Hong Kong II

In January, we took our second (and definitely not last) family trip to Hong Kong. We all really enjoyed the trip, as Hong Kong is one of those big cities that all of its myriad facets function in a remarkable, often chaotic but logical harmony. It also represented a good reward for the kids after the Vietnam trip, as we promised them stops at the Hong Kong Zoo and at Ocean Park.

One of the first things we saw outside our hotel was one of the iconic double deckers, dressed up in Murakami flowers advertising a gallery show of his, which we checked out later that day.

Conveniently, they ran right outside our hotel, so it didn't take long for us to hop aboard for our first of many rides.

 (notice Shane in those long sleeves...the 50-degree weather was some of the coldest Shane had experienced in his entire life!)

Our first meal was dim sum at a restaurant claiming to be the cheapest Michellin-starred restaurant in the world. Yummy.

On our first day, we took the kids to the Hong Kong Zoo, which is free and in the middle of town.

We also bopped around town, enjoying Hong Kong's windy, hilly, and walkable streets and green spaces.

And, of course, we found time for an egg tart.

The next day, we headed to Ocean Park, a big theme park and zoo.

The kids (and sometimes the adults) enjoyed the rides at the park.

We posed for cheesy photos.

Got freaked out by birds.

And creeped out by stuffed mascots.

The kids were more comfortable around the inanimate ones.

There were also some cool real animals at the park.

But the highlight of the visit was a ride in the cables cars over a hill perched right by the ocean.

After Ocean Park, for our last night in Hong Kong, we rode the escalators to the Mid-Levels.

And slept on the drive home to Manila the next morning.