Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong... whew!

As you may have noticed from the last post I got to spend a few days with Corey in Thailand.  We had a ball!  The Songkran Festival was just amazing.  While I was there we had a chance to go aboard the USS Hopper.  It is a missile defense ship for the US Navy.  Corey is a member of the Navy League in Phuket and if a ship is in town he often gets an offer to go aboard.  Luckily this time we both got the grand tour with about 10 other expats and locals.  It was really interesting.  I have been on an aircraft carrier but never a boat with as much fire power as this one for it's size.  Here are a few more pictures.  

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Here is one very silly selfie from my 2 week trip to Oz.   Just before landing back in Thailand I had the opportunity to visit Australia one last time for CareFusion.  I spent 2 weeks in Sydney providing training to newbies and also my replacement.  On the weekend between training weeks I took a quick trip to Redcliffe to hang with some of our pals in Queensland.
My time in Australia went by way to quickly but truly reminded me how much I enjoyed living there and all the lovely friends I have made. 
Sending much love to Oz always!!!  

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After spending time with Corey, I looped back quickly to Singapore to pack my bags and flew off to Manila, Philippines.  This was my very first trip to this lovely nation of over 7000 islands.  So far it looks like it won't be my last.  
My week zipped by as it was full of work and not a lot of play.  The one thing we did, thanks to my hosts, was eat a plethora of Filipino food (and sit in traffic).  The food is amazing!  Very different, a blend of as many nations as have influenced the region.  Some dishes were very Spanish, some Asian, and some reminded me of Fiji.  Lots of meat and a tasty local beer called San Miguel to wash it all down.
Did I mention that it is HOT in the Philippines?  And I thought Singapore and Thailand were broiling.  Manila brings it to a new level.   The traffic rivals some of the worst I've seen...  but the people are kind, generous, and extremely friendly.   I was called Ma'am constantly and although I still wish it were "Miss" it is very lovely.  
I didn't have time to explore but these few pics are from cab rides where I was greatly entertained by the local modes of transport.  Jeepneys are big bus-like vehicles made by a company called Sorel (sp?)  They are as individual as their owners and I could spend all day looking at them.  Tricycles are basically motorbikes with side cars.  They are unique in that they have a structure around the sidecar that makes them even more functional.  Up to 10 people have been seen draped all over a tricycle but the usual load is between 4-6. 
I look forward to returning to the Philippines and hopefully Corey and I will squeeze in some diving there as well.

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Yep, it's Bruce Lee on the Promenade in Hong Kong.  My last stop on a whirlwind work trip.  I do love that city!  It is just so busy and colorful both day and night, I could walk for hours.  
Most of my time again was spent working but I did have some wonderful meals with work hosts.  One night we went to an amazing Chinese dinner and the next day for lunch they took to me to a famous cafe.  It is called Tsui Wah and there are a few all over the city.  It reminds me of a US style diner but of course the food is Chinese although the menu is quite varied with even some sandwiches and more.  
One day I had some down time and had been eating too much so I took a very long walk.  For some reason I really can't get lost in Hong Kong, it's a pretty logical city for walking and is quite safe.  Some of my pics are from this walk.
One night on my own I went to a very local style eatery.  I had a big plate of clams and another big plate of broccoli.  I was in heaven as of course I washed it down with a big Tiger beer!

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