Hong Kong Mansions and More...

When someone uses the word "mansion" in Hong Kong, be sure to have them tell you exactly what they mean. Our first night was spent at the "Mirador Mansion", specifically, "The Cosmic Guest House". (Ok, maybe this part of the name should have clued us in.). I do not know how to explain it, so we will include a picture here. Although, we were initially worried as we entered, our room was very clean and the proprietors were extraordinarily nice and helpful. And we were able to get some much needed sleep.

The next morning, we started our international experience by sitting ourselves down in a Starbucks and ordering lattes. Not such an adventurous start, but a good adjustment activity. Actually, Hong Kong is a great place to adjust since it feels very European and most everyone speaks English. Also, it is very easy to get around, very clean and organized. We went to Victoria Peak and did a short hike. It is beautiful in the high rise city sort of way. Found a great place for lunch, (more adventurous this time). We could not identify some of the veggies in my dish, however, we enjoyed it all except for the ones that looked like deflated balloons.

In the afternoon, we took a train into Southern China. We arrived in Guangzhou around 6 in the evening. All went very smoothly as the hotel van picked us up. We settled in to the hotel, The White Swan. It is the same hotel we will stay at when we meet Isla and quite a contrast from The Cosmic Guest House. Found a Thai restaurant for dinner.

The thing that strikes me the most here is how nice and how polite everyone has been. Exceptional, really.  Ok, off to breakfast and then we fly to Guilin/Yangshou area for 4 days.

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