From Hong Kong to Sexbierum

It started with “I’m tired”, and “can we go back to the hotel?”, but later it was “I love Hong Kong” and “this is the best day ever!”.  I’m glad we persevered 😋.

After a very emotional goodbye to friends and to New Zealand, we boarded the plane and headed to Hong Kong for a few days stop over before heading home.  The kids were so excited to get on the plane, watch movies, play games and relax.  It was close to midnight when we took off so after the hyper hour we settled down and slept well while the plane sped us to our next adventure.

Hong Kong….I was so looking forward to taking TJ and the kids there to show them why I love it so much.  I have been there for work a few times and fell in love with it, the warmth, beauty and vibrancy of the city.

We landed at 6.15am and were surprisingly fast though immigration, collecting bags and customs, sitting in our hotel shuttle bus by 7.00am.  Great start!  We arrived at the hotel, were offered an upgrade and an early check in….perfect.  Everything going to plan.  Within no time the kids were in the rooftop pool, excited to be on the 19th floor in the pool, in the middle of Hong Kong! 

We spent 2 days there, exploring Victoria Harbour the first day (at which time the real wow factor kicked in, that view across the harbour to Hong Kong island is just breathtaking).  The kids were tired so we chilled out at the hotel for a bit before going out for dinner.  Dinner was a short walk away to one of my favourite resturants on Knutsford Terrace, a place I’ve often been with my boss or colleagues for a late night drink….this time an early dinner (although washed down with a strawberry daiquiris of course).  After another rest at the hotel we walked back to the harbour for the light show (every night at 8pm), where all the skyline on Hong Kong is lit up with a fantastic light show…the kids loved it.  The 2nd day we had breakfast in the hotel, which was the moment Thijs declared was the best day ever as he could help himself to as many pancakes that he wanted!  “It’s free food Mummy!”….as he helped himself again and again to the buffet.  

Once we’d had our fill we walked down to the Star Ferry harbour and took the ferry across to Hong Kong Island and took the tram up to Victoria Peak.  Again, stunning views and the kids enjoyed very nice cheese toasties (including the famous rainbow cheese toastie!….a.maz.ing).   After that our time in Hong Kong was unfortunately nearly over, however TJ and kids agreed that that they too love Hong Kong.  It’s hard to explain, but it’s just so nice there, still one of my favourite places to go.

Off we went again back to the airport with all our worldly belongings and on the plane again for our final 12 hour flight home.  And what a welcome we had at Schiphol yesterday, this time an emotional reunion as we were met by friends and family…..just so nice to be home!  Back to the green fields of Friesland and home comforts.  Not yet in our house (as we came home a week early to go to a certain party 😉) but you should see TJ.  He is walking around with a huge smile on his face.  New clogs, home with Mem and Heit, home food, back in the old truck to take a drive around the farm and of course back to Janne, our faithful dog.  

Last night we went to Arien and Frederique’s 40th/30th birthday party…..it was a bit of a surprise as TJ had already told Arien that we wouldn’t make it, as we were due to fly back next week.   So off to Sexbierum we went and it was like we had never been away.  The boys were back together ❤️ and the smiles say it all….its as if TJ is complete again ❤️. As I was standing there talking and drinking with friends it felt so great to be home.  However the dodgy dutch music I didn’t miss much, although after a few ciders I found myself singing along (damn!).  They played “The Gambler” and there was TJ’s smile again 😀 although this time he wasn’t handed the microphone.

TJ is back on his home ground, and although I need to get used to speaking Dutch again (maar dat kan ik best wel hoor!), it’s great to be home.  The kids are already out playing with their friends….they can’t wait to go back to school to see their friends again….and I am more than happy to hand back the schooling responsibility to the teachers….yes…..very glad to!!

It’s time for me to start my next to do list….starting tomorrow we need to start getting organised before we get our house back on Saturday.  Oh I do love a good to do list!  Also lots of other ideas growing, the seeds are being planted and let them grow…..on to the next adventure!

Laters
Kelly