Our lives and travels
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.
On the first conference day for Chantal, Chris explored Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, appreciating their tranquility and beauty. He witnessed a Buddhist ceremony at the nunnery before visiting Kowloon Walled City Park, rich in history. Later, he reunited with Chantal for a spicy noodle dinner, ending the day with ice cream.
Chantal attended a PhD Day at the conference in Hong Kong, while Chris explored vibrant areas like Sheung Wan and Mong Kok. They reunited to navigate the crowded Ladies Market, assessing its offerings and enjoying a quiet rooftop retreat.
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.
The final days in Kyoto were spent shopping and relaxing before traveling to Tokyo. Upon arrival, we visited the famous Gotokuji temple known for its thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) statues. However, our experience at the massive Shinjuku station was marred by confusion and difficulty, leaving us tired and stressed.
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.
While visiting Kyoto, we relaxed with a massage and explored a nearby garden. Later, we indulged in a rejuvenating massage before enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant. The meal featured shabu-shabu and delightful yuzu sorbet.
The overnight trip to Nara included visits to Nara Park, the Nara National Museum, and encounters with friendly deer. The museum showcased impressive Buddhist art, and the park was filled with deer eager for snacks.
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 