The First Place I Was Actually Sad to Leave.

My last week in Hong Kong was marked by a variety of adventures. Most notably, I picked up my two custom tailored suits (:-)!) and wore one to the Nutcracker which we saw on the 19th. It was beautiful! Afterward we went out to some bars. Some people in our group visited a Russian Ice Bar which had big fur coats that you wore when you were inside because it was so cold! Over the weekend on Saturday we had a "free day" because nobody had any money left so we visited some free temples and saw the botanical gardens. On Sunday Danny, Sara D., and I visited Disneyland Hong Kong. It was sooo much fun! It was the perfect end to a month stay in HK, and even though it was expensive I am so glad that I did it.

The last week was also spent going to horse races on Wednesday and a final trip to a favorite Sushi bar I found. By the end of my time in HK I was truly starting to feel like I knew my way around the city fairly well (at least parts of it) and had seen everything that I wanted to really see (even though there was plenty more I could have seen!). This was the first place that I truly felt at home and was very sad to leave. I didn't particularly care for my time in India (except seeing my cousins in Delhi!) and although I enjoyed Cairo a lot I was ready to leave -- but I was not ready to leave HK...

After a quick flight to Shanghai, we experienced our first (relatively) cold weather (about 45 degrees here, compared to 70s and 80s in HK). After a trip to a market I picked up a knock off North Face jacket and gloves for about US $20. I also bought a perfectly authentic Adrian Peterson jersey for about US $35! Crazy! Last night we had a special Christmas Eve dinner and service, and this morning exchanged Secret Santa gifts. Tonight we are taking an overnight train to Xi'an, and then will be in Beijing for New Years, and Seoul on Jan 2nd! They are keeping us busy over the holidays which is nice because it keeps my mind off family.

Missing all of you very much, and wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God Bless, and take care everyone!

- CM