Thailand and Hong Kong May 2007

Well now that I have some time to actully have a detail update.

May 04, 2007

Woke up really excited because the day had finally come. I was packed almost 2 days ago. I was ready to go! I went and play with my Nintendo Wii to kill some time and then it was 4pm.

At 4pm we left my town and helded to the Calgary International Airport. We first pick up Landon and then went. There was traffic along the way so we where a little bit late from meeting everyone at 6pm. We got there around 6:20pm and then we check in and all sat down to eat a bit and then said our goodbyes to our friends and family. Then we are off to Vancouver on time!

We landed at Vancouver and I made a quick phone call home. After we went and followed Monica to the arrivals area where we meet Monica's Uncle and Aunt. We sat and talk and look at pictures of there trip of Thailand some 20 years ago. That was asome because it kill most of the 6 hours layover that we had. Around 11pm we said goodbye and headed to the next gate.

May 05, 2007

Well we are still in Vancouver and waiting for our plane. Then finally at 2am our Cathay Pacific plane pull to the gate and now we can start to board. We are now on the plane and sleeping.

May 06, 2007

Well we are on the plane still and wondering why this flight feels so long and then we finally landed at Hong Kong. When we switch to the next gate, we had to go through the security check again and when we saw the line up we where a little concern because our connection flight was only 2 hours. After only 15 mins we got check and now heading to the next gate.
When we got to the gate we didn't see Carmen so were like hmm. After a little bit we then saw her and then we all boarded the next flight to Bangkok!

We now landed in Bangkok. Wow its soooo hot! We got aproche from people that where selling taxi for 1200 baht! No way to expensive. We did get a normal taxi and wow...the taxi driver was crazy! Driving so fast and everything. It was still fun thought haha. We got to our hotel called the First Hotel in Bangkok. The hotel was pretty nice. After we had check in and found out what time we need to meet for the evening with the tour director, we went out and shopped around and eat.

We finally meet everyone else that is going on the tour and talking about the tour and then finally some rest!

well I will stop here because internet time is almost 1 hour, I will continue later.

We are currently at Kanchanaburi

Well our flight from Calgary to Vancouver was fast but we had to wait 6 hours for the Vancouver to hong Kong Flight. The HK to Bangkok.

We saw the Grand Palace and the leaning Buda. Did some shopping. It was very hot.

Took a 14 hour train ride.

Now in Chiang Mai!

well the time has finally come! Leaving for Vancouver in a couple of hours its very very exciting! Can't wait till we are there. Been ready since 2 days ago. On other news, the other group left for Europe yesterday. I wonder what they are doing right now.
Well I update when I can when im over there.

Cya later!

Still only three days till I leave and it feels like time has slow down a bit haha. I recently check the weather for this friday and it looks like we are going to leave when it going to be heavy rain. Oh well, just thinking of what we could do at Vancouver International for 6 hour layover ha. We will manage. Well I probaby update again on friday when we leave and maybe on Saturday in Vancouver when we leave.

NEW Hong Kong Itinerary UPDATED

May 20, 2007

PHUKET-HONG KONG
LADIES MARKET/CHEUNG SHA ROAD FASHION STREET
Arrive Hong Kong at 4:45pm. Go through customs and getting our bags. Approximate time out of the airport is 5:30pm. Transfer to Metro Park Mongkok Hotel located at
22 Lai Chi Kok Road.

Check in and then go out to eat. After we will go to the Ladies’ Market. One of the most popular street markets in Hong Kong, Ladies' Market is a must-visit destination for fashion lovers with an eye for bargain-priced clothing, bags, accessories, toys, cosmetics and household knick-knacks. The stalls making up this enjoyable market can be found on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok. It is open from noon until 11:30pm.
Getting there: It is just a few minutes walking from the hotel.

Optional
We can also head over to Cheung Sha Wan Road Fashion Street to pick up the latest fashions at wholesale prices. Most of the shops can be found between Yen Chow Street and Wong Chuk Street. The clothes are over-runs from garment factories in and around Sham Shui Po - with a few rejects thrown in for good measure. Many of the shops are run by fashion-conscious operators who save the best items for Hong Kong boutiques and overseas buyers. All the same, you can still find lots of bargains.
Getting there: Take Mongkok MTR two stations to Sham Shui Po MTR. Take Exit C1 and walk to Cheung Sha Wan Road Fashion Street.

May 21, 2007

THE PEAK/TIME SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER/LAN KWAI FONG

Today we will start by going to The Peak. There's a reason why The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong: It is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak you'll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.

Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There's nothing in the world like the Peak Tram. Pulled by steel cables, the tram climbs 373 metres (about 1,200 feet). It's so steep that the buildings you pass look like they're leaning at a 45°angle! Whether you're going up or coming down, you'll love this trip.
Getting there: Take the Mongkok MTR to Central and make your way to the J2 exit of the Central MTR station. Turn right, through Chater Garden, cross Queen's Road Central and make your way up Garden Road. You will pass the Bank of China Tower and Citibank Plaza on your left and St John's Cathedral on your right before arriving at the terminus, which is to your left.

Later we will go to Time Square Shopping Center. One of Hong Kong’s biggest malls. We will probably shop here till 8 or 9 pm.
Getting there: Walk back to Central MTR and head to Causeway Bay station.

Optional
After shopping, we could go to a trendy location for some nightlife. When the lights go down, the "in crowd" heads for Lan Kwai Fong, a buzzing centre of clubs, bars and restaurants. This cheerful warren of Western-style restaurants, nightclubs, delicatessens and bars is a must for night owls and people watchers. Lan Kwai Fong is an L-shaped, cobble-stoned lane surrounded by Central's cluster of skyscrapers. Nearby lanes are also buzzing with bistros and pubs in Hong Kong's trendiest nightlife area.
Getting there: From Times Square, take Causeway Bay MTR to Central MTR. Exit at D2 and walk along Theatre Lane and uphill to D’Aguilar Street. About 5 minutes walk to Lan Kwai Fong.
If we decide to go to Lan Kwai Fong, if its not that late we should go back to hotel first to drop of stuff we bought.

May 22, 2007

OCEAN PARK/AVENUE OF STARS/A SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS

Leave hotel early so we can get to Ocean Park when they open at 10am. Opened in 1977, Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong's perennially popular attractions, providing an exciting mix of entertainment, education and conservation facilities. The 80-hectare (200-acre) park, situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, features rides, exhibits and facilities around a hillside. A cable car system links the lowland and headland sections, offering spectacular views en route.
Getting there: Take MTR to Admiralty station. Exit B and take bus 629 to Ocean Park.

After Ocean Park we can go to the Avenue of Stars. Discover what makes Hong Kong the Hollywood of the East at this tribute to the professionals who have contributed to the territory's hundred-year history of filmmaking. The Avenue of Stars features commemorative plaques, handprints of movie celebrities, descriptive milestones, kiosks with movie memorabilia, a towering Hong Kong Film Awards statuette, and a life-size statue of the legendary kung-fu action star, Bruce Lee. The location on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade offers incredible panoramic views of the famed Victoria Harbour and the memorable Hong Kong skyline.

Also right here is one of the best places to view and listen to the nightly A Symphony of Lights which starts at 8pm.This spectacular multimedia show, already named the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, has been expanded to involve 33 key buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

The brand-new show creates an all-round vision of coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronised to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

There are five main themes - Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and the finale, Celebration. On festive days, special pyrotechnic displays launched from the middle of the harbour add extra sparkle to the show.
Getting there: Take Admiralty MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit F. Take subway to East Tsim Sha Tsui KCR station Exit J and follow the signs.

Optional
A SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS HARBOUR CRUISE (2 HOURS) staring at 7:05pm. Must purchase ticket at Star Ferry's Harbour Tour Ticket Counter
Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui before 6:30pm.
Getting there: Take MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR and then walk or taxi.

May 23, 2007
Today, we go to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Getting there: Take Mong Kok MTR to Sunny Bay MTR. Multiple transfers along the way.

Rest of evening free. Could go to Giant Buddha if we have time.

May 24, 2007
HONG KONG-CALGARY

Well today is the last day. Time to pack and do last minute shopping if needed. Get to airport by transfer. By at airport no later then 12:30pm. Our flight leaves at 2:55pm.