By Richelle
Sunday 19th of March 2017
Its been a few days now since taking our first tentative steps on this mammoth adventure, and if i’m honest, it seems like a life time ago - lesson learnt; write blog post before spending a week in the menagerie that is Kathmandu.
Our journey from home was a tidal wave of emotion, apprehension and excitement. I've never felt so nervous before a trip - it was suddenly very real and very scary. We spent our last day in Sydney running around trying to sell the car (update: it has been sold! Hooray!), exchanging money, buying last minute essentials and savouring the final hours with our nearest and dearest. As much as we both love our family beyond words, the deal-breaker came when we had to say goodbye to the animals. First the dogs, and then little Frida. Anyone that knows us understands our devotion to her, so I’m not exaggerating when I say that it literally broke our hearts into a million pieces. If only she could understand what was happening (update: regular videos can confirm she is doing well, and not missing us at all).
It was time! We threw our bags onto our backs (for the first time), took some obligatory ‘before’ photos, and set off for the airport. All I can recall from this car trip was Abby quietly singing Aerosmith’s ‘I don’t want to miss a thing’, and Daryl stressing to find the entrance to the carpark.
It wasn’t long before we were all safely checked in, and settled on a MadMex table enjoying our last meal of burritos and beer. Thinking back now, its one of the few times our families have come together at one table, what a perfect way to start this journey! After one big goodbye, we were ready for the next, standing in a circle near the infamous ‘Departures’ sign. It took approximately 10 seconds before the tears came and the realisation of just how long 8 and a half months really is. We love you guys so much, and can’t wait to see you again at the end of the year.
So, up the chute we went, taking in our last glimpses of everything familiar and comfortable. Anyone that has caught a plane knows the next series of events, and ours went along just as you’d expect; smooth, uneventful, and slightly uncomfortable. I slept for the majority of the flight, awaking only for the meals and an occasional bout of turbulence. Daniel passed the time watching movies, getting up every hour for the toilet and sleeping in 20min stints. The 8 hours flew by, and before we knew it, we had arrived in Hong Kong at 3.55am, feeling somewhat sleep deprived, yet alive and excited.
We had a quick chat to an immigration officer, who described 4-10am in Hong Kong as quieter than midnight. Armed with this knowledge, we set out along the squeaky clean walkways in search of the nearest airport lounge, and treated ourselves to 2 hours of unlimited breakfast buffet, warm showers, comfy armchairs and free wifi! With a goal to live a little more simply, and forego some of the pleasures our privileged lifestyles allow us - this felt a little off - but ripping the bandaid off slowly is okay, right?
At 7am, we set off on the airport express train into the city for a day of exploration before our connecting flight to Kathmandu at 7pm. The seats of the train played soothing music as we zoomed past towering cookie-cutter apartment complexes, semi-erected bridge constructions, and elevated roadways, fit for a scene from a Huxley novel.
Arriving at the IFC centre and seeing the familiar faces of ‘Apple’ and ‘Zara’, it felt like we had travelled 8 hours to end up in Bondi junction. As everything was still closed, we wandered through, joining a growing stream of workers making their way to the harbour to start their busy day. The foreboding sky-scapers reminded us that this was a city of international proportions - money making, deal breaking, world changing. The low hanging fog only enhanced this impression, and again, Mr Huxley would have been in his element!
We meandered along the foreshore, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells. There is something alluring about a city as it stirs to life, so we watched on with our eyes peeled and our cameras in hand.
Back in the city, colossal architectural feats made us feel teeny tiny, soaring into the sky above our heads. It was just on 9am and the hoards were really coming out now - a steady stream of people exited the station, so we cut across to the nearest McDonalds for a snack and a break. This was no ordinary McDonalds, it was a concept store, complete with 3 dining rooms and buffet style food cases. Although, for all its modernism, some unfortunate type placement made it feel quite friendly and human.
After this, heeding to Daniel’s Aunty, Lindy’s suggestions, we made our way to the illusive ‘moving footway’ which elevated us above the hustle and bustle of old Hong Kong below. It was a literal hive of activity, signage, people, cars, lights, food and noise.
We travelled up and up, hopping off every now and then to immerse ourselves in the activity. Hollywood road was a favourite - such an array of small eateries and boutique shops, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were back in an ‘easternized' Newtown.
After lunching at potentially the most expensive place in Hong Kong (we are suckers for a good terrace and a neon sign), we decided to brave the metro and make our way over to Wan Chai to find a little adaptor for our laptop charger (the trek is on our mind, and any weight saving device is a positive!). Google maps delivered us to a 5 level store of electrical /digital / computer goods which proved successful, if a little overwhelming - so it was at this point that we decided to call it a day and head back to the airport.
The train trip back provided some time to absorb our day. Hong Kong felt like a city with two distinct faces. A place where westerners feel at home, nestled in a blanket of efficiency and cleanliness whilst also maintaining a beating heart of asian culture, unmissable and in-your-face at every turn. We can’t wait to be back in 5 months time and get to know it a little more.
Back at the airport, fast forward 4 hours and we were off again. Next stop, Kathmandu!