Let's See Here...

Blogging is kind of tricky here, especially because the internet is so sketchy. I will try to update you on the past few days where blogging has not been an option. X days ago, we went to Victoria Peak while grandma and mom went shopping. The wait to get on the tram was stupid long and when we got there we found an electronics store and grandpa got distracted by the flashing lights. We walked away with a gigantic helicopter toy, 2 laser light show projector thingies, and a pen that is actually a camera (we plan to attach it to the helicopter to get some neat views). The helicopter didn't work so yesterday we went back up to the peak to get the controller replaced. After that we decided that I didn't have enough puzzles already so we returned to Calvin's shop to get some more. He was closed so we borrowed a phone to call him and ask when he would be open and he rushed over to greet us. I walked away with a huge bag of puzzles (including a gift or two for a friend). I then proceeded to start packing (we leave "tomorrow", after all). All of the puzzles fit in my suitcase but I had to stuff my pillow in a big compression sack with some dirty underwear to do it. We don't know how we're going to get the big helicopter home but Grandpa seems to think that the airline will let us take it carry-on...Today we might go back to another puzzle shop (to "even things out" because the two shop owners don't get along very well and it might look like we favor one over the other, especially when the other was so nice to me) but we also might go see the Giant Buddha instead. It is certain that we are going back to the market with the wholesale puzzles this morning. Tomorrow we leave. It is also certain that I shall not be bored for the next few years.

Nescafé and Buddhist KOs!

Yesterday our plans were changed slightly due to Roxanne's daughter falling ill, but we were still taken to the market. We were greeted by Roxanne with some canned Nescafé, and we ventured off towards the various stalls. We were lucky to have Roxanne with us because she really knows the area and the stores. We would not have found the puzzles that we did without her. It seems like a lot of the places were sometimes good, but the first place we went to had quite a few interesting puzzles (a lot of them KOs, but it was nice to look). After browsing for a while we went off to try to see the Giant Buddha statue but it was too cloudy so we enjoyed a nice lunch (slow service) and I got to play around with a 9x9. Since our guide is otherwise engaged, we are now done with the puzzle shopping. I came out with around 80 new puzzles!!

An attempt at recreation?

Today started out with a journey to the local mall. Grandpa (wise as he is) stayed back while I risked venturing out with 2 purse-hungry women. They were not disappointed, but I was. They at least got to do their fun thing. I meanwhile figured out how to solve one of my new puzzles. After this I continued my neverending quest to sticker the Teraminx (5/12 done so far) and we decided to take a tour of the Hong Kong harbor area. We got tickets just in time and dashed on to the ferry. The tour lasted around an hour and went around to the various landmarks, but the sea was rather choppy (much to my mother's chagrin). After the tour, Roxanne met us again for dinner at the Pacific Club. Being thoughtful as she is, Roxanne brought me some puzzles. I couldn't have asked for more. She has been very helpful and willing to assist us since we first started communicating (well, maybe not from the very beginning but at least once I opened up a little bit...). I am so grateful for having her as a friend in Hong Kong because she has made some of my puzzle dreams come true. We had a wonderful dinner together and made arrangements to take a cable car tour of the Giant Buddha statue and a neat little market that has some "hit-and-miss" stores tomorrow.