Oh my! Where to start!? Basically, I always say that this year’s Christmas was the very best, but this time, I really, really mean it. In a time when travel is highly unrealistic and many families are separated, I feel completely fortunate that the four of us were together!
After a two week quarantine, Vincent arrived to his old HK home on November 27 and stayed with us until January 16! That was 8 weeks with us!! Two months! What a treat. We all feel so lucky to have been able to spend this time together.
Numerous family walks! We would walk out to Cheshire with both dogs in tow. Or we’d make a shorter walk to St. Stephen’s Beach–both of these walks are along the water of our Stanley neighborhood. We’d head up to do the Peak Walk–Hong Kong Island’s highest “peak” and take the walk around that gives amazing views of HK. Or, we’d head to two other waterfronts: Tamar Park’s promenade that leads to Central or the Star Ferry to the Avenue of Stars. We took so many family walks. It was wonderful.
Star Ferry rides! Sometimes we’d just hop the ferry just so we could ride it. This is the best way to see all of HK’s skycrapers Christmas lights. Some people get in the car to see Christmas decor on lovely neighborhood homes–over here in Hong Kong the decor is best seen from the water. (See the above family photo.)
Competitive poker! Ironically during this past semester, it appears poker has come into all of our lives. While Vincent has been playing poker with his newfound college buddies, Kevin and I get together with some fellow Pacific Northwesters to play poker once a month. Therefore it was no surprise that there was a lot of poker going on in our house. On New Year’s Eve the game was held with both adults and kids with fair winnings (and losses).
A few beach days! Before it got wicked cold, the beach was visitable. The kids went kayaking with beach bouts of sand rugby. Gigi is a match for Vince despite the size difference!
Lots of hikes! Kevin and the kids spent many gorgeous afternoons hiking. They even set out one day to hike up to Sunset Peak over on Lantau Island. Wow! What views!!
Christams together! Of course, Christmas Eve was a special evening. We had a delicious meal and anticipated Santa’s arrival. (Gigi and I still believe!) On Christmas morning, the dogs started with their presents first. Rani finally got a bed! (She’s 89 in human years, and I think she believes it’s about time!) Rico got a stuffed animal Golden Retriever promptly named Roger (after Roger Whittaker of course). Gigi got a punching bag and Vincent dorm goodies like mocassins and cozy sweatshirts. Who cares about the gifts though. The best part was that we were all together!
One last time in Hong Kong… but I’ll save that for another post.
Now all is back to (the new) normal: Vincent has returned to campus at the University of Puget Sound, Gigi is back to both half zooming, half school in person, and Kevin and I are back to work. Christmas seems like ages ago, but those two months with the four of us together again here in Hong Kong will be cherished for always!
Until this summer…after not going there for two years, we will finally be reunited at our cabin. We can hardly wait!!
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