We arrived yesterday in Hong Kong, one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. You can't begin to take it all in. Everywhere you look there is another "ooh, aah." We know why the national bird of China is the crane. (Building crane).

After clearing immigration (we can't disembark until those ending their cruises have cleared immigration) we headed for the Star Ferry for the ride across from Kowloon to Hong Kong . Now those of my friends used to our Washington ferry system, enjoy and appreciate how beautiful they still are. However, if they had been as overworked as these are they might also show their age more obviously.

We bussed to the funicular, which those who know me will understand was my first destination. Crowded it was but I sucked it up and enjoyed the ride up Victoria Peak. At the top you have a 180+ degree view. Would have been 360 but I couldn't swivel my head all the way around. Although we were blessed with nice weather it was hazy so pics aren't all that good. Besides, it's not possible to get the full effect unless you are in a helicopter. But, the thrill was right up there.

A shopping stop to Stanley Bay on the way back down tested our will power. Lunch in a wonderful restaurant on the water was pricy but delicious. Driving/riding on the "wrong" side isn't something I'm yet used to so did lots of inhaling, Traci . Finally quit looking out the window. (Not really,)

Today was our museum day and the Hong Kong History Museum is one of the finest we've seen.
So far we have seen History in the Pacific from the American, Micronesian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Hong Kong perspectives. Sobering and makes one appreciate the consequences of our actions. The wonderful Road Scholar and Holland America guest lecturers have added so much to our education. Now, if I can just keep it all straight. A side note. They put carpet squares in the elevators so we remember what day of the week it is. Don't laugh!

We dropped off 10 of our group and picked up 16 more for the second half. We are headed for Vietnam. Two stops there. I'm really excited about this stop in particular as it was part of my life and I remember it with sadness. It's a beautiful country with a complicated history.

So, later.....