drron29

Now we are going to sit down on these mats to practice Zen.

The higher you went the better the views.

Now climb the first 100 stairs. But now I continue via the roadway.

The lower part of the temple complex.

The highway has a few sections missing. And we reach the temple.

We stopped at a local market.

Lots of new developements because of the new highway, Lots of coal mines.

And now a slight delay in our tour as our stationary bus was hit by a speeding local bus. They had to climb out through a broken window as the door on the red bus was jammed. For us only a 15 minute delay until a replacement bus arrived. .picasa.ini

Then on to a new highway opened a year ago which mostly follows Halong Bay.

The Viking Orion had beaten us in. first lunch at Kaiseki. And then I was off on the Zen monastery and local village tour.

The next morning we were sailing into Halong Bay.

Back to Atlantide for dinner. Rojaan had a small serving of the lime marinated scallops to start and then her favourite lamb chops for main. I had the carpaccio, potato and leek soup and halibut. All good. And we both finished with the raspberry delight.

that evening was the Captain's welcome though it became the CEO's welcome.

Lunch was in Atlantide. Rojaan started with the avocado and baby shrimp and I had the quesadilla. Both were very tasty. Then Rojaan had the veal and I the beef salad. Both were good. And we both had the banana to finish.

The next day was a sea day. Lots of activity mainly fishhing boats. some came quite close. But we were observed by a Chinese coast guard vessel for some time. There were in one place what looked to be large buoys. But this one had a small vessel attached. We then traversed the narrow passage between the Chinese coast and Hainan island. From our balcony we could see China.

We have since had 2 other passengers say that the Osso Buco on this leg was inedible.

Atlantide for dinner again. Rojaan Had the salmon carpaccio and I the wild mushroom salad. both were very nice. Rojaan had her usual lamb chops and I had the prime rib. Again very nice. And sail away.

Then the night lights of Hong Kong.

We then entered a shopping Mall It turned out to be connected with other building including the Cruise terminal. You could spend your whole time in here. We did find a branch of one of our favourite Thai restaurants, Nara, here so decided to have lunch. The staff are helped by a couple of robots that bring dishes from the kitchen and can take used dishes back. I had a beer and Rojaan a coconut smoothie. We had an excellent Pomelo salad with prawns and tempura enoki mushrooms. More than enough for us. When we got back to the ship the tide had obviously changed and we used the port's gangplank. Them some views from our balcony.

In the past we stayed many times at the sheraton and a couple of times at the Peninsula. But we often ate at Gaddis. Funny even as a poor resident we could eat here. On one occasion about 5 years after becoming a specialist there was a conference in Hong Kong. Several who had been medical students or junior doctors under me were there and I took some to Gaddis. A table of 14. The Maitre'D quickly worked out I was paying so I received excellent service. Funny but I would baulk at the price for doing that now. Of course back then the Aussie Dollar was stronger than the US dollar.

Next morning and we are in Hong Kong. Slept in. late light breakfast in the Arts Cafe. Some views from the ship. The we just went for a walk in the area near the cruise terminal. We used to go regularly to Hong Kong but have only had 1 trip there since 1997. Boy has it changed.

Yes but there are plenty of different items and with the different restaurants you would have to be very fussy not to find something you enjoyed. I am happy they have tartare, carpaccio. foie gras and raw fish on the menu as we both enjoy those Immensely. Atlantide has a daily menu which changes daily. Indochine has changes every 3 - 4 days. Plus There is the everyday menu at Atlantide which should satisfy most passengers. Then there is the room service menu which is reasonably extensive and you can order from that when in a restaurant. We have done that for a change particularly dessert when we will order the room service Creme bruleee for dessert in Atlantide. You can find that under restaurants on your TV though they will provide a copy in a restaurant if you ask. A gentleman did it just a few hours ago in Kaiseki for lunch. Not sure why you go to a Japanese restaurant and order pasta though.