Hong Kong History Museum and Orchestra

For my parents first full day in Hong Kong we took it easy with a few activities centered around TST

We started with a nice dim-sum lunch at 'Cloudlands' which was highly recommended in the Open Rice website.   We had never visited before so I was amazed to discover that we knew the maître d!   He had previously worked at Honorary Family in Royal Ascot where we were regulars,  and many times had kindly helped us out with recommendations.

Next we visited the Hong Kong History Museum and tried to complete the very good permanent exhibition of HK history that we had started last time my parents visited.

Once again we enjoyed the exhibits very much,  and ran out of time and energy well before the end.   Since we now live in the New Territories and have walked dome to the heritage trails, the displays about different new territories clans and village life seemed a lot more interesting and relevant.

I'd have liked to spend more time looking at the Cantonese opera section.

At the section about WW2 and the Japanese occupation, it is always fun to tease Rika a little.

In the evening we went down to the HK Cultural Center, for a concert by the HK Chinese Orchestra

Grandad had really enjoyed the chinese orchestra on his last visit so Id booked another.   The only performance during their visit was a Valentines Day concert with diva Liza Wang.  This programme many featured 'golden oldies' songs and Cantonese Opera duets rather than the traditional orchestral pieces we were more interested in.

Nevertheless it was a good event which we all enjoyed.  

CNY School Lion Dance

Granny and Grandad arrived in Hong Kong from New Zealand on Thursday night.   I had to work until well after midnight to finish some urgent work.   But I got it done and was able to take holiday on Friday morning as planned, and accompany them to the Chinese New Year event at Hannah's school.

It was great to see Granny and Grandad again and in such good health.   And it was a lovely warm sunny morning to go to school and watch lion dancers with the rest of the school.   The lion dance troupe was very good and I think were using the event as practice-run before CNH officially started.

Video:  School lion dance

The lions worked the crowd and met the kids -   which they all obviously loved.   It was a very nice event.

Finally there was a school buffet lunch where the parents and teachers and children could all mingle.   By then my lack of sleep was really kick-ing in and I really couldn't force myself to mingle.