Hong Kong Sevens 2012

So Greg told me that he had tickets for the Hong Kong Sevens.

I had never heard of it.

He explained that it was a rugby tournament held in the Hong Kong Stadium.  Suddenly memories of watching baseball in Seattle flashed through my mind and I said, sure let's go.

Can I just say that "Rugby Tournament" does not even begin to describe this event.  It could more accurately be described as a rugby tournament where each team consists of 7 muscle-bulging, fast and agile players, who have two 7-minute halves during which they scramble after a ball performing acrobatics (I am referring to when two players lift another player so that they can catch a ball mid-air), whilst surrounded by crazy-costume-attired fans in a great stadium surrounded by both city views and mountain views.  Whew -- and that's just an approximation.  I had so much fun that I have now deemed rugby as my new favorite spectator sport.  I will definitely be back next year!

* Me, and some of our group walking to the stadium in Hong Kong.

 The ticket.  It is a 3-day ticket, but Greg, Parker and I stayed for two days only.

Parker giving me the "eye."




On our way to the stadium, the crowd begins to look a little unusual.



Arriving at the Hong Kong stadium.



Hong Kong Stadium.


These guys were some of my favorite costume-wearing fans.

Mr. Oompa Loompa, on his cell phone and waiting in line to get cash.

This is a video that shows a little bit of what entertained us as we walked through the stadium.



I thought the stadium was very nice.  Not crowded yet, because we got there in the morning in time for the opening ceremony.

Opening ceremony Chinese style!

* Picture of Greg and I.  Maybe you noticed that he has let his hair grow long.  I kind of felt like I was hanging out with Chevy Chase (only people who have seen the movie "Fletch" will get this reference).

* Parker sitting with some of his friends and having a good time.



One shot of this massive, crazy crowd.


* There must have been about 10 different groups of "Where is Waldo."



Apparently folding paper airplanes and flying them into the field is a long-held tradition at the Hong Kong Sevens.  As we sat there, we constantly saw little airplanes flying over our heads or into the fields and everyone seems to be fine with it.



* Enjoying the day.




* Can you guess what team we were rooting for?  Actually, Joe brought costumes for just about every country, but we were most excited about rooting for our home team, even thought their prospects of winning were not good.  And, no, they did not win, but they did put on a good show.




These guys are awesome!  Not these particular guys, just all rugby players!


Another shot of one of the rugby games.



* Please note who made it on the stadium video display screen!  Go USA!!!



 * Another awesome shot on the stadium video display screen!


* Parker, walking back on a flag-waving high.



Go USA!



*Rooting for the other teams.

This next video shows an advertisement that the sponsors provided for us to watch on the stadium video screen.  I loved the way the commercial capitalizes on the fact that the rugby fans at the Hong Kong Sevens wear all these crazy costumes.  Each commercial changed slightly and they were pretty fun to watch.  Although the quality is not great, I am hoping it give you just a taste of what a fun commercial it was.




Just another typical scene at the stadium.  Saw this on my way to get some snacks.


* See you next year Rugby Sevens :)

*  All pictures with an asterisk indicate the picture was taken by Kim, and not myself.  That day I was only toting my small digital pocket camera.   Thanks for sharing Kim!

Walking Around Shamian Island in Guangzhou City

Shamian Island is in the Liwan District of Guangzhou city, Guangdong province, China.  Greg and I decided to visit there (recommended by a good neighbor) on a weekend afternoon.

I learned a little bit about the history following our visit:

"The territory was divided into two concessions given to France and the United Kingdom by the Qing Dynasty government in the 19th century. The island serves as a tranquil reminder of the colonial European period, with quiet pedestrian avenues flanked by trees and lined by historical buildings in various states of upkeep. The island is the location of several hotels, a youth hostel, restaurants and tourist shops selling curios and souvenirs." (quoted from wikipedia).

I think the above quoted paragraph  is a pretty accurate description based on my own observations.  It was a very relaxing outing and it was nice to see so many chinese people there just relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.  

We actually had a little sunshine, which we gladly enjoyed :)

There were statues like these throughout the park.  Not playing instruments, but of people doing various things.

Greg walks away, relieved that I didn't take any more pictures of him at that time.

 Studying the interesting bark on this tree.

 Very cool looking trees.

Just a sampling of some of the people hanging out at the park.

Pretty typical scene at the park.

Although the air was not very clear (it was very humid), the view was still quite nice.

This is a beautiful shot demonstrating the patience and support of my wonderful husband!

Another view as we stroll along the sidewalks.  I did not take pictures of the brides we saw, but there were a few brides there having their pictures taken.

Typical scene -- anywhere in China.  Most people in China do not own a dryer and even if they did, I think they might still prefer to hand their clothes outside to dry.

 Me, in front of an open area in the park.

Ladies taking pictures by the statues.

He's a beautiful man.