Our lives and travels
On Sunday, we explored London's West End, enjoying the quiet streets. At the British Museum, we saw lots of old things. Lunch with friends at the Seven Stars featured a friendly cat. Later, Camden Town's vibrant markets and the unique stores captivated us before returning to our hotel.
The adventure to the Isle of Skye featured driving through stunning landscapes, encountering abundant sheep, and navigating challenging roads. Highlights included hikes at the Fairy Pools and Old Man Storr, visits to Dunvegan Castle and a local distillery, and moments of relaxation at our holiday home, enriched by seal sightings and cozy fires.
After a hearty breakfast, we explored Edinburgh's Old Town, marvelling at its unique topography and architecture along the Royal Mile. We visited notable sites like Adam Smith's Close and the Real Mary King's Close tour. We also enjoyed exceptional locally sourced coffee and learned about clan tartans, enriching our Scottish experience.
Chris and Chantal's journey from New Zealand to the UK highlights travel tips for comfort, emphasising the hidden costs of budget airlines versus standard ones. They faced inconsistent airport security regulations, particularly in Singapore, and found a shower at airport lounges transformative. They advise patience in navigating cultural differences during travel.
After Chantal finishing the conference, Chris and Chantal explored Hong Kong, enjoying sunset views and traditional Chinese cuisine. Activities included visiting temples, shopping malls, and a cat café. They experienced mixed dining encounters, from delectable pastries to disappointing dim sum. Their exit included a visit to a Buddhist nunnery before returning home.
Chantal attended the Law, Literature and Humanities Association of Australasia 2024 conference at HKU. While navigating the hilly campus proved challenging, the stunning views were rewarding. Highlights included the conference dinner and evening campus explorations. With the conference concluded, Chantal and Chris look forward to further exploring Hong Kong.
The journey to Hong Kong was an enjoyable experience. Activating essential cards and exploring local sights, like Hong Kong Park and The Peak, enriched the experience. The vibrant Sheung Wan area offered delightful dining, including Dim Sum. The visit balanced cultural insights with culinary adventures, promising more exploration ahead.
We started our day with a visit to the quiet Sompo Museum of Art in Shinjuku, enjoying the "the magic north" exhibition and viewing Van Gogh's Sunflowers. After energy-replenishing fluffy Japanese pancakes, we explored Takeshita Street in Harajuku, encountering unique experiences and animal cafes.
We decided to explore Kyoto by electric-assisted bikes. The day included exploring temples, witnessing the oddity of tourists in kimonos, and encountering cats at Fushimi Inari Taisha. The adventure ended with a creepy detour in the shrine grounds.
We visited the Osaka aquarium and rode a Ferris wheel. Tired from our journey, we sought a peaceful day and found it at the aquarium. We encountered a Kiwi, enjoyed delicious drinks, and marveled at the world's largest aquarium. Highlights included whale sharks, otters, and stunning views from the Ferris wheel.
Chris and Chantal 