Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Hong Kong, Macau, and Australia Trip--Part 1

It’s the first time my husband and I travelled internationally with the kids.  Yes, and we decided to go all the way to the other side of the globe.  One Country, and Two Special Administrative Regions (of China) all in one trip: Hone Kong, Australia, and Macau.  Friends and relatives called us crazy, brave, and crazy.  Did I say crazy?  It was an unforgettable trip, filled with fun, love, food, exhaustion, jet lag, new experiences and wonderful memories!  I need some time to take them all in! 

First, we arrived in Hong Kong after a 15 hours flight.  During the flight, I have my 1 and a half year old sitting and sleeping on my lap most of the time.  I thought I was going to lose my legs!  LOL  Then, we flew to Australia after 1 day.  Another 9 hours flight while we were still having jet lag!  See how much fun we’re having already?  Anyhow, we arrived safe and sound, and blood is still flowing to my legs!
 
Chayote-Australia

The main purpose to visit Australia was to visit my Grandmother, my Aunts and Uncles.  Finally, the kids got to meet their Great Grandma, Grand Aunts and Grand Uncles for the very first time!  Although our stay was rather short, we had the most amazing time together.  We shared, we talked, we laughed; it was wonderful and heart warming.  It was nice to see my cousin after all these years too.  Now, she’s all grown up and a mother of two as well.  Boy, time flies!

I just want to take this opportunity to thank my Aunt and Uncle again for their hospitality.  Thank you for preparing everything for our stay and letting us make a mess at your house (I swear it was my husband, not the kids)!  We had the most wonderful time there. 

The picture above was taken at my Aunt’s backyard.  A beautiful Chayote that she planted.  I think it’s time to harvest!  

View Sonic-Australia
Picture above is an 80+ year old parrot, aka my Uncle’s girlfriend.  My husband gave her the nick name “ViewSonic”!  Like all women, she talks a lot!  Isn’t she beautiful? 

When we were in Australia, we visited the Easter Show in the Olympic Stadium.  The Easter Show comprises of an agricultural show, an amusement park and a fair that showcased livestock and produce.  This comprehensive fair has many competitions including arts and crafts, photography and cookery, as well as tests of strength and skill such as wood chopping. The Show also has shopping, restaurants, commercial stands and exhibits, a horticultural display, and a national accredited conformation dog show and cat show. 

Bakery Booth-Australia Easter Show

Pictures above and below are food venders exhibits.  Many of them were giving out samples too.  :P  Yum…   

Dessert Booth-Australia Easter Show


Agriculture Display-Australia Easter Show
The pictures above and below are the agricultural displays from different districts.  These displays are made out of fresh produces!  Aren’t they amazing?  I was so amazed at the craftsmanship and artistic talents of those who created these masterpieces. 

Agriculture Display-Australia Easter Show

We sampled some wine, cheese, bread, and desserts.  Then, we headed to the seafood vender and ordered a dozen of oysters and called that lunch.  

Oyster and Seafood Booth-Australia Easter Show

The Easter Show was huge and we didn’t even have enough time to visit all the exhibits.  It was a wonderful experience.

Australia is a beautiful country and we wished we could spend more time exploring Sydney and the surrounding cities.  Well, maybe next time... in the near future.  Goodbye Australia!  We’ll miss you.

Opera House and Sydney Bridge Panorama Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge
(Click on the picture for a larger view)

Up next I will post our experiences in Macau, stay tuned.  Thank you for stopping by today and hope to see you again soon.





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15 comments:

  1. Phew... such long hour flight! Am glad your legs still moving. hahaha... The time spent with family is absolutely priceless and it's all well worth it. Thanks for sharing such lovely pics.
    Blessings, Kristy

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  2. What a fun trip, well, once you were grounded. Blogger was down and I lost your entries for the giveaway on my blog. If you don't mind entering again. Check it out at: http://imapretendchef.blogspot.com/2011/05/element-bars-giveaway.html

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  3. Sounds like you had a lovely time and got to spend time with your family. Your pictures of the Easter show look lovely - something I've never even been to and I'm Australian!! I look forward to reading about your Macau experience..I was there a few weeks ago.

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  4. What a wonderful trip! I'd like to make that trip to the other side of the world with our kids so that they can finally meet some of our family in Viet Nam, but the 20 hour flight has always seemed so daunting. Glad to hear that your kids did well on the trip. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. That is a wonderful trip! Glad that you have enjoyed the trip, visiting your family! You are really super, travelling with your young child! I think I would faint! Hahaha! But then, it is really special to travel together as a family! Looking forward to your Macau photos!

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  6. You are brave for traveling with the whole family! Sounds like all are troopers. How fun to visit family and enjoy food!

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  7. Amazing - can't wait to hear more!

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  8. So happy you enjoyed your travels and Australia. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful country.Every state of Australia has a show like you visited in Sdyney...they are great fun, aren't they. Glad your stay was enjoyable and you intent visiting Oz again some day. x

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  9. What a great post. Thanks for sharing such a special family trip.

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  10. oh bella sounds exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time ~ I can only imagine the challenges during the flight time, but the rewards look fabulous - beautiful photos, sounds like a wonderful trip!!!

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  11. We should say thank you for your visit, you warm our hearts with your lovely family. Not many young one nowadays have heart for the old people but you and your husband are the few exceptions.
    We look forward to see you again in the very near future. Uncle & Aunt from Australia

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  12. Amy, what an incredible trip for you and your family! I'd love to do a similar visit with my hubby and kids :)

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  13. What gorgeous photos...looks like an amazing trip! Thanks for giving us a little armchair tour ;)

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  14. You shared a wonderful trip and thanks for sharing all those nice moments through great pics!

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