ATW - Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong Skyline. It was so big that you couldn't get it all in one shot.

After a very interesting couple of days in Hong Kong, unfortunately we have to head home tomorrow. We are all very wiped out from this whirlwind trip and it will be great to get home...back to reality! We are so glad we took this opportunity even though most people said we were crazy to do all of this with 2 young children. This was an unforgettable trip and one that we will remember and cherish all our lives.

ATW - Disneyland, Hong Kong

We attended a couple of shows that were very intriguing. Hearing Mickey and the crew speaking Cantonese was a treat!

Sawyer was ecstatic to meet the real Buzz Lightyear! He got a blissful sparkle in his eyes. He was in total awe of him. What a great moment for us all!

The plastic military look alikes were my favorite part of the parade.

What a great way to conclude our time in Hong Kong! We had a great day!

ATW - Hong Kong, China

Going from Paris to Hong Kong was quite a shocka (as they say in Australia). Breathing was difficult because of the humidity. Within seconds of stepping out of our hotel our backs were dripping with sweat. I have never experienced humidity that horrible before. So, needless to say I thought Hong Kong was a very stinky city.

This China man is trying to earn a couple bucks by charging to take a photo with him in his carriage.

This is the Man Mo Temple. This building swelters in a bluish haze as the smoke from smoldering incense rises up into the sky. Some people believe this smoke carries prayers upward to heaven. The ceiling is varnished black by more than 150 years of smoke exposure. We stayed in just long enough to take a few photos, then outside to catch some fresh air...well it was so humid you could hardly breathe out there either. Are you getting the picture...Hong Kong just was not my cup of tea!

"The Peak Tram" took us to Hong Kong Island for a great view. Finally...something fantastic!

View of Hong Kong from Hong Kong Island.

These crepes look scrumptious!

We took a boat tour of the fishing boats. Wow, what an experience. I think the photos speak for themselves!

ATW - Paris, France

It was very sad to have our last meal in Paris before having to get on yet another plane. We both needed more time there, and so I guess Jonathan will have to take me back sometime. Maybe next time it will be just the two of us...wishful thinking...there probably won't be a next time!

Breakfast at this restaurant was just like all the rest...we had no idea what we were ordering! The little French Restaurant Guide didn't help much since we couldn't really figure out how to use it. However, you really can't go wrong with breakfast. Our meal was not what we thought we ordered, but it was very good.



Well, we survived despite the language barrier, but I am still not sure how. Next we are headed to Hong Kong (8 or 9 hour flight...can't remember exact flight time) where they mostly speak Cantonese with a little Mandarin and English on the side. It will be very interesting, that's for sure.

ATW - Versailles, France

The Palace of Versailles was definitely a highlight of France. From Paris we took the train for about 45 minutes to arrive in Versailles. Apparently King Louis XIV had very expensive taste and took his fathers hunting lodge and turned it into a very extravagant palace with many gardens. It is so huge that we couldn't cover it all in one day. It is mind blowing to see how frivolous they lived. This was more over the top than the castles we have seen...even Buckingham Palace!

As you can see we passed through the blue room then the brown room then the red room then the orange room, etc. It was room, after room, after room. The Palace has more than 700 rooms!

Huge murals and paintings were in every room, as well as massive chandeliers.

The grounds and gardens were beautiful.

Petite Trianon - Marie Antoinette's estate

Grand Trianon

We all really enjoyed exploring the gardens by bike. I think this was Sawyer's favorite part of our whole vacation.

What a great day in a lavish place!