It was totally worth it to endure a gazillion hours on planes (in a way, the plane from Boston to JFK is the most frustrating one you can imagine — a 36 minute flight turned into a marathon taxiing situation lasting 2 1/2 hours. I could almost drive to New York quicker, but never mind that). You know I never complain, so I won't dwell on the plane.
I do recommend, for the 15 hours from JFK to Hong Kong, that you have the row either filled with family members or to yourself. One gent was stretched out full length in his row (he must not have been very tall), and I did envy him — love you, Bridget and Phil! — because not being next to strangers came in second. Am I the only one who notices the hellishness of all this? I don't see others whining about the direness of the situation. Maybe they take Nick's advice and self-medicate heavily!
But the opportunity to see a different side of the world, and most of all, this darling — well, it was worth it. I will try not to burden you with the many photos I took, but it will be hard!
What impressed me about Hong Kong is the crazy urban busy-ness juxtaposed with the old-world Asian-ness. If you haven't been there, you can't imagine how much activity and how many high-rises are crammed into such a small area.
In Kowloon — across the bay and just as congested as the Hong Kong Island — we saw the streets devoted to one product each. For instance, the street with all flowers, and the street with all fish. Here Natasha is pointing out the larvae and such you can buy for your birds in the Bird Street. (We didn't take Francis in this street, but took turns waiting with him at the entrance.)
For a fellow who gets along fine without ever really thinking about what he wears, this was a crazy outing!
It was the Mid-Autumn Festival as we arrived, so we were treated to fireworks over the water, as seen from the Ns' balcony up on the Peak. Normally, I scoff at taking photos of fireworks (I mean, watch them! most fireworks look the same — the point is to enjoy), but I had to record this view for you.
And then, just a bit out of the city, the respite of a truly lovely hike up the Dragon's Back. Reminding me that I need to get out and up more (huff, puff).
See it? The dragon's back?
And then we tried to keep up with the indefatigable Natasha, pushing a very familiar looking face:
{It's at moments like this that I feel taken right back 32 years ago to my own babies… he looks so like them! While also looking like his mom!}
{How lovely is that blanket! Knit by her mom, Shelly — so beautiful and cottony for the hot days/AC challenges of this place!}
More soon!
Lisa G. says
Ah! Hong Kong tailors – yes, I've heard of them! It's all very exciting, and he's a lovely little chap.
priestswife says
How exciting! but I don't dare ask….if they are permanent ex-pats…Thank God for Skype
Terra says
What a harrowing air trip to Hong Kong but worth it for the reward and of course the main reward is your adorable grand baby.
Debbie says
What a sweetheart! And he looks so happy, too. By all means do keep the photos coming.
Lindsey in AL says
Oh how lovely it all looks! Even the larvae 🙂 Especially the baby. I have been longing for some real travel lately. I can't imagine that I will get any in the next five years, but I can live vicariously through yours.
And I love that you called them “the N's.” My brother Jerry married a Johanna and my sister Ashley married an Adam. So we have the A's and the J's as well as the G's (great-grandma and -grandpa). Then there are Mom and Dad and Keith and Lindsey (that's us :)) It really does make things easier when discussing logistics with the rest of the family. My husband and I have given each of our children a different first initial; dare we hope they each select a spouse with the same first initial? Baby #6 is on the way; it might be too much to hope that they all do so.
Briana says
How adorable he is! And I think he looks just like Pippo! The family resemblance is amazing.
Lynn B says
Burden? BURDEN?!!! Keep those pics coming, I can't imagine seeing too many. What a sweet little guy he is – sooo happy you got that special time there. It is a shame the world is SO big…
monica says
Love all the photos!
And thanks for the mini-tour of a city that is on my life-list.
Glad you answered the question that was nagging at me – the one that popped into my head when I saw the shot of the little one in front of the window. It's so uncanny how much the cousins resemble each other that it dawned on me to wonder if they look anything like your own children looked as little ones. You provided the answer as though you were reading my mind. Isn't cuddling a baby always just what the doctor ordered? Sounds as though you are safely home. If not, I'm praying your return trip is an easy one.
monica
Woman of the House says
I love the toothless smiles! Such a sweetie. And the blueness of the water! Wow!
Mary says
He is so sweet!! I am glad you had the opportunity to go visit. Anytime you want to share more photos…I will happily “ooh…and…ahhh”.
Lori says
This just goes to prove the well-known saw: We will go far for our grandchildren! Teehee…
Aleta says
oh, Leila he is so precious !! Happy for you and yours to go visit. Thanks for sharing.
kayleen says
Hey is so very cute!
Suzanne says
Every time you share pics of him, I just think he looks so much like Pippo….they will be not mistaken as cousins, thats for sure……enjoy that beautiful soft skin and baby smell….
Kate says
He is beautiful! As is your entire family! I can't believe you went all the way to Hong Kong…he is a lucky fellow to have such grandparents!
shwell says
love the photos, having been to HK 15 years ago, I can just imagine you all there.
since my eldest was born 9 years ago, my parents have made the trip from New Zealand to Maine 5 or 6 times and we have been there 4 times.
I hope you enjoyed HK, and that you get the chance to again one day soon.
Sheryl says
More! More! And, More, again! 🙂 Lovely! Never too many pics! Thanks for sharing the pics and your lovely family. Sheryl
sarah says
I personally love seeing the photos and hearing about wonderful family connections being made. Your grandson is beautiful and I know your son and daughter-in-law must treasure the fact you came to see him – it is so nice to have someone to show your baby off too. Always missed when you are away from family.
Totally sympathise with the flight issues – I am in Singapore at the moment having flown up alone to visit the in-laws with baby and toddler. I have a feeling I am suffering a bit of post traumatic flight disorder! At the moment I am swearing off any further travel unaccompanied – trouble is I still have to get home.
Anne Paraskevas says
Congratulations ! He is a beautiful child! Speaking as a Grandma, there are never enough pictures of those we love, yes?
Mrs. Pickles says
He IS a little love! It must have killed you to leave. 🙁
The Dragon's Back reminds me of Mt. Saddleback in Orange County, CA — I could see it from my parents' front yard (on rare clear days)!
Joy in the South says
I think he's so cute! And I see Pippo's face in his face. What a great trip and how blessed you were to be able to go!