Dale and I met up a few times on our tour of Hong Kong. We were escorting separate busloads from the ship. It was a long day which included a cruise through Victoria Harbour, a ride in the funicular (tram) up to Victoria Peak, a sampan tour of Aberdeen floating village, lunch at the floating Jumbo Restaurant for Dim Sum, a tour of a local jewelry factory and a stop at Stanley Market.
Sunday, December 30 – at sea
Monday, December 31 – Taipei, Taiwan
From Keelung Harbour we did a brief stop at Taipei 101 for a quick photo. As it was raining and the top was in cloud there was no sense in going up to the 89thfloor. Our next stop was to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall where we also got to watch the changing of the guard – a precision drill like no other. Then of course, the obligatory stop at the museum gift shop (again, très expensive). After an elaborate ‘Asian-style’ lunch at the palatial Grand Hotel, we visited the Martyr’s Shrine on Qing Mountain – a stately monument honouring 330,000 brave men who fought in historic Chinese battles. Then on to the Pao-An Temple and Confucius Temple. Back to the ship in time for a lobster dinner and all the New Year’s Eve festivities!
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 – at sea
Wednesday, January 2 – Busan, Korea
We took the shuttle into town to the Gukje Market – store after store after store etc.! Note the avenue of the Stars – mini Hollywood!
Thursday, January 3 – Nagasaki, Japan
Another jam-packed day. Across the Megami Ohashi Cable Bridge to Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum located near Ground Zero. Many sights to see along the way including the rebuilt Urakami Cathedral and the one-legged Torii gate. Then on to the Nagasaki Hotel for a very authentic (a little too authentic for some people) Japanese lunch. Our next stop, Dejima Island, chronicles the unique Japanese-Dutch trade which operated for two centuries. Our last stop was Glover Gardens – Thomas Blake Glover being the merchant adventurer who brought the Industrial Revolution to Japan soon after it opened its doors to the world. Fascinating history and artifacts.
Friday, January 4 – at sea
Saturday, January – Shanghai and what a schmozzle! Our ship was three hours late docking due to massive port congestion. That meant that we were unable to leave the ship in time for what would have been a leisurely trip to the airport. Then, several extra hours onboard as immigration was a huge procedure and backed up as well. We were ever so slightly stressed! An expensive taxi ride - but at least we made our flight with a whopping 10 minutes to spare. I don't think I have ever been so appreciative and relieved to get on a flight. In Vancouver now - home soon! xx
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