And here we go! Off to Hong Kong!

Our GSE trip is on the go! Yesterday we gathered at Durban International to catch our flight to Johannesburg. We got together a bit earlier and had coffee, chatted and generally got ourselves organised. Santosh had collected our blazers and shirts from Gem Schoolwear – we got ourselves dressed and had photos with our District 9270 Governor Hennie de Bruin and GSE District Chairperson Annette van Bergen. It was great to have them there to send us off. DG Hennie gave us a South African flag and a whole bunch of beaded necklaces to give to our friends in Hong Kong.
There were tears at the Airport – I guess a month away is a long time for loved ones who are waiting for our return. It was very special to have so many family members and loved ones there to see us off.

We arrived in Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International in good time to get all our stuff across to the International Departures section. Our only snag was Nivashni’s name tag falling off her blazer and although we did a thorough search – no joy. But we’ve got the original artwork and we’ll get her another in the first day or two in HK.
Picture above: District Governor of Rotary District 9270, Hennie de Bruin with the team at Durban International

Our flight to HK left at 4.50pm on Saturday – very long flight – over 13 hours – but although long was very pleasant – not bumpy, and the service from the SAA cabin staff was great. We arrived at Hong Kong International at 12.15pm (HK time – around lunchtime). It was strange to think that it was 6.15am at home. Hong Kong is exactly 6 hours ahead of SA time.

No problems getting through customs etc. Hong Kong International is an amazing airport and has apparently won plenty of awards as one of the best airports in the world. It is huge, very modern and spotlessly clean.

Getting out into the arrivals hall, we were welcomed very warmly by D3450 GSE Chair Stella Kan, Tenny Leung and Kenny Chow. It was great to meet them and we took photo’s and chatted before going out to a large coach/bus which took us the fair distance into Kowloon. Lots of interesting sites along the way and we were amazed to hear that the average Hong Kong family live in apartments between 20 m²and 50m² in size. That is something to get our heads around, coming from South Africa where there is so much space. Tenny told us that Hong Kong has a population over 7 million people in an area of 1,000 square miles (or is that kilometres?). Amazing.

Picture above: the team with (from left PP and District 3450 Foundation Chair Kenneth Chow, District 3450 GSE Chair PP Stella Kan and PP Tenny Leung

We soon arrived at the Booth Lodge, which is a Salvation Army lodge (Hotel) attached to the Salvation Army headquarters in Win Singh Street, Kowloon. It is a very nice place – we are staying in apartments for our first night. Nivashni and Jonathan are going to home hosts tomorrow, but Brendan, Siyanda and Santosh will be staying there for the time being.

We had a quick meal with Stella and Tenny at Booth Lodge, after which they left us to catch up on some sleep. That was really needed – especially by Jonathan – sleeping on the plane didn’t work . After about 4 hours sleep, we got up, freshened up and went down for another light meal before we decided to hit the streets and look around. Booth Lodge is just off Nathan Road which is apparently a seriously famous shopping road in Hong Kong. Now you’d think that being around 9pm on a Sunday night it would be quiet. We couldn’t believe how busy it was – most shops still open – and the a street market just off Nathan Road which must run for 6 full city blocks. Absolutely jam-packed with people. Vendors selling just about everything you can imagine – from fake watches to really beautiful jewellery. Some of the eating establishments were really mind-boggling. Huge trays of live prawns, crabs, oysters and all sorts of shellfish. You select, they cook and hey! Presto! We have decided to stick with lodge food for the time being until we get a bit more adventurous.

So a great first day. We are all collapsing into bed again around midnight.

Tomorrow is free until 12noon when we are being collected by District Vice-Chair Joseph Chan. Stella has told us that he is taking us to a Rotary lunch and then to our official welcome in the evening where District Governor Albert Wong will be present. We are looking forward to that and will be putting our best foot (feet) forward.

This is going to be such a great trip and we are very grateful to the Rotary Foundation, our District 9270 and District 3450 for making it possible. DG Hennie, thanks for setting this trip up those 2 years ago. And finally, but by no means less important, thanks to our loved ones and our employers who sent us with their blessings.

That’s it for today. Signing off at 1.45am HK time – yawn.