It’s hard to believe that we have come to the last day of our Esther Expedition. Our journey yesterday down from Wuhan to Guangzhou to Shenzhen to Hong Kong went like clockwork, with each successive train we were on moving more slowly.
We collapsed in our hotel rooms at 4, only to rally (after eating something) at 5 for a trip to the top of Victoria Peak. We have a few things to see today, then I will leave for Beijing this evening. This time tomorrow morning Noel will be on her way to Tokyo, then home to her family in Minneapolis.
I was going to write a ‘final thoughts’ post, but I realize that there are still so many untold stories. Also, every time I try to write something, I get too emotional. So for now, please read Noel’s thoughts upon arriving in Hong Kong yesterday.
Until I can pull some more coherant thoughts together, I’ll express some words of thanks.
Thanks to those of you who helped us along the way. You bought tickets for us, gave us walking tours, translated, opened your homes, booked hotels, drove us to/from airport, drove us up/over mountains, told us stories, climbed steeples with us, made scones for train journeys. You are all angels and you know who you are!
To those of you who followed our adventures on our blogs, thanks for joining us.
And of course, a special thanks to Noel for asking me to join you on this journey, for trusting me to pull it off, and for being such a GREAT and unflappable travel companion. If you ever want to do another expedition, just tell me when to pack!
Ah yes, Victoria’s Peak, what a glorious view. I wonder how much it has changed since the last time I was there in 1988. I’ve been back to China in 2000 and 2001 (changes a-plenty) but since the transfer of Hong Kong from British rule to China, what has this little island gone through? I’m sure the differences from what Esther witnessed in Hong Kong after escaping China were monumental as well. I’m wondering how she coped with reverse culture shock once she got back to U.S. (presumably Minnesota?). I hope that Noel will expand on that from Esther’s letters.
You two have been on a whirlwind and I have loved every minute of reading both your blogs. Thanks!
What a wonderful expedition.
To God be glory!
Blessings.
Godspeed.
It has been wonderful following yours (and Noel’s) adventures and thoughts as you have retraced Esther Nelson’s life and steps. So glad the two of you were able to accomplish this undertaking together and I so look forward to the future fruit of this mission!
Blessings to you, Joann!
Hey Joann. You’re in OUR city !! Steve took the bus past the Repulse Bay Hotel everyday on his way to school!! It’s a gorgeous place – alot more gorgeous in our day…but OK now !
Thanks for the trip blog. Steve and I have been following and enjoying.
Looking forward to seeing you in a month!