I typed this this morning...finally able to post it this evening.

Howdy ya'll,

Sorry for the personal pic-less post. I left the necessary cord at our hotel. I'll explain the photos above as I type.

I'll start with my current situation and work backwards. I'm sitting in a Starbucks enjoying some computer time (listening to Midlake) while Johnna Sue is playing businesswoman (is a businesswoman, nothing sexist meant in that wording I just used of "playing"). She looks exquisite and ready to conqure her upcoming pre-meeting with co-workers and subsequent meeting with a difficult client. I am astounded by her career success. I am also continually impressed with her ability to navigate this chaotic little ant hill of a city geographiclaly, socially, and in numerous other ways. She is an incredible woman.

I, her small-town boyfriend, am less skilled at navigation, so we have precisely crafted my alone time while she is in her meetings. She gave her little boy a toy (her laptop), some Hong Kong dollars, dropped him off in a safe location (the mall), and arranged activities (blog, e-mail, lunch, and the movie Fast 5). For anyone who knows me well, you know how solid and necessary this plan is. Let's just say my ability to get lost in Indiana is impressive, and I am pretty stoked about seeing Fast 5 and not ashamed of that fact.

Ok. Let's backtrack. During the day yesterday we went to see "Big Buddha." If I remember correctly, it is the world's largest outdoor bronze Buddha (how's that for a specific claim to fame?) and was completed around 1992. It is very Hong Kong, but it felt like a tourist trap. I wasn't particularly impressed, but it would be like skipping the coliseum in Rome (oh wait, I've done that : ). I'll post a stock photo.

We checked out the Hong Kong skyline before dinner. I'll post a stock photo for this too, because the fog made last night a less-than-ideal viewing time. The skyline is incredibly impressive, and there is a coordinated light show each evening at 8pm. The skyline was followed by a sushi dinner with Johnna's friends from university. They were a diverse (India, Romania, Sweden, US, Pakistan, Malaysia, and more) and energetic bunch; it was great to meet her Hong Kong peeps. The sushi was high quality and served in massive amounts. The pricing essentially (not technically) worked out to all-you-can-eat for about $15. Going out to the bars and clubs wasn't an option for anyone but us since it is finals week. We will be able to head out next Friday on our return from Thailand. I think it will be a great chance for Johnna to catch up with and say goodbye to her Hong Kong friends after our trip.

We had a lazy morning this morning. Today is the celebration of Buddha's birthday, so let's just call it a meditative morning. The afternoon was spent seekign out a bookstore for some beach reading in English for our upcoming Thailand experience. I bought a new book by Anthony Bourdain ("No Reservations" TV host (chef, writer, traveler)) entitled "Medium Raw." I've wanted to read one of his books for some time now. I watched every episode of his show that even tangentially related to this trip in preparation.

We planned our trip well thus far. The progression of Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phi Phi Don, and the Shanghai area is going to be sublime. We basically have big Chinese city experiences sandwiching a relaxing beach destination (Phi Phi Don).

We are planning on a trip to "The Peak" tonight, a great tram ride to some amazing views.

Hope all is well in your worlds,

Josh