phone calls. (They also have a dryer, but we're not allowed to use that either cos it's too expensive). Our housemates are ok and nice. It's just weird to live with other people. I miss our own place (which we no longer have anymore...). But, anyway... Photos tomorrow!

food and coffee

Well we've finally moved into our new home. We've spent our second night here and its great to be able to cook again and eat nice tasting food again.
We've just been watching the news, applying for jobs and doing some minor shopping. We still haven't really bought much here yet. Most of our money is going towards accommodation, food and transport. Just the basics, but its damned expensive here. Hopefully, we'll be able to cut down on the food expenditure since we can cook our own now. The only luxury so far, is that I've finally bought the new Harry Potter book. But I'm not able to start it yet because I'm only up to re-reading the Order of the Phoenix, which we've been trying to find cheap somewhere here. Tam's just about got her bank account details sorted out so maybe we'll be able to sign up with a library.
Another thing I have major issues with here, which was expected, is that the coffee here in London is shite. I guess it's because they're traditionally tea-drinkers here. And by the way they make coffee, it shows. So far, we've been trying to survive on instant - nescafe. But it's not the same. Can't wait till we get into Rome. Hopefully (no doubt) we'll be able to get a decent cup of coffee there.

apple...not gwyneth's baby..

Oh luv the apple shop on regent st..here we are using the free internet access on the luvly white apple iBooks. Must come here more often. Needless to say very busy here but they have the very cool apple lounge n bar for all ur apple needs.

Just been walking up oxford st..window shopping only ...heaps of sales wish we could afford to buy..next time.

Moved all our stuff to our new place in 2 trips..can't wait till we move to more permanent residence.

Anyway des has an interview tomorrow with a recruitment company. Good luck to him!

Well best we enjoy the rest of this rainy london day.

Should be able post more pix up when we get some dial up access from our new place and we'll be able to cook our first decent meal.

Portobello Road Street Markets

Hi,
We're both safe and sound (thanks for caring). A little wary and freaked out by all the commotion, but we're all good. Alert, but not alarmed. Well, actually, we are a bit. It's hard not to be alarmed here. Police everywhere and sirens all over the shop. We're keeping low key. Keeping it secret. Keeping it safe.
Today we've been at the net cafe checking up on the news and stuff (some guy, a suspected bomber, got shot down this morning by the police in the tube). Went for a walk up at the Portobello Road Street Markets, which are fantastic. They're even better than the Growers Markets (A&ZT). So much food, clothes, bric a brac, nik naks, junk. All types of different crap. We were good and didn't splurge out. We just bought some grapes, an almond croissant, a schnitzel-chicken escalope, and some corn (for dinner). We'll know where to come for shopping and groceries as we'll be living near here soon.
We got a few minutes left here, so that's about it for now. Sent out some job applications, registered with some recruitment companies, finding out what other stuff we need to sort out (national insurance numbers, doctors to contact, etc.). Fingers crossed.
We'll post some more photos up later.
Lots of love,
Tam and Des

Our 11 piece Office Set

We bought this from the 98p shop to aid us in our quest to find jobs.
The scissors don't have any blades (so don't cut - very safe), and the pencils come unsharpened, but there's no pencil sharpener in the pack!
Otherwise, all good.

Room with a view

I spy the London Eye

More Abbey...

Westminster Abbey

You can almost see God...

Security Alert!

Can't go visit the British PM. By invitation only apparently.

Downing Street (Home of Tony Blair)

Can you see the street sign?

Horse Guards near Downing St

Good thing we cropped the photo so you can't see the poo.

View from a bridge in St James' Park

Pretty huh?

The Changing of the Guards

Can't believe we wasted an hour on this

waiting for the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

Jobs Jobs Jobs...Apply Apply Apply

Pretty much spent the day fixing up and updating our CVs and emailing them out to agencies..a tip was to call up and follow up with the agency the next day rather than wait for their call so they know that you're keen for work and take some initiative..so guess that's what we'll be doing tomorrow..

Just one gripe..

Don't want to sound like a whinging pom..but i'm sure it must be illegal not having air conditioning or windows that open in the tube...same goes for buses...crazy...it's times like this i miss HK...the land of the neverending, freezing cold air con...even in winter time...
Anyway went up to visit megz' work colleagues in their london office today..so i could get a letter to open a bank account. Yes they like to make things difficult here in the UK. WOrked out well though coz their office was just round the corner from the place i had the meeting..perfect and all sorted..
hopefully will get to go see a live gig soon..her colleagues bf is in a band..and plays guitar..just like des (well, no one can play guitar quite like me - D)..

New home (next week)

Found new digs to live for another 6 wks...in an aussie sharehouse in Shepherd's Bush aka aussie central...they had powderfinger going when we got there..anyway the place was nice and the bedroom had an ensuite (and the walls were painted YELLOW - D)..how could we say no..(yes! don't have to share a bathroom anymore)

happy b'day to des...

happy b'day to des...
Was the old boy's b'day the other day..so of course i had to treat him somewhere nice (of course, Tam always treats me good - D)..hmm how about taking him to visit new places to live..or even better- a dry run on the boiling hot tubes n buses to figure out the shortest and easiest route to move all our belongings to the next student hall...sweet of me hey? it wasn't ALL bad though..i did manage to take him for some decent fish n chips with mushy peas for lunch..and also his first pint of warm beer (FYI: the beer is not warm. And I'm going to have to get used to pints - D)...
For dinner we went for thai...some place called busaba eathai...it's by the creators of wagamama so we did have some expectations for the place..too bad it didn't live up to them...looks can be deceiving (see pic - no pics, Des accidently deleted them it was that bad)...bring on good ol newtown thai anyday ($5.50 lunch specials big and tasty enough to die for - D)... we had a green chicken curry with some weird baby eggplants (or should i say aubergines...), a 3 seafood mix stirfry..some fish cakes and rice (Note-to-self - never complain about the price of food in sydney again (ever - D).. we just pretended we'd eaten at wockpool or sushi e instead...).
Anyway to top it off we went and had haagen daazs ice-cream in leicester sq for dessert...2 scoops each...mmmmm..feeling sick by then but it was the highlight of our night..the belgian chocolate was lethal...
Think the charlie and the chocolate factory premiere was happening while we were walkin around the sq. but no signs of Johnny...

Mmm chinese food...

Well due to popular demand (hmm 1 person! thanks maureen - i feel loved.) i'm writing this blog. Usually i tend to plop on the bed and fall alsleep..or sometimes u might find me outside in the kitchen watching really, really, really bad big brother UK..sad i know.

Last nite we had out first restaurant meal in London..mmm chinese food from chinatown of course. What a splurge. Was good to get rice into our tummies again..now for some noodles. maybe next time. It was very exxy..

Past few days we've mainly just been looking up accommodation and jobstuff. Went to view a flat to share with agnes but not so sure we wanted to live in that neck of the woods after walking through. Though the flat was quite ok. ANyway did the research and it's probably best we don't move there!!!

Have fit in some more touristy sights: 10 Dowling St, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament. Think we are pretty much ready to settle in as londoners and stop being the tourist..sorry no pix up but the connection is so bad we can't upload fotos..maybe when we get a better signal.

Have been enjoying the weather the last few days. It has cooled down so it's quite comfortable. I like the dry London weather...good for taming frizzy hair...but bad for dry skin. Different story when it rains. Haven't had to suffer a rainy day yet but i'm sure that will change soon.

Will be moving on to new digs on Monday. Another student hall in a different area to where we are staying now. Hopefully after next week we'll find a room in a sharehouse for the short term which should help save the spare dosh we have.

Then we are off to Rome for 5 days..

Must admit it can be a bit stressful starting out like this but getting the hang of dealing with situations and not to freak out too much.
ALso miss doing the laundry..my way and must make do for now! Looking fwd to cooking a good meal too..

Lunch time..
toodles for now xoxo

What have we been up to today?

We've been having issues with the free internet we've been using. We've tapped into someone's unsecured wireless connection. It's sometimes there and sometimes not and often drops out. So, we headed to this internet cafe place at Leicester Square for 1 pound an 1 hour internet, which is the cheapest we've been able to find (apart from the free connection). Most other places do you over for 1 pound per 20 or 30 minutes.
We've been trying to secure some decent, affordable, short-term accommodation for the next few weeks as well as for our little side-trip to Rome in early August. We've managed to arrange another week of accommodation at Butlers Wharf near the Tower of London. Buys us some more time to look for some more affordable accommodation. It's almost time to freak out. But I guess we can also stay in hostels and dorms. We've joined up with YHA here (much cheaper than joining in Australia - Thanks Candy). We're meeting up with Agnes again tomorrow to check out a place perhaps to share.
We also checked out one of the everyday markets at Camden and also Mornington Crescent, which are quite nice. Almost reminded us of Newtown, with the goths, Thai restaurants (well maybe we only saw one, and a thai supermarket), and signs telling us to buy Magic Mushrooms before they become illegal in a few days.
It's so damn hot here. We all laughed when people talked about a heat wave over here in London during Wimbledon, but it's hotter than in Sydney at the moment. About 24-25 degrees during the day (and no aircon in the trains, buses or underground), and the sun doesn't start to go down here until about 9pm. And me here with two sets of winter PJs. Now who's laughing?

Heatwave in London

Yesterday wasn't very eventful. We did explore a bit and caught a few buses. It seemed a bit weird that no matter how far we went, we were still in Westinster. I guess that london is just bigger than what I thought. We went past Park Lane and Mayfair, and ended up at Notting Hill Gate (where they did the movie, but we couldn't remember or find any locations...) and we walked around a bit and bought a crap ice cream from a place claiming to have the best ice cream in London. What me gullible? Some of their newspapers also make the claim that they are the Newspaper of the Year as well. I did find out though that there is aplace called Winchester here. We walked back to Queensway and headed down to Bayswater. We didn't really walk with any destination in mind, so I should probably say that we walked to Queensway and turned down a main street and then found ourselves in Bayswater. We stopped in Tesco's (another supermarket) along the way and bought a Sprite to quench our thirst. As it was starting to get dark (around 9ish) we decided to head back. On the bus we changed our minds and got off at Paddington and thought that we might be able to catch the tube back to Victoria as that would be quicker. We went into the station and found some Paddington Bear stuff, and that the tube back to Victoria was suspended due to the bombings last week. So, back to the bus stop we went and came back to Victoria.

Today, Vodafone finally fixed my International Roaming (they said it was done a couple of weeks ago, and my online account said it was done, but they replied back to me and said that it apparently wasn't done yet. So I can now send and receive SMS's again. We're going to also have to research options for a local mobile number for something more affordable and something for the locals (and recruitment companies) to contact us on. We went to the library today to print some stuff out (see other blog entry) and then we went to meet Tam's school friend Agnes at Leicester Square. We were a bit early so we went and bought a meal deal each from Boots (a pharmacy), which consists of a sarnie, drink and snack for 2 pounds 70. The sandwiches weren't as nice as the ones from Marks and Spencer. Agnes has also just moved to London to look for work, but had been studying at Portsmouth for about 3 years already. She took us to Chinatown first where she showed us where to get some good deals on phonecards. Typical Chinatown, never pay RRP. We got a 5 pound phonecard for 3 pounds 50. Agnes then took us to see some recruitment agencies to find out about any possible work. They seemed nice and friendly but couldn't really help us as Tam and I aren't available straight away (we have a side-trip to Rome lined up already in early August), and told us to email our CVs in and contact them when we can start working. We then did the tourist thing. We walked up Oxford Street and then caught a bus and then changed to a train (as it was so slow and hot - Tam says she's even got a tan) to the Tower of London, where we took some happy snaps. We walked along the Thames down Bankside and took some more photos of the Tower Bridge (very nice), London Bridge (the one that's falling down, which is very very ordinary), and Shakespeare's Globe. On the Tower Bridge, a group of latin guys walked up to me and asked me something. I didn't understand what they were saying (don't know if they were speaking English or not). What I think I heard them ask was "Are you impotent?". Good thing I said no and shook my head. Starbucks is bloody everywhere here. We must have past about 10 today. Naturally, we had to stop in for a caramel frappuccino as it was so bloody hot. We then made our way over the Millenium Bridge to St Paul's Cathedral and took some more photos. Then it was time to go. And we learnt a lesson today. Try not to catch the tube (in hot weather) at peak hour. We had to catch the second train that came as the first was packt likes sardines (probably due to some lines not being active due to the bombings). We pushed our way onto the train and was caught in the moshpit-like sauna. We got off one station too early (which happened to be alright as it's still close to where we're staying) and had trouble getting out through the packed carriage. Some guy even wished me luck when he saw us trying to get off the train.

Thanks to Agnes for spending the day with us and taking us to places. It was very nice to meet you. We'll catch up again soon and keep you informed of what we're doing.

Mission: Possible

Today we set out with the aim of printing out copies of our CVs to help with our jobhunting. We did some research yesterday by walking the streets of London looking for cheap Kinko-ish printing places. Most places were about 15-30p per page with the additional cost of a pound for use of the computer. For Aussie conversion multiply by about 2.5. We struck paydirt online. Coming from a University environment, we looked for University Libararies close by or close to where we were heading today (meeting Tam's friend Agnes at Leicester Square). Found the University of Westminster website and found their library website, which said we just had to purchase a copying card from a card machine for 1 pound which would allow us 18 copies, and then on that printing from a computer is 5p and photocopying is 6p. Bargain. So we mapped out our route (tube to Oxford Circus) to their Regent campus and and set forth after breakfast of baked beans on toast and instant cappuccino.

Obstacle 1:
Everything was going along to plan until we reached the library. It appears that their website (like most UNSW websites) is terribly not up to date. Their security, unlike UNSW, is quite heavy. You cannot enter and use their facilities or anything without a valid staff or student card. You need to swipe your card to get through the turnstiles after you enter the building. Plucky me played the "exchange student" card. Brought out my ISIC and UNSW student cards and asked the security guard if we could get in to use the photocopiers. He had no idea what was going on, took my UNSW card to examine, and called up the boss or someone and asked if us Australian students (Tam also said she was a student) could get access in. He asked us if it was just for today or if we would be coming back. We said it was just for today and they said OK. We were in.

Obstacles 2 and 3:
He told us to enter through the gate on the side and we made our way to the lifts to go to the basement for the computers and copiers (there were also computers and copiers upstairs on level 1 according to their website). We made it down to the basement and found the computers and copiers. No card machine anywhere. We searched the floor again and found a broken credit top-up machine on a table next to the copiers and a sign that said that you need to use your student card to print. Maybe they had some generic cards too. Up to the first floor. Same thing, computers and photcopiers, but no card machine. Dammit. There were also signs saying that most sections of the library were silent areas. You're not even allowed to whisper. On the verge of major disappointment and frustration we made to leave and find one of those 15p per page places back near where we are staying. Back to the ground floor we went, and then we spied the service counter. We went up and asked the lady at the counter if we could use the computers and copiers without a student card. We showed my UNSW student card and explained that we were students from Australia. She said we couldn't use the computers without logging in (which we didn't have a username or password for), but gave us a photocopying card to use. Which was quite handy, except that we didn't have our CVs or other things to copy from. We put some credit onto the card and made some copies of our academic transcripts and then puzzled over what we were to do. We built up the courage to ask a student on one of the computers if we could get her to print some stuff out for us if we gave her some money to put on her card. After a bit of questioning, she agreed and we were on our way. We managed to get her to help us print everything out that we needed. We thanked her profusely, returned the empty photocopy card and exited. Thanks you University of Westminster.

The moral of the story is: Tam and Des are resourceful and can overcome any adversity or problem (we'd probably be able to win The Amazing Race if we knew how to drive manual cars) and that (some - Tam made me put this in so as not to offend anyone) British people are gullible and easy to manipulate.

London - Our lovely view..

London - Waiting for the Queen at Buckingham Palace....

London - the London Eye overlooking the Thames

HK - old and the new..

HK - Spot the 'bullet'...

HK - Catching the Star ferry

In London

Strange, my pommie accent has disappeared now that I'm in London. It's just not so much fun anymore for some reason. I'm back to speaking Stray-liun again. We're staying in Westminster, which is near Victoria Station in a place called Wigram House and is student accomodation for Westminster University and is almost right next-door from Westminster Cathedral. I'm almost still calling this place "Winchester" but have to correct myself all the time... It smells funny here (almost like my old boarding school), the floor boards squeak, and the beds aren't that comfy. The room is big enough for me and Tam and they have toilets, showers and kitchens on each floor, and a laundry on the ground floor. It's a great location for exploring London.

We arrived here last night (Sunday) at about 8pm local time, which is quite quick considering our flight was at about 3pm. But that was Hong Kong time. It was about an 11 hour flight. Yeah, we travelled back in time baby. Watched three movies (Sahara, Kung Fu Hustle, and Be Cool), and reread some more of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Tam watched Sahara, The Pacifier, a Friends and Sex in the City episode and had a nap.

It was still light and a pleasant change of climate. After some in-airport research, we opted against the scary hairy men asking if we needed a taxi and decided to catch a National Express bus from Heathrow into Victoria. The trip was fine and cost us 10 pounds each, the bus was packed and we both had separate aisle seats but managed to check out our surroundings and some of Earl's Court on the way to the city. On the way, We saw some familiar shops like Burger King, Starbucks, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nando's so we should be fine. We reached the bus terminal and then caught a black taxi to Wigram House, unpacked a bit and showered off the crustiness of an 11 hour flight and went to bed around midnight.

Woke up today about 8am to a warm sunny London day (bloody hell it's hot sometimes) and we went through our travel books and guides to decide what to do. We eventually got ready and went out at 9:30, first stop was to the Information Centre at Victoria Station where we picked up some more brochures and guides and bought a weekly travelcard. We then located a Marks & Spencer food hall and got some sandwiches and yogurt for breakfast, and then a Starbuck capuccino. After Hong Kong, I can't believe how expensive everything is here. Especially for food, drinks and public transportation! If you don't convert back to Aussie dollars, the prices would seem alright. But then you have to do the conversion and you kind of lose your appetite again. Which may be a good thing since I need to lose some weight and also lose that extra waist baggage I picked up in Hong Kong. We then headed over to sit at St James Park near Buckingham Palace to have our breakfast.

We got there, after a minor detour, and found that some roads were closed to cars and that all sorts of people in their Sunday best were heading the same way. We had stumbled into the VE celebrations commerating the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. We thought we'd just see the Changing of the Guards at 11:30am (those tall guys in red with guns and the big black hairy hats). But sadly, that wasn't on today so we'll have to go back another day). The good thing was that we got to see the old lady herself. The Queen, dressed in a yellow outfit with matching yellow bonnet, drove by with her trademark hand waving. We didn't expect to see her (sorry, no Queen photos today) as there was no notice or fanfare or anything, but looked over just in time to see her go past. Wow. The Queen of England. That's right. We saw her. Then after waiting about half an hour, and then overhearing a policeman say that the Changing of the Guard wasn't happening today, we left and headed back to Victoria Station.

S'funny how the shops here display their opening and closing hours, but they don't seem to really mean a thing. I had to see Vodafone to clear up some problem with my Roaming and their shop said they would be open at 11am. We got there at 11:45 and they were still closed and eventually opened their doors at 12:15. The pharmacy here, Boots, also said they close at 5 today. But we got there at 4:40pm and they already locked the doors and were cleaning up. What's wrong with this stupid country?

After not being helped at Vodafone, we caught the underground tube to Oxford Circus and went to eat some Indian curry at Masala Zone, which was quite tasty. Then had a look at some of the shops there and then walked to take some photos of Big Ben, the London Eye and some other buildings and bridges and stuff. We'll upload the photos later. We came back to Westminster and bought some microwave meals from Sainsbury's (the local supermarket). mmm yummy. A definitely huge change from the delicious cuisine from Hong Kong. We miss Hong Kong so much. Maybe London will grow on us. I'm sure it'll be better after we start working and earning pounds.

Tam here now... Well Des has pretty much summed up our first day in London! Pretty much doing the touristy thing. I don't think I was really too excited about coming over as I thought I would have been... Perhaps a freak out from the happenings of a few days earlier and also leaving the family nest in HK but I think the excitement started to run thru me again as we arrived into Heathrow and so far I think I like what I've seen... It'll be nice when and if we make some friends (though meeting up with a school friend soon!) and start earning some dosh...

Yes, we are safe and sound. No, we haven't changed our plans.

Thanks for worrying about us, but you can unfurrow your brows as we are OK and forehead wrinkles are not becoming of you. We're not yet in the UK, but we will be there tomorrow night. We were contemplating of postponing the trip, but you don't know when or if things will happen anyway. And with heightened security and paranoia, there'll be less chance of something happening again. Right? Plus, cancellation due to terrorism is not covered by our travel insurance. How bizarre!? What's the point of having insurance huh?

After initially being alarmed at hearing the news (shock! London won its bid for the Olympics!?) and then a bit upset when we heard about the bombings, we're still excited about continuing our travels. We'll be staying at Wigram House, which is part of Westminster University. I know, I thought we were staying at Winchester University, but apparently that's in the US and I did recently watch Shaun of the Dead (where they like to hang out at the Winchester Pub) and they do sound vaguely similar. You can see where the confusion came from. So, that'll be home for the first week. Which, coincides with hunting season over there. We're out to hunt some big game: good and easy well-paying jobs and a nice affordable little flat. Hopefully, we'll find something that's nice and close to everything... Something similar to our previous homey nest in Newtown *fingers crossed*, but we're not sure about anything there. It'll all be up to chance, luck and being in the right place at the right time.

Rules for escalators in HK...

I guess there is already enough pollution here...

One week in HK already

I can't believe it's already been a week and in two more days Tam and I will be jetting over to London, where we'll set up a temporary crib for a year or so. This week has really gone really fast and I've grown accustomed to the weird and wacky inhabitants of this island city. I'd love to stay longer and explore more, eat more and shop more, but we've already made arrangements in the UK (temp accomodation and interviews with recruitment companies) so we've got to leave. I've had such a fantastic time, mostly due to the fantastic hosts I've had in Tam and her family. Everyone's really looked after us and made us feel really at home, and it does feel like "home". I guess this is a good thing in that I'll feel at home anywhere, as long as I'm with Tam.
We've both done some shopping (mostly for clothes, which are almost dirt-cheap) and eaten loads and loads of yummy food (the food here is also almost dirt-cheap). Hopefully, we'll have time to a do a bit more of both. Haven't really had time to sit down and describe all the events and sights and random things we've seen or eaten. And it's time to go out now! Coffee time. It's raining outside today, and friggin hot. Oh well, that's Hong Kong. It's been pretty decent to us so far. Hasn't really rained much since I arrived last week when it absolutely bucketed down.

Oh yeah, you can leave and read other people's messages on our blog by clicking on the green "comments" link at the end of each blog entry. So, please feel free to leave comments as we'd love to hear back from you about anything (news, opinions, suggestions, etc.).

Some pix from China trip...

Headed across the border for a whirlwind trip and some chill out with the family...stayed at the Palm Island Golf Resort...27 hole course! I think Uncle Kerry might have to make a trip up there next time! It was all very nice...though something we won't be getting accustomed to..especially in Europe..!!

Splashing in the pool

Ness and the Cheeky Mui Mui

Joshy Boy with Uncle Des

happy b'day Linda! Hope u had a good one...