Sydney hotel quarantine - June 2021

Have been really looking forward to this trip. A bit more complicated now as I have to get a COVID test before flying and complete a travel declaration. Plus the stress of worrying if my flight would be cancelled (it was changed once).

Heading back into winter so my bag is full and I have bought some artwork for my new house.

Worked on Friday then went home to finish packing. Got an Uber to the airport for my flight at 23:55.

Airport was deserted...

Economy also deserted...

Coming into Sydney. I thought it funny that the suburb right in from of me is one where I have recently bought a house.

This time I was sent to the Marriott at Circular Quay for 14 days quarantine...

No harbour view but I can at least see the sky...

Spent Saturday unpacking and trying to make it homey for the next two weeks...

I had bought a double-sided jigsaw in Hong Kong. I really enjoyed doing it. Killed a lot of hours...

And then the other side which was a bit harder...

I had another jigsaw dropped in. Great time-killers. This one is Bondi..

The food in the hotel was actually quite good. This is a sample lunch...

I left them with some recycling but I'm sure they'll throw it out...

Discovery Bay to Mui Wo hike - May 2021

 Did the Discovery Bay to Mui Wo walk again. It's steep but short and easy to get to.

This is Discovery Bay beach where I started from. Popular for beach volleyball...

At the start you walk through a couple of villages...

Then you walk past the Trappist Haven Monastery where the trail starts to get steep...

There are many stairs down into Mui Wo. This is looking back up...

Silvermine Bay Beach and Mui Wo...

Had a swim at Silvermine Bay Beach after...

Then lunch at one of the local restaurants by the sea.. The food was good and that beer was a lot bigger than I was expecting.

Then wandered around Mui Wo for a bit and caught the ferry back to Central.

Rhino Rock, Hong Kong - May 2021

On the Buddha's Birthday public holiday, I wanted to try a new hike - Rhino Rock. Caught the bus from Exchange Square to Stanley Fort. It's a very hot day and being a public holiday the traffic is bad. There's only one single lane road so took a while in the bus. Finally made it to Stanley Fort...

It starts with some fairly steep stairs but at least it's sheltered from the sun and not far. 

Before long I came to a marker and joined a bushy trail marked only by ribbons. Quite soon came out on the side of the mountain and looked down to a nice beach that looked accessible only by boat.

There's a narrow path between some rocks...

Then made my way down the hill. It is a lot steeper than it looks and the path is dirt and very slippery.

Found the rock !

That's Stanley Prison in the background...

Then had to go back the way I came. Climbed back up and headed down the other side...

Hong Kong - May 2021

Can't believe it's May already ! 

One day I met a friend for lunch at Samsen in Sheung Wan where I have been many times. This time I tried the crab rice which had been recommended. It was good but very filling. And the milk tea was very sweet !

Went back to a ramen place in Sheung Wan that I had discovered in 2016. This is the black ramen with pork...

Helped Callum buy his first car. 2014 Hyundai Elantra Trophy. Not bad for a 16 year old !

Went to Ikea and stocked up on candles...

Tried a different bar in Elgin Street one Saturday night. Publico. Had the caesar salad and some beers. It was great.

I did my regular walk from TST to Hung Hom and a bit further. I love the traditional Chinese junks. There aren't many now.

Walking home one night up Wellington Street. These ladies collect cardboard to sell the the helpers for their Sunday get togethers. Hard life. Love the contrast with the BMW behind.

My colleague recommended a quirky cafe near Kai Tak. So one Saturday morning I took the ferry to Hung Hom and walked along the harbour as far as I could, and then along the road until I found the cafe. Had some noodles and a coffee, and then walked back to TST and caught the Star Ferry back to Central.

That afternoon I met a friend for a drink at Pong on the rooftop of IFC. Nice views...

Had a couple of beers...

Had breakfast at The Diner which is next door to where I live. This time I tried something more healthy than the All American which I usually have! It was good.

One night I met some friends at the newly opened bar at the Upper House called Salisterra. The cocktails were good.

Parmesan churros...

One Saturday I tried brunch at Feather & Bone, which features Australian produce...

And then I walked up The Peak via the Morning Trail...

And then further up to High West. That's Pok Fu Lam Reservoir...

My colleague Idy resigned so on her last day I took her to lunch at 8 ¹⁄₂ Otto e Mezzo Bombana which is the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy to have received 3 stars from the Michelin Guide...

Idy brought her baby in one her last day. I was the first gweilo Aiden had met !