On to Hong Kong!! We flew from Shanghai to Hong Kong on Dragon Air. Nice airline and reasonably easy flight. Hong Kong airport is, like the Shanghai airport, so big and gorgeous and like out of Star Wars. Since it was New Year's Eve Day, and we were told the streets in Kowloon would close for 'celebrations', we arranged for a car and driver from the hotel. Do love getting off a flight and seeing that guy holding a sign with our name on it!

We booked into the Intercontinental right on the Harbor. Once again, AmEx came through for us and we had a great suite on the top floor. Hotel just completed a needed renovation. Our suite was gorgeous, with plasma tv, magnificent bath, all the goodies. Best part of our suite, however, was the view. There's nothing quite like looking over that Harbor! And the construction/building here is, not unlike Shanghai, just incredible! Goes on forever and ever!

We had dinner that night (New Years Eve) at Yu. A wonderful seafood restaurant right in the hotel overlooking that gorgeous Harbor. They had a special dinner....ten courses of heaven!! The first course was "Bruny Island Tasmanian cured salmon, white cheese, watercress jelly and Iranian Oscetre caviar". Need I say more????? That was just the first course!!!! Such a cool experience! At midnight when the fireworks went off we went from the restaurant, to our suite, to the party in the Lobby....outstanding views and such excitement everywhere (OK, in our suite too!!)! Such a cool way to ring in the New Year!

We had been to Hong Kong several times but it was ages ago. The city has only gotten bigger and better. The Star Ferry continues to be such a fun thing to do, and the Peninsula Hotel Lobby is one of our favorite places for lunch!!

Fell in love with the store Shanghai Tang. Loved the shopping there...actually loved the shopping everywhere in Hong Kong! Big signs all over prohibiting 'hawkers', but you can still find the guys selling knock offs. Quality is just as good but prices higher than in Shanghai. Jack had some clothes made in Shanghai. Significantly less than if he had done it in Hong Kong.

Did I tell you about breakfast? At both hotels, a buffet breakfast was included. And in both cases, the buffet was huge, opulent and included both American and Chinese food. I ate enough dim sum to keep me happy for a year! So good. Had to be careful, though...gotta save room for lunch at the Peninsula!!!! And once again we were upgraded to the "Club" at the Intercontinental. Cocktails and a magnificent assortment of hor'doeurves each night made it hard to leave for dinner. OK, we managed. How many meals are you allowed to eat each day?
As I had said previously sooo many meals...just too little time!!

Speaking of time...gotta go tend to life! More later.

Oh that NYE sounds wonderful! As always, your reports continue to shine. Thanks for sharing (esp. the food stuff - lol).

Another outstanding report - I feel as if I am there - Bonnie did you book hotels using amex plat points??

Fabulous NYE! A ten course dinner! I'd be in heaven!

Your feedback is so much fun for me...thanks, guys!

Joanna ~ I booked thru Platinum Travel Service...and by chance got a terrific TA who was as attentive to details as I am! Booked Fine Hotel Program hotels and received all the add ons..upgrade the best! Did not use any points...paid using my AmEx (gotta get more points going for the next trip!) and in comparative shopping I'd say the FHP rates were reasonably competitive. I was pleased with the whole experience.

And Denise...yes, the New Years Eve dinner was so cool...one of those dinners that go into your Top Ten list!!!

Would love to see that InterCon! Maybe someday. In the meantime, I will live vicariously through your report, Bonnie!

Thanks Bonnie for Amex info - rest rest and POST more!!!! I am in awe of people who can "write" as you do -

Bonnie, You booked this through AMEX again? I've been reading all of your posts with such interest. I really want to go on this trip. Keep writing.

Bonnie - Love the reports. This part of the world was not on my must do list for the short term. Your experience has moved it up! Thank you for the vicarious trip!

Bonnie - what a trip so far. Looking forward to more details!

Masaki