We flew back from the cool of Da Lat into the swelter of HCMC for a couple of days. Having been here with the kids in 2012 we had already been to a number of the main sites of interest but we did this time go to the Reunification Palace, a rather ugly piece of 1960's architecture but of great historical significance as it was where on 30th April 1975 the North Vietnamese army tanks crashed through the gates into the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam resulting in the end of the Vietnam War.
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| The Reunification Palace |
From HCMC we then flew to Hong Kong, again somewhere we had been before but this time 25 years ago on our first holiday together, when it was still a British Colony. Hong Kong is incredibly buzzy and full of contrasts, and so different from everywhere else on this trip. Loads of things to see an do.
December is supposed to be the best month to visit but on the day we arrived there was non stop torrential rain but that did not stop us and thousands of others from going to Happy Valley to watch the horse racing. Carolyn even made a few dollars!
In fact we had only one sunny day out of four and we made the most of it taking the Star ferry to Hong Kong Island and going up to Victoria Peak, did a lovely circular walk with views over the harbour and the islands in all directions and then returned by the famous Peak Tram (in operation since 1888).
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| Christmas light show |
We also spent a fascinating morning exploring the flower, bird, goldfish and pet markets in Kowloon.
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| A dog is for life..... |
And yes, we did some shopping, and although interest in the glitzy designer malls soon palled, the Christmas light shows and decorations and people watching were fun. And then there was the dim sum!
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| A 'special cat' the lady walker said, maybe an oricat? |
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| Just one more! |
And finally, after a walk around Hong Kong park admiring the modern architecture, watching newly married couples and new graduates posing for photographs and visiting the 'Museum of Tea Ware', the evening came to fly home.....
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| Koalas hugging a tree? |
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