Hong Kong and Boston, January 21 – February 4, 2015.

We made this unscheduled event to Hong Kong for a family emergency.  Joe Jr and Ellie also came along.

Most of the time was used to attend to family matters, but we also had time to have lunch with Tim and Whitney, and Tim and Alyson.  We tried a few new restaurants, including Tim Ho Wan in North Point, “Neighbors” in Causeway Bay, and Tasty Noodle, also in Causeway Bay.  There were the usual meals at Hong Kong Club, Country Club, and Jockey Club with Anne’s side of the family.  One place we hadn’t visited for a while was the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (I believe it’s the only club that has kept the word “royal” in its name.)

We also attended a Sunday service at North Point Alliance Church.  Since we got there late, we managed only to get seats in the Fellowship Hall and follow the service via closed circuit TV.  Our friend KS was in the choir, but we didn't get to meet her afterwards.

Chris H just started his 7-week assignment in Hong Kong to help launch the Hope Hong Kong office.  He, his wife Allie, and their two children are staying in a one-bedroom apartment suite in a hotel.  They evidently are taking things all in stride.  We had dinner at Jade Garden in Star House: Cheungs (2); Edwin L; Horsts (4); and Nathan and Sharon de L.  Nathan heads up Hope Hong Kong.  Chris, Nathan and I also had coffee at Ocean Terminal.

We also had tea with Edward, someone Nancy introduced to us as having shown interest in supporting Hope China.

Flights to and from Hong Kong were inexpensive, but quite crowded.  Anne and I had an empty seat between us going over, but not coming back.

Chung Shu provided our ride to the airport, and we took the taxi back.

Hotels in Hong Kong: Harbor Grand North Point (4 nights), YMCA TST (3 nights.)

After spending a night in NJ (1/29), Chung Shu again drove us to the airport, this time for a flight to Boston.

Our original plan was to visit Boston a week earlier for Emmie’s second birthday.  Her birthday party got postponed because Joe Jr also flew out to Hong Kong.

We also attended a CBCGB service, after which we had lunch with our in-laws.

This has been a tough winter so far, particularly for New England.  Snow was piled up several feet, severely restricting available off-street parking.  Actually Joe garaged his Civic as there was no way that car could handle the road conditions.

As I type this (UA839 LAX-SYD, 12:30 pm 2/11/2015 NJ time), I must remark more snow has piled on Boston streets since we left last week, with more on the way!

Our original plan was to take Amtrak back to NJ, but then Joe said we could modify our Australia itinerary to BOS-EWR (Stopover)-SYD-EWR at minimal cost.  Our flight to Boston was part of a purchased ticket EWR-HKG-EWR (plane change)-BOS and thus also didn’t cost much.

In any case, we got back home on 2/4.

Stayed at Joe Jr’s house for 5 nights.