We were in Guam on Sunday. Our only plan was a trip to Kmart. The there was a free shuttle from the ship to the Duty Free mall in the Resort area of Tumon and then there were local shopping trolleys that you could hop to go to different malls and hotels. We decided to taxi from the ship to Kmart and then trolley to the DF mall. $50 for the taxi to Kmart - aaack!… but we got there fairly quickly and did our shopping. I now have undies with elastic, some scissors for hair trimming and a few other assorted things we had on the list including POTATO CHIPS. I’m all better now, my craving for chips is fixed!
This was a short port stop - only 5 hours. We were back in about 3 hours and the air conditioning felt good. At 5:00 a group of local children boarded and did local folkloric dances. They were very goodMonday was another of the laid back sea days for us. We didn’t do anything of note except attending one of John’s lectures on the Normandy (the ship, not invasion as some of the passengers were expecting).
The temperature in Guam and Rabual was near 90 with very high humidity. Hot, Hot, Hot. We are now headed northwest to Japan and it is noticeably cooling - temps there will probably be near 45. They we head to China where it is very cold. The temps we have been seeing for Beijing are in the 30s.
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Long way to get to a K-Mart! But, sounds like they had the necessities. Been following on the Princess CC board. Have you found that guy yet? He has put together some phenomenal pictures and posted. Beijing will be cold! I was there 5 times - last time was in early April and freezing. Be sure to do the Forbidden City - there is a Starbucks inside at just the right time when you need coffee. The great wall may be a stretch. No only lots of walking but you go up to it on a ski lift and come down via a sled. Lots of fun but the hills on the wall are steep. Downtown Beijing has some nice shopping but go to the Friendship Store (used to be the only place westerners could shop in the old commie days). Another idea - go south from Tiannamen Square to the main shopping area that the locals use...you go past Mao's tomb building and there is a McDonalds - go one more block and turn right. Really cool stores and restaurants. Just some ideas for you...don't know how long you will be there.
ReplyDeleteTips for Hong Kong - my favorite city! Not sure if you will dock in Kowloon or Hong Kong City but you can take the Star Ferry for about 25 cents to the other side...the ride alone is worth it. Be sure to take the Tram up to top of Victoria Peak for the birds eye view of the city and Kowloon. Some shops and restaurants on top. Its a cool ride. In Kowloon is the biggest shopping center in the world (900+ stores, right off the water where the Star Ferry docks. But - the best news is that across from Star Ferry is a 2 story bookstore with tons of English books so you can stock up for second half of the trip. If you are there overnight, go to one of the night markets - they are incredible. Anything exotic in the world (snakes, too) are being sold...real carnival atmosphere. Also, almost forgot, at about 9:00 p.m. if you are on the Kowloon side looking across the harbor to Hong Kong they have an unbelievable light and laser show with fireworks from all the buildings. It is spectacular and not to be missed. Even if you are departing at that time from Hong Kong side you will be able to see it. Its all set to music. For relaxation - go to Kowloon side and the Peninsula hotel is right on the water - great place for tea and people watching.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your plans in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)?
ReplyDeleteBen, We return to the ship in Hong Kong from our 4 day overland tour right before we sail so we won't get to see anything there.
ReplyDeleteIn Viet Nam we are doing a Mekong Delta tour from Saigon.
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