Ocean Park

On Monday 21st March, Clara and I headed off to Ocean Park amusement park, near Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Clara and I had originally decided to go to Disneyland but were advised by all we met that Ocean Park was by far and away the best option.

I felt that as Clara and I had travelled all the way from Japan, it was only right that we should treat ourselves to a blue riband event. We left the house slightly later than intended (no change there) and got the by then familiar fast ferry over to Pier 6 in Central Hong Kong. A short wait ensued until the bus picked us and and delivered us directly to Ocean Park after a 20 minute journey.

I was hoping that the park would be extremely quiet as it was a Monday. However, there were still hordes of people milling around and I immediately realised that a weekend trip to Ocean Park would be the mother of all nightmares.

We entered the park and then chose the Emerald Trail as our first attraction - so boring I will not go into any detail. Our day then appeared to get worse as we queued to take the cable car over the mountain to the other side of the park. We had to queue for 45 minutes, and similar to the rest of Hong Kong, there was a pneumatic drill in close proximity. I measured the sound at over 100dB using an application on my iPhone. However, this marked the nadir of our day and things were soon to dramatically improve. Clara and I found the views from the cable car around Ocean Park, over Aberdeen, and into Lamma Strait absolutely amazing. It was a gorgeous day and the cable car ride alone would have made the day trip worthwhile. Once the cable car trip had ended, we found ourselves on a promontory overlooking Lamma Strait. Fantastic views and impressive to see the massive cargo vessels slowly working their way down the strait.After the cable car ride we took a ride down the relatively placid Raging River, terrified ourselves on the roller coaster-esque Mine Train, and then spent a very pleasant and relaxing time watching the dolphin and seal show at Ocean Theatre. I feel slightly wicked for downplaying the Mine Train ride to Clara. I assured her it would be relatively benign, but it was nothing of the sort. We were both absolutely terrified and Clara held on to me like a limpet mine. The terror we experienced on this ride meant that trying out The Abyss would have to wait to another day.

Towards the end of the day, we visited the surprisingly empty panda enclosure. It seems the local Chinese population are much more interested in the thrills and spills of the rides than they are in one of the symbols of their country. Surprising, but this allowed Clara and I a clear view. Interesting to note that pandas also suffer from the effects of red eye.

A great day out with Clara, and we even managed to squeeze in an impressive acrobatic show on our way out of the park. Thoroughly recommended, but perhaps not on a weekend - must be absolute chaos.

Our Time in Hong Kong

Despite the desperate circumstances which led to Clara and I heading to Hong Kong, whilst we were there, we resolved to enjoy ourselves. I cannot adequately describe the relief felt not having to worry about aftershocks and the threat of radiation.

Our time was spent mostly around Mui Wo village on Lantau Island (where Mark and Grace live), although we did foray in to Central Hong Kong a couple of times, visited the large Buddha, and made a day trip to Ocean Park amusement park.

Many people commute into Central Hong Kong by ferry. I cannot think of a more dramatic or interesting way to get to work. The waters around Hong Kong are a hive of activity with vessels of all shapes and sizes at anchor waiting for their berthing slot. Although I work in shipping, the size of some of the vessels was breathtaking. Hong Kong is a city which feels right at the forefront of international trade and commerce - it feels a happening place where everything is in flux. One downside to the ever changing nature of Hong Kong is that you are never too far from pneumatic drills and pile drivers.

It was touching to see displays of support for Japan at places around Hong Kong. I noticed this sign at a coffee shop on Mui Wo pier whilst Clara and I were waiting for the ferry to travel into Central.

The village where Mark and Grace live is a real backwater. The village has a real country feel with bicycles far outnumbering cars with people relaxing outside various small restaurants chatting and supping drinks. Despite the slow life in Mui Wo, it is only a short ferry ride into the maelstrom of Central Hong Kong. There are also quite a number of nice beaches around, the one below just outside the Silvermine Hotel where I stayed last November whilst attending the wedding - perfect for barbecues once the weather warms up a bit.So, Clara and I were lucky enough to stay in a nice location that offered the opportunity for excitement or relaxation.

Big thanks have to go to Mark and Grace who were perfect hosts to us during our visit to Hong Kong. They both cooked some lovely meals and made Clara and I feel very much at home. Grace was kind enough to do Clara's hair each morning as this is a skill I have not picked up in my 10 years as a father. It was also good to catch up with a few of Mark's friends in and around Hong Kong. This picture was taken at a place called Tung Chung, not too far from the airport, and shows Mark, Grace, Steff, Clara, and myself. More to follow soon.

Leaving Hong Kong

Hello all. Just a short update to say that Clara and I will leave Hong Kong and return to Tokyo tomorrow. Although the situation with regards to the nuclear power station in Fukushima is still very serious, it seems to be under control. If things take a turn for the worse, we will probably decide on another temporary move.

As Clara and I were displaced to Hong Kong, we took advantage of our time together and visited a number of places. This photo was taken at the Great Buddha on Lantau Island. We both said a silent prayer for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Japan can be an infuriatingly stubborn country at times, and this is why I have no doubt whatsoever that the country and people will recover. The Japanese are strongest in times of adversity, and I fully believe they will demonstrate this again.

More to follow tomorrow night after a return home and a good home-cooked dinner. Thanks to all for the message of support via this blog, Facebook, and phone.

Arrival in Hong Kong

Clara and I left Kumegawa yesterday morning (Wednesday) on the 7am train bound for Shinjuku in central Tokyo. The original plan had been to get in by bus as our train line was not in full operation for the last couple of days. Fortunately, the electricity supply was in operation and a limited service in and out of central Tokyo was provided. We were aiming for Haneda Airport and were accompanied into town by Yuki who was defiantly going into work. It was difficult to say goodbye to her when she get off at her stop near Tokyo.

I know that the chances of serious health risks in Tokyo are most likely low. However, I felt the window of opportunity closing and had to get Clara out before the risks of radiation increased, before mass panic set in, and before provisions run low. Of course, all of the above may not happen, I'm just not going to hang about to find out, especially with Clara. I have no regrets - I needed to act before we were boxed in with no room to manoeuvre.

I'm not sure what to think about the behaviour of the public in Tokyo. People are desperately trying to carry on as usual. The salarymen look the same and are reading the same old manga on the train, people are still handing out leaflets advertising English lessons, kids are going to school. The public are either incredibly brave or foolhardy. But what would people in any other country do? Your country is on the ropes and options are limited, so I guess many people would tough it out and try to keep the wheels of the economy from falling off. I was lucky, I had options and I was not bound to stay through national pride. It was clear for me that Clara had to get out, even if only for a week so we could assess the situation from afar.

I remember tossing and turning in bed on Tuesday night, before the early start to the airport on Wednesday. The sounds of the neighbourhood were much the same - a drunk salaryman singing karaoke in the snack bar across the street, and giggling girls walking past the house after a night out. It was strange to have such high levels of anxiety whilst others seemed non-plussed.

Clara was as tough as old boots yesterday. An early start with lots or travelling, waiting and queuing. Not one complaint. She took great pleasure with our business class seats on the flight to Taipei, and requested we fly first class next time. I will try and keep the mood light whilst we are in Hong Kong and plan to visit a few places with her - Disneyland seems to be top of her list.

Now Clara and I are with Mark (my brother in Hong Kong). We have breathing space to take stock and weigh up what is happening. Yuki said she may follow if things deteriorate further although I don't think moving will be possible in Tokyo if it does get to that stage. Clara has just finished a large breakfast and is now sitting on the sofa reading manga. Soon we will get ourselves cleaned up and head into Mui Wo for lunch and shopping at the local supermarket.

More thoughts to follow.

Getting Clear to Hong Kong

Desperate times = desperate measures. Clara and I have been booked on a JAL flight to Hong Kong (code share flight no CI 9223) leaving from Haneda Airport tomorrow at 17.55 via Taipei. Under the normal course of events it would seem expensive. Right now, I'd mortgage the house to get out. Because it is not direct, we arrive just after 8am on Thursday. Due to the chaos (but not yet panic), whether we get there or not seems a bit of a lottery.

Sadly, Yuki has decided to stay put. It must be difficult for her with her family and the fact that Japan is her homeland, but my sole goal is to avoid Clara being exposed to excessive radiation. Difficult choice to leave Yuki, but Clara and I need to get out. Yuki has said she may follow us to Hong Kong in a few days time, if that will be possible by then.

Wish us the best. I'll try and update Facebook when possible.

Champagne Brunch and the Aftermath

I was struggling to remember what we did but now recall we went to a hotel near the airport for a champagne brunch. The champagne flowed freely and the choice (and quality) or food was truly fantastic. As the hotel was next to the airport, we spent a lot of our time plane spotting – 75% of flights were Cathay A330s with Trent engines……..Most of the 20 or so people at lunch were at Mark’s wedding the previous day. However, there were also a lot of his colleagues + sundry others in attendance. I have to say that another highlight of my visit to Hong Kong was that everyone I met seemed to be genuinely nice and easy going. I think I only managed to bore one or two people to death so perhaps a few will still speak to me next time I am over.By the time that lunch had concluded, the spectre of my 8am return flight the next morning was becoming ever more real. What better way to banish that spectre? Yes, a return to the Turkish restaurant for more beers. Later in the night, my parents returned to the hotel whilst Mark and I continued talking gibberish to Satu (restaurant owner) and others. I cycled back to the hotel, fell off my bicycle and now have some nice grazing and to my left arm – a badge of honour for surviving a busy Hong Kong weekend.

The worst aspect of my trip was the knowledge of my 8am flight. Catching this flight would mean a 5am start from the hotel, something I proved unable to do. I woke up at 1pm (by which time the flight had actually arrived in Tokyo), cussed and shook my head for a while before a taxi to the airport and working it out from there. I ended up getting an ANA flight at some cost but it was much better than Delta Airlines with a great selection of films and better clientele.

So, with the exception of my missed flight, an excellent and enjoyable trip to Hong Kong. Next time I go (which I have resolved to be in the not too distant future), I will be more realistic about flight times and ensure I fly with ANA.

Thanks to:

• Mark and Grace for putting me up.
• Mum & Joep for bringing over the kilt shirt and Christmas presents.
• Mark’s wide selection of pals for the good banter.
• Satu and Katie at the Turkish restaurant for service beyond the call of duty.

See you next time!

Saturday - The Big Day

As my time in Hong Kong progressed, so my memory fades………perhaps something to do with the Hong Kong tradition of incessant beer drinking. It goes something like this…….got lost trying to find Mark’s apartment, put on the kilt and associated paraphernalia, ferry over (with beer) to central Hong Kong, beers in The Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (very nice hotel!), wedding ceremony, Pier 7 again for the first reception, return to Mui Wo for the second reception at the Turkish restaurant.

A busy day but nice to see all attendees in their finery. Mark had some clothing issues that saw him borrowing my kilt shoes. There was no solution however to his three-quarter length kilt socks that had shrunk in the wash. The socks provided us all with plenty of chuckles and Foggo, Mark’s friend, quipped that it appeared Mark has picked his kilt up from a cosplay shop.

The ceremony itself was brief and businesslike as there are fixed slots for couples to tie the knot. Despite her best efforts, Grace (the bride to be) failed to be fashionable late and was just on time. It was just as well she made it as the next available slot would have been 6 weeks later. Phew!

I think I have written enough about the wedding day itself – I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking. The highlight of the day for me was being ambushed by 4 slinky Chinese bridesmaids from another wedding party, all wishing to get a photo with me in my kilt. I liked.

Obviously, a fantastic day was had by all but God only knows how many beers were drank that day. And we still had champagne lunch to follow the next day...watch this space.

The Calm Before the Storm

As I stayed with Mark and Grace on Thursday night, I needed to wheel my case a short distance to check into the Silvermine Hotel for the remainder of my stay. I could have economized by staying the whole time with Mark and Grace, but with the forthcoming wedding kerfuffle, I played it safe and avoided getting under anyone’s feet.

We met up with Mum & Joep who were also staying at the Silvermine – both were looking a bit ragged after their hit-and-miss journey escaping the Scottish winter travel lottery. After a restorative midday all day breakfast in the China Bear pub next to Mui Wo ferry pier, we headed into Hong Kong proper. The groom needed a haircut and the rest of the clan needed to stretch our legs after dicing with deep vein thrombosis the day before. I really enjoyed the ferry ride over – great skyline, unusual sights and smells.

As Hong Kong still retains some fading connections to the old empire, I took the opportunity for a pint of Boddingtons and an accompanying bowl of sticky toffee pudding whilst my parents and I waited for Mark to return. This was followed by further beers in The Junk Pub and Pier 7, a rather nice waterfront hostelry with fantastic views out over the harbour and surrounding skyscrapers. It was a bit chilly sitting in the beer garden but the amazing buildings made it feel a bit special.

Friday night saw us all return to Mui Wo to sit outside the Turkish restaurant in for some more socialising. Lots of pints of Carlsberg, spring rolls, and chit chat. A successful, yet predictable end to Friday night. All in all, a very nice day getting reacquainted with Hong Kong and a welcome change from Tokyo.

And the main event was still to come....... The highlight of Friday had to be the amazing harbourfront night views. Loved seeing the fantastic buildings and colourful lights of Hong Kong. The ferry journey back to Lantau Island offered a fantastic opportunity to see the sights - unfortunately the camera shake (which I blame on the choppy crossing) resulted in an array of useless photographs.

Hong Kong Arrival

I was looking forward to my trip to Hong Kong and travelled direct to Narita Airport after a full day at work on Thursday. The Weathernews office temperature is unbearable most of the time so a quick shower at the airport to wash the scum and office BS off me was the order of the day. Feeling clean and in good form, I waited for the Delta flight to depart. The aircraft cabin had seen better days and had no In-Flight Entertainment which was disappointing, but no great surprise. I am guessing that the old 747s are going to be retired in a year or two and that no money will be wasted on any upgrades.

Mark (and his then fiancée, Grace) very kindly met me at the airport. No time was lost getting a few pleasant Carlsbergs in one of the airport hotels before our 20 minute taxi journey back to Mui Wo on Lantau Island. A very gentle reintroduction to Hong Kong – can’t believe my last trip over was about 6 years ago.

To Hong Kong

Not long until my short trip to Hong Kong. Leave from Narita Airport around 7pm tonight and do not arrive in Hong Kong till a little after 11pm. As I have never flown Delta Air Lines before, I am quite interested to see what they are like. However, I am not overly optimistic as the Delta Boeing 747-400s are hand-me-downs from their merger with Northwest Airlines. I anticipate a decrepit aircraft without personal in-flight entertainment. Despite that, I will be happy to have a short break from work and from Japan.

The only dark cloud on the horizon seems to be the travel plans of my parents. The last I heard, their flight from Scotland had been cancelled due to the harsh winter weather. Fingers crossed they make it, especially as I need the new dress shirt they have bought me to go with my kilt. If they don't arrive, I'll have to buy one in Hong Kong.

The general plan for Hong Kong is:

Thursday 9th Dec: arrive after 11pm and meet brother for a couple of beers.
Friday 10th Dec: meet parents (hopefully), check into the Silvermine Hotel, wander around HK, dinner.
Saturday 11th Dec: Mark's wedding. It will probably be a late one so I had better pace myself.
Sunday 12th Dec: recover from Saturday and see parents and brother.
Monday 13th Dec: 8am flight back to Tokyo.

I will do a couple of blogs next week to let you know how I got on.

Anticipating December

Quick post to indicate my plans for December. I am really looking forward to a short visit in Hong Kong from 9th - 13th December to attend the wedding of Mark and Grace. Should be a good party and will also allow me to hook up with my parents for a few days. I am also interested to see what Delta Airlines is like as I have never flown with them before.

Then towards the end of December, many functions at Weathernews (including my own) will shut down for nearly 1 week. I am looking forward to some time at home and will attempt to dust down some of my culinary skills aquired at university.

New Year celebrations will be muted for us this year due to the passing of Takashi in March. I am however looking forward to 2011 and hoping there will be a few leaps forward, in true Year of the Rabbit style. 2010 is a year I will be happy to swiftly forget.