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Going Tribal
Well, here we are in Hong Kong on our final day of the journey, awaiting our direct flight home to LAX. (looks like we got out just in time, as it's looking to get a little crazy in Bangkok tomorrow: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wir eStory/thai-capital-braces-protest-shut down-21502705 We had an perfect and uneventful flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong early this morning -- wait -- except for the European couple behind us at the Air Asia check-in counter. Not one spat or disagreement with anyone at all the entire trip in Asia, until now. It was 5:55 AM, and our flight was departing at 6:45 AM. The check-in line for international was moving slowly, so once it hits 45 - 60 minutes before a flight, they put up a special sign and allow passengers to leave the line and go over for quick check-in since the flight leaves soon. That we did, and the people behind us had a flight to Hanoi at 7:00 AM. Our bags were put up on the scale and it was discovered that we have a small problem with the weight, and I'll need to pay some extra money. It wasn't 15 seconds past and the people behind me started sounding off their comments about "you have a bag problem and we have a flight !" The Air Asia rep assured them we are all fine, but that wasn't enough for them. So, they continued to make trouble with me, as I was trying to pay the extra fee -- at which point, as I was trying to be patient and nice, explaining to them the process with Air Asia and we both have plenty of time still -- they kept arguing back, and I had no choice but to tell them "Hey, mind your own business!". Their conversation changed to German right after that, probably reassuring each other that everything's going to be fine. ;-) Aside from that, all was good and I napped nicely on the plane.We were simply spending the day in Hong Kong, no overnight stay, so we checked our bags in with our long haul flight, and took the Express Train to downtown Hong Kong for the day.
To this point, I had scheduled every single detail -- every location, activity, every hour was accounted for -- except for Hong Kong. I left that day pretty much open, and it showed. We got into the city, and I was completely lost. I was there one time before with Kevin last year, and figured I'd make some of the same rounds to the markets etc. Problem was, I had no clue where I was, and seemed to have no way to communicate with anyone. But, after a few hours of floundering, we ran into the Sogo department store (which ends up being the largest Japanese Department Store in all of Hong Kong). It's 18 floors, and 400,000 square feet of every single product known to mankind, every brand, you name it. Pretty crazy, and people everywhere of course -- it is Sunday after all. It was fun, and we found a section that sells these very deluxe massaging chairs -- $4,000-$5,000 each. Boy, were those cool. Then the lady brings out this new device that interfaces with the chair, and we throw that on Bobby's large head, and she cranks the k*** to tighten it, and away it goes. It wraps snugly around the head, and has multiple levels of massaging & vibrations all over, as well as audio interface -- a girl that speaks soothingly to you and tells you to close your eyes and imagine certain things. As shown in the picture, Bobby got into the zone. Check it out -- these things are deluxe ! -- http://www.osim.com/HK/product/udivine- s-massage-chair.aspx?category_id=D0E858 91-B63C-4E21-AD47-A9A5B8C9FD0B
We are now at Hong Kong Int'l Airport, all checked in and ready to fly home. It's been a fantastic trip for the 2 of us. A Father Son journey that we'll both always cherish. Bobby exceeded my hopes in terms of handling the travel and the amount of time away from home, and he has big aspirations for future travel. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to make this journey, and I'm glad that we were able to see and learn so much. And the many people we met along the way will always be nice memories to look back on. Thank you for following our adventure and enjoying it all with us. See you soon !
Robert and Bobby
To this point, I had scheduled every single detail -- every location, activity, every hour was accounted for -- except for Hong Kong. I left that day pretty much open, and it showed. We got into the city, and I was completely lost. I was there one time before with Kevin last year, and figured I'd make some of the same rounds to the markets etc. Problem was, I had no clue where I was, and seemed to have no way to communicate with anyone. But, after a few hours of floundering, we ran into the Sogo department store (which ends up being the largest Japanese Department Store in all of Hong Kong). It's 18 floors, and 400,000 square feet of every single product known to mankind, every brand, you name it. Pretty crazy, and people everywhere of course -- it is Sunday after all. It was fun, and we found a section that sells these very deluxe massaging chairs -- $4,000-$5,000 each. Boy, were those cool. Then the lady brings out this new device that interfaces with the chair, and we throw that on Bobby's large head, and she cranks the k*** to tighten it, and away it goes. It wraps snugly around the head, and has multiple levels of massaging & vibrations all over, as well as audio interface -- a girl that speaks soothingly to you and tells you to close your eyes and imagine certain things. As shown in the picture, Bobby got into the zone. Check it out -- these things are deluxe ! -- http://www.osim.com/HK/product/udivine- s-massage-chair.aspx?category_id=D0E858 91-B63C-4E21-AD47-A9A5B8C9FD0B
We are now at Hong Kong Int'l Airport, all checked in and ready to fly home. It's been a fantastic trip for the 2 of us. A Father Son journey that we'll both always cherish. Bobby exceeded my hopes in terms of handling the travel and the amount of time away from home, and he has big aspirations for future travel. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to make this journey, and I'm glad that we were able to see and learn so much. And the many people we met along the way will always be nice memories to look back on. Thank you for following our adventure and enjoying it all with us. See you soon !
Robert and Bobby
- comments
Dan Hey you guys! What an adventure! I finally got around to the blogs, pictures, and videos. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Sue So happy you guys had such an awesome experience. We felt like we were right there with you... thanks so much for all the photos, videos, and updates. Trip of a lifetime! We look forward to having you back! Safe flight.
Lee Bartlow We have enjoyed the many details of your trip and the descriptive history of your many stops. This has got to be the best thing a father can do for a son. As for Bobby, this has got to be a major imprint in his memory that he will never forget. Thanks Robert for including me.
Kevin and Marisa What an amazing experience! Have a safe trip.
Wang Chung Glad you survived with no need for extraction. So would have loved to be in that line at the airport. Don't forget to wash those dirty shirts!
Maria Have a safe trip!
John, Maria and Andrew WOW! What an incredible trip for you both! Thank you very much for sharing your amazing adventure with us. We really enjoyed reading your travel blog, and watching your spectacular videos. Welcome home!!!