The Expected and the Unexpected

We arrived at Adelaide airport with plenty of time to spare which was great because it meant everyone was calm and relaxed. We did have a small glitch when we checked in our bags. The lady on the counter accidentally signed in 3 bags to one passenger and sent them off on the conveyer belt to be checked through to Hong Kong. This would mean excess luggage and the possibility bags would be off-loaded. She was unsure how to fix it and had to seek help. We were not convinced that our bags would be there when we got to Hong Kong when she matter of factly said, "You are staying in a Hong Kong for a few days aren't you?".

After having some dinner at the airport we only had a short wait until they called our flight for boarding. We said our goodbyes and headed off down the air bridge.

On the plane the boys had a great time listening to rock n roll music on the radio. David scored a seat across the aisle on his own.... and some peace. Ryan was a little concerned about why they had life jackets on an aeroplane and then announced that his right knee was tingling. Connor, ever the logical one, replied that it was probably due to vibrations he could feel from his feet being on the floor and the plane getting ready for take off. Ryan assured him that as his feet could not reach the floor this was not the case. Apparently his right knee always tingles when he is excited!!!! Who knew??

The first flight went off without a hitch and was over before we knew it. The biggest problem was that after having eaten a full meal in the airport they served us a full meal on the plane. I must say David, Connor and I struggled through. Unusual for Ryan, he refused the food but did have apple juice, lemonade. We really were worried about what the end results of dinner, 2 doughnuts and the new additions would be. Thankfully our fears did not come to pass.

Once we arrived in Melbourne and cleared Immigration and Customs we were able to claim back the duty on our pre-trip purchases. The boys were interested to see a Formula One car in the airport. Ryan asked why it was there. When I explained that it was to promote Motor Sport he said "But its not a sport. A sport is being active and using your arms and legs." Guess car racing isn't everyone's cup of tea.

After a reasonably short wait we finally boarded our flight to Hong Kong. It was stifling hot in the cabin and we seemed to sit on the tarmac for a long time. When we did finally take off, just after levelling out they again fed us another full meal. Our poor stomachs. Both the boys slept for most of the flight which was great. We landed in Hong Kong at 6 am to 13 degree weather. After clearing Immigration and Customs we did have some difficulties trying to find our contact person for our hotel transfer. David managed to sort it out in the end.

On the bus to the hotel we found that Hong Kong presented us with the expected and the unexpected. As expected there were huge numbers of high rise buildings and sky scrapers - although in volume they seem to out number those we have seen in any other city. The most surprising things though were the beautiful green countryside and mountains on the way in from the airport, the huge suspension bridges and the number of shipping containers waiting to be loaded onto container ships. The sheer volume was hard to comprehend; the docks and containers seemed endless. 

We were too early to check into our hotel so went for a walk along the Harbour and the Avenue of Stars. This is the Hong Kong version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The boys liked seeing the things related to Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. They showed off their best basic karate stances!!!

After breakfast we went to the Space Museum. It was fantastic with so many interactive activities that we all had fun trying. Connor and Ryan fired rockets, guided satellites, and learnt a lot about the history of space, rockets and the space race. David and I went on a moon walk simulation and David and Connor went on a space rocket propelled jet pack simulator. David also tried his hand at collecting spas rocks with a robot - hmm don't give up your day job!!!. Connor never one to not try something also went on a gyroscope and on a hang glider simulator.

When we finally got back to the hotel David went to see if we could check in. There really is a first time for everything as he managed to get us an upgrade to a better room with bigger beds. It is on the top floor of the hotel - "a penthouse" - and has an amazing view over the Harbour. We are looking forward to being able to take in the wonderful laser light show over the Harbour tonight from the comfort of our apartment. All in all a great first day, filled with fun and unexpected surprises!!!