On to Hong Kong

Waiting in line at the train station.  We're on Z817.

We finished up packing and were ready to go when our guide Kelly arrived at 10:45am.  Our luggage was quite a load, so it was nice to have the help of the bell staff.  At the train station, Kelly helped us get our bags inside and then we said goodbye and headed through immigration since we would be leaving China to go to Hong Kong.  Even though Hong Kong is technically part of China, they are separate enough to have different passports and immigration policies.  Originally, I thought the train was a high speed train, but it was more of a traditional train with a top speed somewhere around 70 or 80 mph since we were going faster than cars on the highway.

About halfway through our journey, we slowed down to pass through Shenzen.  On the trip, Luke seemed to be having a difficult time.  I think there was some sadness due to the fact that he was leaving China.

Luke looking out the train window

Once we arrived in Hong Kong at the Hum Hong station in Kowloon, we found a driver with an eight passenger van just big enough to fit our luggage and passengers.  I hopped in the front left seat next to the driver.  A weird feeling being in that spot when I'm not driving, but that's a reminder that we left China and moved to Hong Kong, a former British colony.  Beyond the driving on the "wrong" side of the road, our initial impression of Hong Kong was that it was cleaner than Guangzhou.  We also liked the fact that apparently the water is safe to drink.  

It wasn't long before we arrived at our hotel which is right near the airport.  Luke started to get excited at the site of the airport and I think he was disappointed when we unloaded at the hotel - the Sky City Marriott.  We asked the front desk attendant to explain to him that we had a few days in Hong Kong before leaving.  He seemed to understand, but I can tell he just wants to "Go Home", a phrase I've heard from him often.

Sky City Marriott - our new home for 3 nights!

The Sky City Marriott is a beautiful hotel, full of international travelers.  It felt vastly different than China and even the Garden Hotel.  There were British, Australian, American, Chinese, and Indian people mingling for business or pleasure.  The location of the hotel is on beautiful and mountainous Lantau Island in Hong Kong.  We chose it because it is close to Disneyland and close to the airport.  The downside is that it is isolated from everything else - you can't really walk anywhere.  But they do have shuttle bus service to a nearby subway station that has a good sized shopping area.

Since we were pretty wiped out from traveling, we decided to order some pizza and then go swimming.  The only delivery options were Pizza Hut and KFC so we went with Pizza Hut.  We thought the prices were fairly reasonable, but when the pizza arrived, we realized a large pizza in Hong Kong is not the same as a large in the US.  It ended up being enough for everyone, but no one was stuffed from dinner.  

Dana in the pool.

Then we went to the pool.  It was indoor and warmer than the Garden Hotel and attached to a men's and women's locker/changing room.  The changing rooms had a small hot tub, steam room and sauna.  We spent some time in all three, but mostly in the pool.  It was a good way to relax before heading to bed for a good night's sleep since tomorrow is Disneyland Hong Kong!