Hong Kong Day 2 of 3

2/24/2006

Hong Kong Shopping. This was the starting day of segment three. Some people got off and new people were coming on. The Kramers left.

After breakfast we had serious shopping to do. We had looked at two of the three top places for computers last night. We now were hunting for the third, Star Computer City. It was in the Star building by the Star ferry dock located just at the end of the pier where the ship is docked.

It was on the second floor. This was a huge store. I found a Sony wide screen with everything I wanted. There was only one problem. It cost more then at home even with all kinds of stuff thrown in.

In the same building we did finally find a bargain. Eye glasses. I had made a mistake and bought tri focal glasses shortly before we left. The reading and medium vision areas were too small. They copied the prescription from my glasses and made separate pairs of each with totally flexible titanium frames for less then half the price of a cheap place at home. I also got prescription sun glasses that are far more comfortable then the ones I already owned. Bobbi got a pair of Versace glasses with diamonds, (Rhinestones), and they change to dark lenses when it gets bright out.

After going to lunch back on the ship we ventured out for further abuse to my feet, legs, and bank account. Our quest was now a purse place.

After walking past the Star Building we were in before, we had to walk another four blocks. All the time refusing one hawker after another who would attack Bobbi if they thought she might be alone. This entailed walking down a ramp, past the subway, back up a flight of stairs, and finally to the Sheraton Hotel. Then we turn left, walk a block to the rear of the hotel, turn right and walk to about the middle of the hotel and cross the street. We had to find 5-6 Middle street. There was an opening in this warehouse like building with an arcade like area. We found a stair way and after a while we came upon a hole in the wall place far smaller then my bathroom at home, that said purses. We walked in and there was an Indian guy wearing a Jewish star. Eureka! This must be the place. They did not sell knock offs or fakes. They sold purses that looked the same as many of these very expensive designer models. They are very well made with beautiful linings. They might be exactly the same but had no names or insignias of these high priced brands. They were not cheap at all but still far less then the originals. Naturally Bobbi bought several. Actually more then several. She bought so many they sent us back to the ship in a cab they paid for and a man to carry them all the way to the ship.

Art and Muriel made it to dinner and Muriel was hoping to feel well enough to go out the next day.

After dinner Bobbi and I went back out for a walk in the mall. There was just not enough time to see everything.

All the legitimate stores are kept spotlessly clean. People constantly mop and clean all day long. The sales people wear company uniforms. In the stores where they sell one thing and deliver another and the ones where they move every four days or so, they smoke and wear tee shirts. There is a lot of beautiful stuff but not many bargains.

Sore Foot Sherm Out.

(Posted on behalf of Sherman Rootberg)