Category Archives: Smell the Roses

Hong Kong, Our Home – January 2015

Posted on February 14, 2015 by noconbach

We lived in Hong Kong from 1995 to 2001 so the kids grew up knowing Hong Kong as their home. We took some photos of things they might be missing. Before discovering Sephora in New York, Liz had Sasa in … Continue reading →

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Hong Kong Transportation – January 2015

Posted on February 13, 2015 by noconbach

We didn’t rent a car in Hong Kong. The city is very walkable. There are also great choices for public transportation. It all starts with the Airport Express, a fast train from Hong Kong International Airport on Chek Lap Kok Island, … Continue reading →

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Men at Work, Hong Kong Style – January 2015

Posted on February 13, 2015 by noconbach

Hong Kong thrives as an international financial center, a major Asian commerce hub, and a popular tourist destination. There is plenty of high-end shopping in Hong Kong. This again is the new Elements shopping center in Kowloon. But the very … Continue reading →

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Colorful Hong Kong (January 2015)

Posted on January 27, 2015 by noconbach

On our first couple days in Hong Kong we rushed around to some of our favorite spots: Stanley (via the #6 bus), the Flower Market, the Bird Market, Bowen Road (for running). We arrived in Hong Kong about a month … Continue reading →

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Aloha to Hawaii, Part 2 (January 2015)

Posted on January 24, 2015 by noconbach

This time Aloha means goodbye. We’re reluctant to leave. Hawaii is such a beautiful place. The people have been extremely friendly. It’s the practice of “Mahalo.” While we often hear people using this word to say thanks, it really means … Continue reading →

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Hawaii in Bloom, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (January 2015)

Posted on January 22, 2015 by noconbach

The whole island of Hawaii is formed of volcanic rock. You might expect a desert wasteland. Not so. We found a lush, peaceful tropical garden just north of Hilo. Interestingly, nearly all the plants here are imported from other lands: … Continue reading →

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Aloha to Hawaii (January 2015)

Posted on January 12, 2015 by noconbach

Aloha! Here’s a riddle: How could we have visited Hawaii before, but never been to Hawaii? Answer: On other trips to the state of Hawaii we visited the islands of Kauai and Oahu, but this time we are on the … Continue reading →

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The cold war according to Dr. Seuss

Posted on November 30, 2014 by noconbach

Those of us who are baby boomers remember the Cold War scare in the ‘50s and ‘60s, with the US and USSR, the world’s two superpowers, manning up in a “Mine’s bigger than yours” battle of nuclear arm strength. The … Continue reading →

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The Headlands – end of October and start of November

Posted on November 28, 2014 by noconbach

On Marcia’s last day with us on the West Coast, we dipped down toward San Francisco in the Marin County area just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. This area includes Sausalito and Tiburon on the water and Mt. Tamalpais … Continue reading →

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Sonoma – the other wine valley. Starting November 1 and still going

Posted on November 16, 2014 by noconbach

Two years ago we celebrated another Christmas with California O’Connells and decided that it would be great to move to Sonoma when we retired. So here we are, moved to Sonoma…for one month. We’ve found our new favorite winery, Buena … Continue reading →

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