No Shortage of Tailors

Leaving Guangzhou, we traveled by express trian to Hong Kong. We thought, with all the security personnel and scanning devices in the train station that we would surely have to go through a lot to get out of China, but I guess all of that is just for show. We never had our bags scanned or checked... thereby being able to smuggle all of our copied contraband out of the country, and paid to check our bags. Funny... we haven't had to do that on any of the planes, yet the railroad charged us.

When we arrived in Hong Kong, we quickly realized that the British influence had not completely disappeared. They drive on the other side of the road, with the steering wheels on the right side. I hadn't seen this since Tokyo and the taxi we took to a hotel when I was on my way to my mission back in '75.

The other, and most apparent difference in Hong Kong is that there is no shortage of tailors. When we walked out of the hotel lobby, Mike said, "I give it 10 seconds." I started counting, and literally, when I got to 9 we had our first offer for a tailored shirt or suit. These are not chinese tailors, but are from south India, and just like in Shanghai, one "no" is never enough. They hound you over and over and over and over and over...

We were looking for someplace to grab some lunch before we had to catch a taxi to see ATR (the vendor we were to meet with that afternoon). Our only escape from the street tailors was to duck into a shopping mall and find a restaurant.

There were very upscale shops here, with authentic merchandise. I didn't dare walk into this golf shop because I would invariably find some set of clubs that I "needed" and wouldn't be able to afford the Hong Kong price.

Having been offered copy Rolexes on every leg of our trip, I had to grab a picture of this Rolex sign (and busy Hong Kong street). Yup, that's right... authentic Rolex shop.

Jackie Chan... local hero made good... is all over the place. An advertisement for his fitness gyms and his star (and hand prints) on the Hong Kong "walk of fame." His was about the only name we recognized.

These school kids were out for an excursion... surrounded by teachers shouting orders to stay in line and hold hands. We took the opportunity to wave and say "hello" and make them smile.

After our meeting with ATR, I talked Mike into visiting my Aunt and Uncle. They are on a mission (he's a doctor and services several of the Asian missions). We called them and got directions to the Asia Area Church Office Building.

Of all the buildings we've been in on this trip, this was by far the nicest and cleanest. We walked through very ornate doors to feel like we had entered a different world. We visited briefly with some other couple missionaries that were in the lobby and got permission to ride the "lift" to the 7th floor to hook up with my Uncle John and Aunt Jane.

They are doing very well, and seem very happy to be serving. We toured the facility... saw the Area Presidencies residence and fitness area (imagine this... all NordicTrack equipment) and enjoyed the view from the balconies on a couple of floors.

The Hong Kong streets are as busy as any, and we're told that 80 of the 100 tallest buildings in the world are right here on Hong Kong island. Great views, great digs, nice folks.



They sugggested we go out to eat, and then take in the harbor from "the peak." We were down with this, and after chasing them through the streets -- their pace was quick and faster than we were used to -- and into the subway, we rode off to the restaurant they suggested.

It was a mexican restaurant (Rico's) in Hong Kong, that served very good steaks. We can attest to this fact. We finished eating and headed off to the escalator (people mover) that would get us to the tram (railway) that took us to the peak.

All along the way, we made several wrong turns, and ended up getting a little more exercise than was planned, but we had a great time. It was a lot of fun to hook up with them and have them show us around some of the sights in Hong Kong.

As we arrived at the tram, and were waiting for our turn, I grabbed a shot of a tall building across the way just as twilight was setting in.

The tram ride (most of the time at 45 degrees or steeper) was fun, and we started to catch glimpes of the harbor and all the lights.

From the top, we took it all in. We were certainly in the "high rent" district, with homes and apartments all around. They told us they live in the "mid-levels" in a 350 square foot apartment (think about that), and pay $1200/month. They can't both fit into the kitchen area at the same time, and have to take turns getting ready in the morning, because there is not enough room for both of them in the bathroom.

My second floor, where my bedroom is, is 600 square feet.

All that hiking, riding the escalator and tram, and fighting the crowds along the way was worth it. The view was incredible, and we took it in for a short time before catching the return trip down. I could definitely visit Hong Kong again...

Eat your heart out Skylar... our next stop... Taiwan. We arrived in Taipei and were picked up for the 2 hour ride to Taichung. Our next few days are very busy, with many vendors here in Taiwan, and then on to Bangkok before the flight home.

Our last week in Asia is winding down, and I'll admit, not a day too soon. As long as we can keep the momentum going and finish the training and visits with these next vendors, the thoughts of home won't be too much to bear.

I am saddened that I missed Katie winning the Wellsville Mile (5th grade girls) -- she even beat Tyler Crosbie by 2 seconds. I'll have to give him a hard time about that one. She's been saying she wants to play football. Maybe she would be a good running back.

MC baseball has put together some successful wins as they enter state tournament, and hopefully their successes will continue.

There are definitely some differences between China and Taiwan. Taiwan is much more relaxed and not near as crowded, and there aren't 8,000,000 street vendors trying to sell you a copy watch, Prada bag, or DVD... not too mention the tailors.

Skylar never told me about the "Beetlenut girls." I'll try to get some pics for the next blog.