We arrived in Hong Kong Harbor in fog and rain, a bit of a disappointment after the hype we heard at pre-port the night before about the spectacular skyline. We saw few tops of buildings! But the thrilling thing was that the mysterious banging and clanging we’d heard while docked in the previous port turned out to be a new observation deck! It’s over the staff lounge in the front of the ship and provides an unobstructed view of our entrance to port cities. We had the premium docking spot next to the Star Line Ferry on Kowloon, giving multi-directional access to all points Hong Kong.
Entrance to the city from the ship was through a swanky mall. Yes, we found the closest Starbucks within minutes, then were sufficiently charged for the remainder of the day. It was Thursday and we were surprised and disappointed to find that the Hong Kong Museum of Art was closed. On Thursdays?? So we walked around the streets of Hong Kong and eventually wandered into Kowloon Park, a large public green space with meandering walkways, a large swimming pool, fountains, an aviary, gardens, sculptures, and exercise areas. There was evidence of the upcoming Olympic Games everywhere, from omnipresent vendors hawking t-shirts, hats, and pins to a sign in the park counting down the days, hours, and seconds to opening ceremonies. We were in China, you may remember, while Nancy Pelosi (and others) was calling on our President to boycott the opening ceremonies, and I just wished she would be quiet about it until we were out of the country. (But I actually didn’t experience any discomfort about politics while in China.)
The next morning we left for three days in Beijing with 28 students. My last stint as a trip leader! The sights we saw were incredible, best described by the photos on flickr. The Great Wall was unbelievable: it goes up and up and on forever. I climbed to the top but my legs have never been so sore… even after running the 4-Miler… but it was worth it! The students were great, for the most part, and happily no one even came close to getting arrested (that I was aware of, anyway). I had to take one student with a very high temperature to the ER in Beijing but he was eventually able to join the group again. Thank you, Margie, for stepping in as de facto trip leader!!
Our guides were two students from Renmin University (‘The Peoples’ University’) and they were fabulous! So generous with their time, and so resourceful when we had to make last-minute logistical changes. Susan, in particular, did a wonderful job as my translator in the ER. This is the first country we’ve been to where English is not commonly known, so she was invaluable in relaying critical information. Sheng, too, was so good at keeping us on schedule and willing to help with a myriad of requests. We also had dinner with a large group of Renmin students the first night we were in Beijing, and I loved looking around the room and witnessing the animated conversations. Later, they all went out to Karaoke! And the old folks went to bed.
We saw the magnificent Temple of Heaven, a palace complex that was used for sacrificial offerings starting in the 15th century. The temple is featured on the Chinese yuan (currency) and is said to be a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture. Later that evening we experienced a Chinese opera, which was a rather noisy affair punctuated by amazing acrobatics and some of the longest and most elaborate fight scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Translations were posted on large electronic boards to the right and left of stage, so I suppose we could have sung along if we wanted.
I missed Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and the Ming Tomb, but the photos are on flickr, thanks again to Margie. We had a fun ride in a rickshaw (30 Americans in 15 rickshaws on the streets of Beijing’s historic Hutong district is no doubt an interesting sight to see.) Shopping seemed to be a particular favorite activity among many of the students, and they loved the Silk Street experience. I, however, was completely traumatized! The (female) shop keepers are extremely aggressive, grabbing your arm as you walk by, trying to pull you into their shop that sells the same knockoff Prada and Adidas as the next place. I later heard stories of other peoples’ personal belongings being snatched as ransom, and even someone’s child… apparently most thought it was funny but it was all much too invasive for me!
We also went to the Summer Palace, a residence and garden for emperors that is now a beautiful park with a temple and many winding walkways where the locals exercise, play cards, and dance. Again, see photos. We obediently arrived at the North gate of the park to meet the group on time, but only a few students were there. Where was everyone? Well, who knew there were two North gates? I considered giving myself dock-time but decided an apology to the group would have to suffice. Actually, I am just kidding: I never for a minute considered giving myself dock-time. Maybe I haven’t explained dock-time: one is delayed from leaving the ship at the next port for numerous hours. It is punishment meted out for various infractions (most often for making others wait) and it is very serious if the person waiting is the Captain who wants to pull up anchor. One does not want to make Captain Roman angry under any circumstances!
