Bethany In The Big City : family

13.5.16

Hong Kong Rugby 7's

I have always loved rugby but I have long since hung up my boots and retired from my playing days. However, I am still a keen supporter, along with the rest of my family. For years we have looked forward to the sunny weekend in May spent at Twickenham stadium watching the London rugby 7's. This year, however, things were a little different!

With Papa T and Mama T living the other side of the world, we decided to fulfil a lifelong dream and attend the Hong Kong Rugby 7's. Known for its party atmosphere, crazy South stand and non-stop festivities, we knew we were in for a treat!

AN and I hopped on a plane and flew, via Saigon, to Hong Kong where we were all re-united in our Hello Kitty themed Air B and B apartment for the weekend. That evening we headed straight out to meet my old school friend and now pilot, Mr BA, for a dim-sum feast!

The next 3 days were a blur of rugby matches, dancing, pimms by the litre-cup, fancy-dress, dinners, nights out and all round partying.

Mama T and I took a morning break from the rugby to visit the Ladies Market, partly to soak up a little culture but also to pick up a few souvenirs.

We also found the time to take the peak tram on a nerve-wracking ride up the mountain that overlooks the city and were treated to stunning views from the top.

Our final evening concluded with a late night boat trip on the Sky ferry to appreciate the beautiful sky-line from across the water.

Whilst our trip to HK was brief, it was certainly jam-packed and also exhausting. AN and I loved spending time with my family and witnessing one of the world-renowned sporting events, but we were also looking forward to the next part of our trip; Vietnam!

Mood - Exhausted

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9.3.16

Shipwrecked on Private Islands!

The last few days of the holiday passed in a magical blur. Each beach we went to was more beautiful than the last, but nothing could compare to the private island we reached on the penultimate day.

It took two days of sailing to reach an island that is completely deserted, largely because it is too far out for the swarm of tourist boats. We dropped anchor and immediately jumped into the translucent water. We didn't need snorkels as the water was so clear that it was like swimming in an aquarium, with fish completely surrounding us.

Eventually we swam to shore and stretched out in the shallows enjoying the sunshine. It really was a magical moment.

As we adventured on our days were filled with every more wonderful sunsets, fresh-as-can-be coconuts, on-board fitness sessions and even the occasional game of ring of fire.

The final afternoon was bittersweet as we were not yet ready to give up the wonderful Jimmy Blue and become accustomed to a life on land. The only solution was to take as many pictures as possible of what can only be described as the heartiest of crews!

Over a final dinner we shared our favourite moments, mapped our route and set in motion plans for the next trip, which includes me learning to dive...eek!

A short plane ride later and AN and I enjoyed a final afternoon in Singapore before flying the long route home to London. We had heard that Singapore was in the midst of preparing for the upcoming Grand Prix so we headed track side to see if we could find some action. I was delighted to see the party had already started and AN, well, he was just focussed on the cars!