The Hong Kong Temple Is Closed

The temple has been closed for the past two weeks for cleaning.  We had planned on taking in several of the sights around Hong Kong during that time.  However, we found ourselves quite busy with our assignments for our branch, and receiving training from Elder and Sister Wilson as their assistants for the upcoming Statutory Holiday at the temple on July 1st.

But, it wasn't all work and no play for us.

We set aside some time in becoming more culturally refined, learning the culinary practices of the Filipinos, exploring two major tourist attractions, shopping in Stanley, discovering the Jade Market, celebrating a birthday, searching for fabric, applying for a visa to mainland China, and meeting up with a nice guy from Boise.

The photos below will give you a glimpse of all of that.

On the evening of June13th, we attended the performance of MULAN by the Hong Kong Dance Company at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Theatre.  The music was beautiful, and the dancers were amazing -- so graceful and yet strong.  It was an enjoyable evening and well worth the $225HK dollars we paid for our tickets.  That comes out to about $30 US dollars for the both of us.  What is interesting is that my ticket was $20 dollars, and Gary's was $10 because he is over the age of 60.  Senior citizens get discounts for a number of things in Hong Kong.

We experienced something unexpected after church on the 14th.
The Filipino sisters prepared a special feast in honor of Terry Rose's birthday.

At first, it looked quite harmless as they placed cooked rice on top of banana leaves.  

 But, then they began to top that with additional ingredients, such as duck eggs, crabs, tomatoes, shrimp, and whole fish, along with some kind of broth.  This was the end result. 

 Delicious looking, right?

The Filipinos think so, and it is commonly served for celebrations.

Gary couldn't pass up a challenge from the others to eat the entire fish, including head and tail, as well as the whole crab, which included the shell.

He is looking proud of himself here, but before the day was over, he was paying for his craziness, and did so for the next two days.

On the 16th, we went to THE PEAK with Elder and Sister Ball, and traveled across the harbor on the ferry, almost identical to this one.

We passed a variety of boats along the way.  Hong Kong's tallest skyscraper is in the background.  It is the International Commerce Centre, and is the world's 8th tallest building with 118 floors.

The boats varied in style and size, but we haven't seen any 21' Four Winns yet.

Cruise ships are often in the harbor.  

Once across the harbor, we took a taxi to the top of The Peak, and off to the east, we saw the same scene as our blog header.

But, looking to the west, are very few skyscrapers, and more vegetation. Its beautiful. 

We didn't expect to see beans and corn growing in garden boxes at the top of a tourist attraction.

But, there they were, with an assortment of vegetables, and very well cared for.

A group of elementary students were taking surveys and agreed to have their photo taken afterwards. They inquired as to what brought us to Hong Kong, and what we liked most about it.  They were so polite, and even gave us stickers for answering their questions.

There were several eating establishments at The Peak to choose from, and the Balls suggested BUBBA GUMPS.  The food was fine, and the decor was clever.  It is all influenced by Forest Gump.

Low and behold, we saw some familiar license plates.  Can you guess the county for Idaho's?

We walked along a paved trail to where a significant date had been carved into a rock by a church 

leader.  To our surprise we soon discovered it wasn't a trail just for walking, and it wasn't one way either.  Cars came from both directions, and as to how they got past each other is a mystery.

Once we got back into the city, we walked through Hong Kong Park.  It is a beautiful area with trees and a waterfall.  You almost forget you are in the middle of a huge city surrounded by skyscrapers.

It was a nice day, and we appreciated the Balls showing us around.
They are the experts and navigating around this city.

I had an enjoyable day with Elder and Sister Ngai as we went to Stanley to shop for clothes to wear in HOT and HUMID climates.
Elder Ngai is a gentleman and insisted on carrying my bag.
Charles and Shirley are a great couple who are helping us better understand Chinese ways, and it is
delightful to be serving with them.
Gary had an enjoyable day too, hanging out at the apartment waiting for a cabinet to be delivered.
He actually preferred doing that over going shopping for the day.

This is the beautiful view along the drive to Stanley.
A considerably different place from Stanley, Idaho.

The stop signs are unlike those in the U.S.
and thought the kids might like to see the difference.

On Friday, the Wilsons introduced us to the Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei.  But, on our way, we passed a meat shop with a variety of sausages hanging in the open air.  That is a common thing to see here.

We also passed Hong Kong's version of Home Depot.

This is the Jade Market.  Notice the lady on the left with the umbrella pulling a cart?
  These are two very important items to have here when out and about.

 We found a few treasures to bargain for that were made from jade, but we discovered somethings were not made of jade at all, and my favorite is this nativity, carved from tagua nuts.

No place to sit inside the market, so Gary opted for the fire hydrant nearby while I looked around.

Came upon this old bicycle with two large baskets attached.  It looked well used, and I imagine a lot of miles had been put on that bike.
It was a fun day, and I even learned a thing or two from Helga
 as to what to look for and how to bargain.  She's quite knowledgeable, and so is her husband.
The Wilsons are tremendous missionaries who are always willing to share their time and talents.
I admire their examples.

My birthday was during our break, and we celebrated by watching 17 Miracles at our branch's activity.  I have seen that movie a number of times, and it still brings tears to my eyes.
Got a surprise singing to, from the sisters in the branch.
Gary took me to a highly recommended Thai restaurant to celebrate.

Fried Rice and seafood baked in a coconut.
It looked intriguing and was fun to try something different.
The appetizers turned out to be the most delicious part of the meal.
This place is the nicest restaurant we have been to in Hong Kong.
We may go back, but only for a special occasion.

 Needed fabric for the sewing class I have been assigned to give in the branch.
Fabric shops are not quite like shopping for fabric at JoAnn's in the U.S.
It requires going to Shum Sui Po (one of the oldest areas of Hong Kong) and rummaging through bolts and piles of fabric until you find what what you are looking for.
Then if you need thread or other notions, you must go to other shops.
Notice how hard the shop owner is working in the background?

If you look hard, you will see Grandpa hiding in the fabric.

Our last excursion during the temple cleaning, was going to Tung Chung to see the
 BIG BUDDHA.  While waiting, and waiting, and still waiting in line to get on the cable car going up and over the mountain to Ngong Ping Village, we noticed this advertisement for a
Hong Kong Souvenir, Winter Melon Wife Cake.
Not what I first think of as a souvenir, but any requests?

 Our cable car had a glass bottom, so we could see below us during the ride.

 We were able to see Hong Kong's airport from the cable car. That airport was built completely in the water from reclaimed land.  It was completed just a few years ago.  Interesting!

The Big Buddha is fairly big.

It took 286 steps and some rapid breathing to reach 

the Big Buddha.

We noticed several people bowed and prayed vocally to this giant bronze statue.

The Po Lin Monastery

These photos don't give justice to the brilliant colors on the exterior of this monastery.

We weren't allowed to take photos inside the monastery, so we stood outside the door to get a shot.
A lot of gold is used in their religious structures.

We chuckled over the above sign.  Two little calves are considered wildlife.

This was another sign we saw and found it odd that meat was mentioned.

Had a great day at Ngong Ping Village and even bought a souvenir,
but it wasn't Winter Melon Wife Cake.

Had lunch with our fellow missionaries and our new friend, Darrell Hancock on the last day before the temple opens again.
 Darrell also lives in the Treasure Valley and flies freight planes all over the world.  When he is in Hong Kong, he often comes to the temple, which is where Gary met him, and the Balls know him from a previous ward.  He offered to send packages home or bring packages to us when needed.
 So, we took him up on his offer and had him bring the camera we had left behind.   To repay him for his help, we offered to take him to wherever he wanted to eat lunch.
 He suggested we eat at Salaam Namaste Curry House, a favorite Indian restaurant of his.
 We now know where to get the best Cheese Naan-yummm!
It was interesting to hear some of Darrell's flying experiences.
He is certainly a nice guy, and we hope to see him again.

We have had fun and some enjoyable experiences these past two weeks, but we are looking forward to getting back to the temple tomorrow.