I'm on vacation (yet again, as some would say) so I decided since I can't go to Beijing (need visa) for the Olympics, I'd go to Hong Kong (no visa needed) and try to get tickets for the Equestrian events that they were hosting. The flights were pretty full, but I thought I had a good chance. Had to fly down to SFO first, due the SEA/PDX flights on NW were full. Made it to NRT in Business class. Then came the connection to HKG. The flight was booked even, and before I left, there were only 2 other NR's ahead of me. Well, when I got there a party of 4 bumped ahead, damn the Ives family. It was a nail biter, and got the last seat, until a dupe onboard. BUMPED! What to do, what to do. Do I forget HKG and head to HNL, go to BKK (in honor of Micah), or try again tomorrow? Well, taking Micah's advice, headed thru customs and down to the Hotel desk. Got a room at the Narita Port Hotel for $64. It was clean and pleasant, so it was worth it. Got up early the next day and had all day since the flight left at 1830. Found out that there was a shuttle to Narita town, so spent a few hours at the Aeon Mall.
Ate at the above "ala carte" udon place. You order the basic noodles, then add on stuff. With my udon, I got shrimp tempura, pumpkin tempura, sweet potato tempura and a chicken skewer for about $7. It was yummy! There was a Starbucks and Hard Rock too. Got some pins there. Caught the shuttle back and headed for the airport to try again.
The Olympic Rings and a replica of the Torch in the foreground.
Lighted Mascot displays.
The live Equestrian events on the big screen.
In honour of the Olympics Equestrian events in HKG, they created a "piazza" to foster the Olympic spirit. It was pretty cool.
There was live broadcasts of all events on different TV screens, Equestrian displays, Mascot displays,
Photo ops,
they gave out PDA's for interactive fun stuff. Of course a licensed store for Olympic souvenirs. Even a replica of the "Water Cube"
The hotel is in the Western District on Hong Kong Island. This area is pretty well known for the dried seafood shops that line Des Voeux Road West. Ahhh, the sweet smell of dried seafood. ha ha ha.
The location is about a 20min walk from the nearest MTR subway stop, but the double decker electric tram is right around the corner. The tram runs along Des Voeux Road, which is the main drag on the Island. And it was cheap, $2HKG, something like 30 cents US.
Ate at the above "ala carte" udon place. You order the basic noodles, then add on stuff. With my udon, I got shrimp tempura, pumpkin tempura, sweet potato tempura and a chicken skewer for about $7. It was yummy! There was a Starbucks and Hard Rock too. Got some pins there. Caught the shuttle back and headed for the airport to try again.
