After a somewhat fitful sleep, both Karen and I get up around 8 and start repacking. I realize my mouthwash has exploded in my bag so I need to clean that up but save for that, nothing else was damaged.
The room is getting pretty humid and warm quickly so we opt to go check-out and meet Dave for some dim sum for lunch over in Kowloon. The trip goes off without a hitch as we get directions from our helpful concierge (and I wrote down Dave's directions pretty clearly) and take the airport shuttle back into the town, catching a shuttle bus that drops us right into the heart of the shopping area... Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Coach all seem to be shiny and tempting but at full-price we agree that some of our knock-offs that we previously purchased will do just fine thankyouverymuch!
We actually make it to the restaurant, Chao Inn, early and get in line as it is Sunday and a big day for families to be out sharing meals. Dave arrives and is shocked to not only find out that we were on time -- but early -- and planned to be a little late knowing that (ahem...) I am usually late.
The meal was good with some steamed shrimp dumplings, steamed scallop/veggie dumplings, BBQ pork bins, spring rolls with taro and these water chestnuts in this syrup with we think some corn. Tea is served strong and we wrap lunch up with a walk along the harbor, passing all the tourist shops and ferry tours. There are even these panda statues commemorating the 10-year anniversary for each year since the British handed China over. We walk along the star walk and Dave points out his work building across the harbor, and then bids us farewell as he needs to go to work now.
Karen and continue on, starting to get a little more sticky as the humidity and heat are climbing. We catch a ferry ride back over to the other side and head to the shuttle train. We try to use our return tickets but wouldn't you know it -- we need to pay an extra $10 HKD because the round trip was only good to leave from Kowloon.
A quick train ride back and we are headed back to the hotel, gather our luggage and go to check in. But we are too early and although checked in,we'll have to wait for our gate assignment on the other side of security. Karen wants to find this local designer who she's bought from and we have plenty of time to kill. I wander around the store as she tries on shirts and get convinced by one of the clerks that I should try on these two silk blouses. I do and well, let's just say that most foreign designers don't realize how voluptuous American woman are. Maybe in a couple more months when I lose some more weight.
Both of us are really thirsty by now and something wet and cold just sounds so good. She really wants a milkshake and I could go for a bubble tea.We search the food court and split up -- she opts for a milkshake from Burger King, I find my bubble tea and a veg. noodle soup from an Asian vendor. I realize that I have all the luggage and when my tray with soup, etc. comes it will be a juggle walking and dragging it all. Don't ask me how but I actually made it in one piece to the tables. Karen heads back, a little dejected as BK here has no milkshakes and she settle for a coke and some fries.
She also splits this humongous soup with me (and we both manage to spit out our first bites as all of it is so freakin' hot that as I type this my tongue has not recovered yet!) But we manage to polish it all off -- and just to keep eating with her chopsticks she uses them to eat her fries -- first dipping them in ketchup.
We now have a gate assignment and plunk ourselves down near an outlet to charge the laptop and my cell while we wait. She wants to check her email and the extension cord is a little short so instead she opts to sit on the floor. While I wait for her, I happen to look down and notice somehow my pants are covered in these blue/yellow splotches -- whattttt -- how dd I do that? Looks like I have been playing with the blue dye in the bathrooms.
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