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.
