Day 77 - A quiet getaway apon Lamma Island

Last night we made a pact that we would get up as soon as we woke up, to avoid sleeping half of the day away (again) - we almost followed through with it too! Still rising earlier than usual we headed to the visa office for the moment of truth: were we going back to China on Friday? With smiles on our faces, we walked out of the visa office - the answer is yes, we're going back to the Mainland.

The sun was shining in Hong Kong, and we needed no more temptation to head to the beautiful Lamma Island, a car-free island only a half an hour ferry ride across the picturesque harbour - although the swells put Liv off a bit!

Upon arrival we searched for the vegetarian restaurant recommended by the Guide and another traveller, but finding it shut we yet again began the search for food. Eventually we settled into a seaside restaurant where Adam got his seafood desire quenched with a soft-shell crab, which is a delicacy of the area.
Having done more than enough walking over the last two and a half months, we decided that the afternoon would best be spent lazing on the beach - which is where we headed, and where we stayed until it was time to get back on the ferry. On the way to the beach we passed the Lamma Island Animal Protection shop, where we supported the local animals by buying two second-hand books, for reading on the beach. After a short walk through the lush bush of the island we came to Hung Shing Yeh beach, where we were greeted by a sign that exclaimed: No throwing discs, balls, or sand; as well as a sign that advised against swimming because of the waves (even though there was a lifeguard on duty)! In addition there was a shark net surrounding the swimming bay, which Adam was thankful for when he read a notice advising that a shark had been found nearby. Adam braved and immensely enjoyed the wave-infested but refreshing waters, while Liv got a headstart on her new book. The day past a bit too rapidly for our liking, and soon we were back on the ferry heading towards the city. However, we had a date with Liv's friend Juliette from profs back in New Zealand to look forward to!

With Juliette's expert Chinese (she is Chinese afterall), dining was much easier than usual, and we feasted on a variety of new veges we hadn't yet tried. Adam even tried a sweet redbean drink. Ignoring the restaurant staff, we talked the night away, with Liv catching up on the gossip that Juliette had and learning about Hong Kong and Juliette's life - in general it was a great night with a great friend. One good thing about catching up with an old friend is that we could skip the traveller's conversation: where are you from, where have you been, etc etc.... And it was fantastic to see the familiar face of a friend.

As the night switched to the next day, we headed home (via McDonalds for icecreams - way too much McDs here, but it's the cheapest place to eat!) for our last night in the Mansions.

Adlibing the beaches of Lamma Island