The Regal Hotel in Hong Kong is situated in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong island. It's quite convenient and a comfortable place to stay.
We are on the 23rd floor and the view is rather nice.
Theresa in front of a pharmacy.
The Regal is about a 10 minute walk to the Causeway Bay Metro station. It's located on Yee Wo Street which turns into Hennessy Road and is the major thoroughfare on the Island. Rather unique, antique "tramways" as they are called ply the length of the island down this street as do many, many buses.
Sogo's, a large, Japanese department store is also nearby, but so are multitude of designer stores that populate the neighborhood.
Tuesday, November 29
So far we've had dim sum and a lunch buffet with Theresa's classmates where they talked and reminisced for two to three hours. As classmates are slowly drifting in from various parts of the world I'm sure this pattern will continue. I think I've gained a pound or two so far. Theresa and I did manage to visit her school which used to be located near the now famous Mid-Level escalators.
The area around the Escalators is an interesting mix of art galleries, antique shops, restaurants catering to expats living in Hong Kong, high-priced apartments and condos, but also maintains some of it's past heritage.
We had to walk up the hill as the escalators were going downhill at the time.
The catholic order called the Canossians still maintain a school there, but now it's a College of Commerce. Theresa is standing proudly in front of where her school used to be located.
Inside the main building.
Theresa, apparently, used to run down the rather steep hill in order to be the first one down after school ended! She was tempted to try it again, but came to her senses in the nick of time...
Coming back down the hill we toured the farmers' markets.
Later that evening I visited the Temple Night Markets.
Tomorrow we might try to take some time off from reunion activities to either visit Theresa's old hometown, Shek-O or try a tram ride to Victoria Peak.
Wednesday, Nov. 30 Shek-O Village
Today we took a trip to Shek-O Village which is described in a Wikipedia article as:
"Shek O Village (石澳村) has a history of some 200 years.[1] It was established by fishermen of the Chan, Yip, Li and Lau clans.[2] In 1841, Shek O Village, together with Hok Tsui Village (鶴咀村) and Big Wave Village (大浪灣村), had a population of around 200. The Tin Hau Temple in Shek O Village was built in 1891.[1] Its management has been delegated by the Chinese Temples Committee to the Shek O Residents Association."
Theresa grew up there and it was the first time she has returned since emigrating to the United States. Shek-O has both remained much the same, but also has changed tremendously. At first glance it looks the same. No high-rise developments or shopping malls have taken over. There seems to be a desire to preserve its character which is a bit unusual. The town center looks a bit rundown, but I think the residents like it that way. However, in speaking to some of Theresa's old relatives and friends who still live there they say it has changed greatly. A lot of foreigners, and expats have discovered this sleepy little town and have moved in--much like the Lamma Island I visited 2 years ago. Also, a lot of the rich have built super mansions that are hidden behind gated walls. But considering the change it could have gone through--being a prime piece of ocean front area, I could image huge resorts and hotels placed here, but it hasn't yet.
To get there we decided to hire a taxi which cost around 80 HKD, roughly equal to 10 USD. It's a winding road down to Shek-O. The trip took about 20 minutes from Shau Kei Wan station on Hong Kong Island. It's famous for its wonderful beach which is why so many surfers now make their home here--it's the endless summer.
Thursday, Dec. 1: Reunion luncheon
We had a small luncheon with some of Theresa's classmates and two of her teachers. There will be much larger gatherings on Saturday and Sunday. This took place at a sports club which had a large restaurant on the 2nd floor. The facility has tennis courts, swimming pools, running track, soccer field, etc. Pretty nice!
In front of Theresa's relative's home:
Today we took a trip to Shek-O Village which is described in a Wikipedia article as:
"Shek O Village (石澳村) has a history of some 200 years.[1] It was established by fishermen of the Chan, Yip, Li and Lau clans.[2] In 1841, Shek O Village, together with Hok Tsui Village (鶴咀村) and Big Wave Village (大浪灣村), had a population of around 200. The Tin Hau Temple in Shek O Village was built in 1891.[1] Its management has been delegated by the Chinese Temples Committee to the Shek O Residents Association."
Theresa grew up there and it was the first time she has returned since emigrating to the United States. Shek-O has both remained much the same, but also has changed tremendously. At first glance it looks the same. No high-rise developments or shopping malls have taken over. There seems to be a desire to preserve its character which is a bit unusual. The town center looks a bit rundown, but I think the residents like it that way. However, in speaking to some of Theresa's old relatives and friends who still live there they say it has changed greatly. A lot of foreigners, and expats have discovered this sleepy little town and have moved in--much like the Lamma Island I visited 2 years ago. Also, a lot of the rich have built super mansions that are hidden behind gated walls. But considering the change it could have gone through--being a prime piece of ocean front area, I could image huge resorts and hotels placed here, but it hasn't yet.
To get there we decided to hire a taxi which cost around 80 HKD, roughly equal to 10 USD. It's a winding road down to Shek-O. The trip took about 20 minutes from Shau Kei Wan station on Hong Kong Island. It's famous for its wonderful beach which is why so many surfers now make their home here--it's the endless summer.
The city center.
It's a very picturesque village.
Another view of the city center.
The school that Theresa attended:
Theresa engaged in animated conversation with a relative.
We had lunch at a local food stall which was there when Theresa was growing up. The son has now taken over the business. Beef brisket:
Surfers are everywhere.
The house where Theresa grew up many decades ago.
One of the side streets:
Enjoying the beach once more:
Traveling to Shek-O was a great experience. It was great to see where Theresa grew up and nice to see many of the locals who are still living there just as they did many decades ago.
On the way home we stopped off at the Hong Kong Central Library which is about 5 minutes from our hotel. It's currently celebrating it's 10th anniversary. The library has a nice large atrium area and seems to be well used by the residents. Maybe I should work there one day....
We then headed out into the city nighlife again--what a change from Shek-O!
We went to a basement restaurant which was inexpensive and fast. This is a clay pot for $5.00
We had a small luncheon with some of Theresa's classmates and two of her teachers. There will be much larger gatherings on Saturday and Sunday. This took place at a sports club which had a large restaurant on the 2nd floor. The facility has tennis courts, swimming pools, running track, soccer field, etc. Pretty nice!
Group photo
Theresa showing her athletic ability in getting the best angle for a photo.
Theresa and her math teacher. Her classmates said that she made learning math easy and fun.
The teachers brought along this old school photo:
Having a chat about Obama and the American economy with Theresa's teacher.
Theresa's geography teacher:
Part of the sports complex is in the background.
That evening while Theresa hung out with her friends, I went to a huge shopping mall called Times Square. It's about 9 stories tall and has the usual stores that you find in the US.
A night shot of some of the Hong Kong buildings.
Tomorrow night we are looking forward to dinner with my relatives--somewhere in Tsuen Wan.
Friday, Dec. 2: Dinner with relatives, Central Hong Kong
and some more Shek-O pictures
and some more Shek-O pictures
We traveled to Tsuen Wan yesterday for a dinner date with my relatives. We gave ourselves roughly an hour to travel from Causeway Bay to Tsuen Wan which should be sufficient time, but being Friday and near rush-hour we were just a bit late. When we got to Admiralty station which is where one can transfer to the Tsuen Wan line the station was amazlingly packed. There were maybe 50 people standing in front of us waiting to get onto the trains. There are basically 4 lines in front of each door, each line had 80 or more people. It took us about 20 minutes to get onto a train. The trains came every 2 or 3 minutes. I had never run into anything quite so crowded--even in Tokyo and Seoul! Anyway here are a few photos from the dinner.
Central Hong Kong
We took a walk around Central Hong Kong near the Mid-Levels escalators. There are a lot of highrises housing government offices, financial companies and other corporations. It's quite busy--but what part of Hong Kong isn't!
A shopping complex near Central Station.
We had lunch at this place. Service is amazingly fast, and food was cheap. It cost 20 HKD roughly $2.50 for a bowl of wonton plus noodles. While you are standing in line they take your order. When we finally got to sit down the food came within 5 seconds!
More SHEK-O
In front of Theresa's relative's home:
Saturday, Dec. 3: Reunion luncheon at the Jumbo Floating Restaurant and dinner at the Chinese Club
Well, eating and meeting old classmates continues to be our main activities. For lunch we went traveled by bus to get to the Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen which took only about 20 minutes. In the old days it took much longer, but they cut a tunnel through the mountain to shorten the trip. You have to travel by boat to get to the restaurant which has been around for a long time.
After lunch we had a great time visiting the Pui Tak Canossian Primary school. Many more of Theresa's classmates came and the current principal gave us a grand tour of the school. The podium was donated by Theresa's class.
In the evening we went to the Chinese Commerce Club in Central Hong Kong.
Sunday, Dec. 5. Reunion dinner at the Craigengower Cricket Club and last post from Hong Kong
Some of Theresa's friends and teachers.
Looking at old class photos and trying to figure out who is who...
Group photo.
Well, eating and meeting old classmates continues to be our main activities. For lunch we went traveled by bus to get to the Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen which took only about 20 minutes. In the old days it took much longer, but they cut a tunnel through the mountain to shorten the trip. You have to travel by boat to get to the restaurant which has been around for a long time.
This is actually not Jumbo, but rather Tai Pak which was right next to Jumbo. However, it looks the same.
After lunch we had a great time visiting the Pui Tak Canossian Primary school. Many more of Theresa's classmates came and the current principal gave us a grand tour of the school. The podium was donated by Theresa's class.
In the evening we went to the Chinese Commerce Club in Central Hong Kong.
At a shop near our hotel we had a bowl of this special tea that's made from turtles--it's supposed to be good for you, but not so good for the turtles I suppose:
I'm writing this from the airport since I have about 3 hours before my departure time. It's been a really interesting trip to Hong Kong. I didn't make it to many of the tourist places that I wanted to go with Theresa, but it was a great trip nevertheless as I got to meet many of her classmates, and teachers from primary and high school. Maintaining and keeping such a long contact over many decades is amazing and they talked about what has happened in the intervening years--marriages, college, children, grandchildren and work. The last and biggest reunion dinner took place at the Craigengower Cricket Club which has a history going back to 1894 Their website says:
C.C.C. was founded in Hong Kong in 1894, when Mr. W. D. Braidwood, the Headmaster of the Victoria English School, converted a turfed piece of ground in Bonham Road near Breezy Point into a cricket field.
The original building has been replaced by this ultramodern facility, and, yes, they still play cricket there.
Some of Theresa's friends and teachers.
Looking at old class photos and trying to figure out who is who...
Theresa and even I gave a short speech. I spoke English, but I think many of them understood, hopefully!
Group photo.
Approximately 60 people attended and many current and past teachers attended.
I took many, many pictures and videos thanks to the miracle of digital cameras, and I have promised to send CDs to many of Theresa's classmates.
I'm going to end my blog here. Travel is wonderful, and having a connection to the place you travel to makes it even more special. I saw Shek-O where Theresa grew up, met her old classmates, saw Pui Tak Canossian Primary School, and had dinner with my relatives. So though I didn't make it to Victoria Peak or Lantau Island, it was still the best of trips!
