Day two in Hong Kong started with temps in the low 70's, humidity at 82% and winds at 23 mph. There were some showers during the nights leaving very overcast and cloudy skies the next morning.
At breakfast, we got an update on the laser light show last night. It did happen and just as we suspected, it was not visible from the upper level of the dining room. Many people we knew said the show was underwhelming and they had seen better ones over the years.
We paid a visit to the Princeton Tailors to verify the order would be delivered to our room by 2pm. They said yes, no problem. Actually, it was no and it was a problem. But more about that later. We were also happy to hear from some of our friends that attended the Dinner Under The Stars that it was a success. They did not have any rain and they were able to see the laser show. The price of $95 plus 18% did not deter anyone for this special Pinnacle dinner.
As for us, we left the ship by 9:30am and decided to explore close to the ship since the all aboard time was 4:30pm. Once we left the Harbor City Mall, we noticed the wind had picked up and the light mist was turning into rain. It was a light rain, but we had not brought the umbrellas. Even if we had them, the gusty wind would have turned them inside out like what was happening all around us.
We walked from the Star Ferry to the Avenue of the Stars. It has been a few years since we were here, and it surprised us to find the actual stars and their handprints had been removed from the sidewalk and mounted on the harborside railings. It was really a much better idea and the tourists and locals alike did not have to bend over to place their hands in the prints of their favorite actor. This popular area is known as the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade with stunning views (without the rain and haze), street performers and as we stated, the nightly Symphony of Lights show. We did spot a new sign on the railing informing everyone that there was a police drone surveillance in this entire promenade. With all these things going on, it is a hot spot for pickpockets and more. Today it wasn't a problem because the rain kept them away.
At one point when the rain became heavier, we ducked into a mall called K11 Musea mostly to get out of the rain. This place was a big "wow" with the highest end shops and boutiques. There were at least four levels with a beautiful atrium. It could not get any glitzier than here. We're talking stores like Rado, Cartier, Rolex, Breitling and Tissot. Boutiques were Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Georgio Armani, Givenchy, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vitton, Ralph Loren, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, Versace and Tiffany. Window-shopping was all we did. And going up to the top level, we located the nicest restrooms as well.
From here we had intended on walking up Nathan Road for as far as we could but changed our minds when encountering too many people running with umbrellas. We found the entrance to the Harbor City Mall and headed for lunch. It was already noontime and with the early all aboard time, we thought it was wise to head back.
Yesterday we had spotted the Paper Moon Restaurant, located on the third floor of the new wing of this extensive mall. And better yet, it was very close to the Volendam's entrance from this mall. We were seated at a table for two near a window where the ship was docked. The greeter and waitress were quite nice, speaking perfect English. We ordered two Peroni draft beers which was followed by a basket of focaccia bread, 2 bread sticks, and lavage, the thin cracker that Bill likes. Two small plates were brought and another waiter poured some olive oil in the center, then added a tablespoon of thick balsamic vinegar for dipping the bread. Nice touch. We ordered a margherita pizza with extra sliced onions and mushrooms. It was delicious cooked in a proper pizza oven. We ended the nice meal with a shared small volcano cake with vanilla ice cream. Once again , the meal was pricy but the food and ambience was nice. We could not help but notice that two young ladies were posing for photos sitting near us. At one point they went to the outdoor patio, and continued to take pictures. We bet these show up on Facebook or Twitter.
We did get back to the ship by 2pm expecting to see the ordered clothing on our room. Nope, not there, so by 4pm, one of us went down to deck five to see what happened. The eight reps from Princeton Tailors were knee-deep in labeled packages that just had been delivered. With help from one of the ladies, she was able to find the tux, vest, shirt and tie in different places. I agreed to take them with me along with the garment bag they belonged in.
Back in the room, Bill tried everyone and except for slacks that were a bit too short, the rest fit well. This is something I can fix at home with no problem. If there were major adjustments to be made, then the items would be taken back with them, and eventually mailed to our home. We felt that was not a great idea, and decided to keep what we had. However, we would speak to Kumar about this tomorrow and find out why things had gotten so backed up. Tomorrow at breakfast, we would get an earful of complaints from some of our friends that were more than dissatisfied.
Captain Frank came on the speakers with his daily update and apologized for the rain, as if he could change it. He said the pilot would board the ship and we should leave by 5pm. He was going to have one of his senior officers take the ship out. And there would be scenic sailing all the way. We had 340 nautical miles to the next port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan in two days with an expected drizzle, temps in the 70's, winds at 20 knots and seas at 3 feet. They would increase to 8 feet later in the evening. The sailing out of the harbor was pretty dark and threatening rain, but it never did.
We continued our computer work until dinnertime. We had salads, a bowl of chicken noodle soup, and a ham and potato brochette. Mains were one "comfort" meal of chicken stew and one lamb skewered dish with Hainan rice and dipping sauce. Desserts were one slice of a chocolate layer cake and one plate of sliced bananas.
The entertainer this evening was comedia Martin Beaumont. We have seen his show on a previous trip last fall and found him to be very funny. Boy are we going to sleep well tonight or what?
Looking forward to one day at sea.
Bill & Mary Ann
