CNY 2012

Spencers, the sequel

In January 2010 Glen Spencer and his son Benjamin stayed with us in Hong Kong for a few days. This month it was Glen's wife Jenny and their daughter Mady turn to visit on their way back from America, England and Paris. I guess they were used to large crowds after being in Times Square, New York, because our squishy MTR trains barely raised their eyebrows.

The children were delighted to have more visitors after the entertaining Mr Wise left us. Mady won Tirzah over by playing countless games of "I Spy" and anything else Tirzah's imagination came up with. Tirzah called her "the big sister" and told us repeatedly that Mady's favourite colour was purple, "just like me!"

The female Spencers' time in Hong Kong was mostly spent shopping.

At Mong Kok...

Causeway Bay...

Stanley...

and the Tai Po wet market. (Although I seriously doubt they bought anything here!)

More photos of Jen and Mady in Hong Kong...

Jenny is a dear friend whom I have known since my university days. I am so glad that she could see where we are living in Hong Kong. Her visit was a real pleasure because of the lovely lady that she is. Thanks for sparing her, Glen!

Pioneer Day (by Keegan)

My class had a special day yesterday called Pioneer Day where we could dress up like we were from The Olden Days. I wore Mum's shirt and Dad's ug boots to school.

This was a game called "Loading the wagons". We had to buy supplies like flour, tea and potatoes to last us six months.

My teacher showed all of us how to play hopscotch.

Some people made a doll.

We played noughts and crosses on chalk boards.

I liked making jam, butter (by shaking a jar of cream), and buttermilk biscuits.

I made this toy with a button and string. Do I look like a cowboy to you?

Wordless Wednesday (for Mr Wise)

Visit from a Wise man

You might be fooled into thinking that the children were celebrating Australia Day a bit early here, but they were actually at the airport to welcome a visiting principal from Tasmania.

This was Aaron Wise's first trip to Hong Kong.

Although Tirzah was under the impression that "Mr Wise" came to Hong Kong solely to entertain her, he spent most of his time in interviews for a position in Tai Po.

Aaron is a keen jogger and cyclist, but I don't think he was tempted to try out this bike.

However, this one was more his style!

Somehow Aaron convinced Craig to rent bicycles with him, and they rode around Tai Po one day.

Aaron was brave about trying different foods in Hong Kong.

But we do have proof that he resorted to eating from a fast food restaurant at least once!

We are really excited that Aaron has accepted the position offered to him and will be moving to Hong Kong with his family around Easter. (If June is reading this, please don't hesitate to ask me all your questions; I know how you're feeling!)

Bride's Pool

Bride's Pool is in Plover Cove Country Park. I've read two stories about how the location got its name.

One legend says that a bride was being transported to her wedding in a sedan chair by four porters on her way to meet her groom in stormy weather. As they passed along a path near the pool, one of the porters slipped and the bride fell into the pool and drowned.

A sadder version says that a long time ago a young lady was in love with a young man. However, her parents did not approve of this love affair and she was forced to marry somebody else that she did not love. The new bride was so upset that she jumped into the pool and died.

Regardless, Bride's Pool is a popular place to go hiking as we found out last week. Theses photos are all from our nature walk.