Hong Kong, China

Saturday 3 March 2018

Skyscrapers form a glistening forest of steel and glass, junks and sampans ply the busy harbor waters, and the green, dragon-crested hills of Kowloon beckon. Welcome to Hong Kong, one of the world's great travel destinations. Now a semi-autonomous region of China, Hong Kong - literally "Fragrant Harbor" - has lost none of its charm, excitement or exoticism. Modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels climb the slopes of Hong Kong Island. Narrow streets are crammed with noodle vendors, fortunetellers and bonesetters. The endless array of shops offer the visitor everything from hand-tailored suits and ancient porcelain to the latest consumer electronics. And everywhere more than seven million people are moving at a breathtaking pace in one of the world's great monuments to capitalism, commerce and enterprise.

The former Crown Colony has enough attractions to last a lifetime. To take in the entire spectacle, head to Victoria Peak for panoramic views. Enjoy lunch on one of the city's floating restaurants. Walk down one of the crowded streets to take the city's rapid pulse. And whether you think you are in the mood or not - shop. After all, you are in the duty-free capital of the world.

Our Excursion is Best of Macau

Enjoy a full-day, moderately active, guided excursion via air-conditioned motorcoach to see the highlights of Macau, a former colony that is an exotic blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Begin with a one-hour catamaran cruise to Macau where you will tour the ruins of the 17th century St. Paul Cathedral. Visit the Museum of Macau, home to a vast collection of art and artifacts tracing Macau's history. Take in the tranquil beauty of the A Ma Temple, erected in the 15th century by Chinese fishermen as a shrine to the goddess A Ma, for whom the city is named. Travel to the top of the spectacular Macau Tower, a 1,109 foot tower offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Indulge in a buffet lunch in the Tower Revolving Restaurant located on the 60th floor of the Macau Tower. Shop for souvenirs at the cathedral, the museum and tower.

Wake up call at 5. 30 a.m. went down for breakfast at 6 a.m. have to meet in Restaurant at 7 a.m. for Macau Island.  Went on balcony and it was raining hard and the visibility was very foggy.  Two bus groups 1 and 2 I don't know who many escalators we went on some times there were 3 in a row.    Today we got our passports back for this trip and tonight we have to hand them back in.    Lot of forms to fill in before we even went aboard the boat that we were going to Macau Island on.    We were given forms for bus trip which we had to hand in and then get our boat seat number.     Lot of people on this trip with walking sticks and difficulties.    They were always allocated seats at the front of the bus .    I had no problem during the day but am very tired tonight.

First we went to Macau Museum and average Museum no where as great as Shanghai Museum.  Lot of steps we had to go up and were then left on our own for sightseeing meeting at a desinated place.    We were there in plenty of time took a lot of photos there.

The day is not good in Macau very foggy no rain mild temperature.   We then went to the St Pauls Cathedral.    Crowds and Crowds of people there, we then had to walk down many steps to the streets below the Cathedral then Tour Leader counted and some missing after a while they were located.

In Macau we had 2 tour Leaders one in the front and one at the back.    Took many photos in this area beautifully decorated.    We continued walking for a long time until we got on the streets and then walked on footpath until we located our Bus which was taking us to the Macau Tower for lunch, this is a Revolving Restaurant located on the 60th floor of the Macau Tower.   Plenty of shops in this area.   Parts of Macau is very old, Many many skyscrapers.   Unfortunately the view from the top of the Macau Tower Restaurant was not good because of  the fog.    

Then back on the bus again and went passed many Casinco some people on this trip would have loved to go into the Casincos.    Only thing I brought was a card from the Museum of Macau of Macau.   Bill went while we were waiting to leave the ship this morning for some money came back with American dollars.   You put your card into the machine and this was the only money that came out.   We will need to get rid of this money.

Good jolly Tour Directors very good English.    We have walked miles and miles today.   I walked excellent and very fast.  Some parts where there were many steps I held on to Bill a bit as no hand rails and if you fell you would go down many many steps.   I seemed to have Bills cold so am starting take some tablets from the doctor coughing quite a lot.

After having to go to the 7th deck with our passports we then walked back to our cabin which was about the full length of boat, if we go cruising again I will certainly ask to be in the middle of the boat which we had from New York.    I had a nice shower did my washing and hung it up on clothes line and then went and had some light food and lovely cold drink.    We had rung and asked for service to our room which was nice.    It is now 9.50 p.m. and Bill is already in bed and a sleep while I am typing my notes.     

If we should ever go on another cruise or trip I may buy a small tablet or something that I can use to type up notes so that I don't have to wait until we get bsack.