MalibuCA Posted April 7, 2008 #26 Share Posted April 7, 2008 We are trying to schedule an overnight in Xian post-cruise. I just received a response email from the Sofitel hotel regarding private guide. They offer an all-day tour to see the Warriors, Huaqing Hot Spring, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang Tomb. The one thing we really want to see is the Warriors, the rest is not as important. We will only need a 1/2 day tour because we are planning to sightsee after we fly from Beijing to Xian that morning. Unfortunately, they require payment for a full-day tour whether or not we use the guide and driver for the full day. However, fortunately, it is not horribly expensive. Nonetheless, I would prefer to pay for what I get. Does anyone know of a reliable driver and English-speaking guide (very good English, please) that is willing to plan a private tour for only a 1/2 day? We also need them to meet us at the airport. I put out this "feeler" on tripadvisor.com, and I have received a number of emails directly from guides wanting to provide their services. Without a personal recommendation, however, I do not want to hire an unknown. Anybody have a guide and driver to recommend in Xian? JJ -- Are you really coming to Southern California? Here is an amazing story. Two years ago, we were in the Baltics and I had the most wonderful tour guide in St. Petersburg. As I'm sure you can well imagine, I planned this trip well in advance, too. This guide and I were emailing with each other for almost 9 months. When we finally met in St. P., we were immediate friends. We had such a wonderful time together, that the following spring, she came to visit us in Malibu, CA! I became her tour guide for a week in L.A. It was a whirlwind, and we had tons of fun. I can probably dig up my itinerary for L.A. if that will help you when the time comes. If you need it, email me at: shelleyville@aol.com. Shelley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 7, 2008 Author #27 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Thanks Shelley - i might take you up on that offer !! very kind, its great to have friends all over the world lol jj..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 7, 2008 Author #28 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Day 6 - Macau Depends where you're staying Ferry services operate to Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal on the Macau Peninsula from; Hong Kong Island (Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal at Sheung Wan) Kowloon (China Ferry Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui) Pay the extra and go 1st class lol ( only a few dollars more ) Visitors of nearly all nationalities can enjoy a visa free stay of between 30 and 90 days. So you'll have to take your passport with you ( you leave and re-enter HK ) We visited the old Protestant Cemetery - Ruins of St Pauls - the famous square - check this walking tour http://www.macauheritage.net/mherit/map/mhmapE.asp After lunch we headed to Cotai Strip - The New Las Vegas its going to be amazing. http://www.venetianmacao.com/en/home.aspx Please plan for lengthly waits at Border/Customs Control arriving and leaving Macau. And so you'll know me when ever we bump into each - here is a link to our HK photos http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg202/belfast-jj/ jj...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalibuCA Posted April 7, 2008 #29 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Again, John, thank you so much. My husband will be extremely happy with Day 6! He has voiced his desire to see Macau, and now, I can keep him happy. Thanks for the photos -- you have a beard just like my husband! I can send you a picture of us, too, but I will need my husband's help in doing that. You know, the "technologically challenged" thing. I have printed off all of your itineraries, and I'm ready for Hong Kong. I just hope Hong Kong is ready for me! Shelley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 7, 2008 Author #30 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Yes sent me a pic - and do keep in touch Shelley, it has been lovely talking to you. If you need anymore help with HK - just shout !! jj...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalibuCA Posted April 7, 2008 #31 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Have you been to the New Territories? I was reading about them, and some of the villages sound interesting. I'm a little worried about taking the train and having to connect to other trains. I don't want to get lost in China forever! What is your opinion of these "out of town" excursions? Shelley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 8, 2008 Author #32 Share Posted April 8, 2008 We did go to the Horse Racing at Sha Tin - which was a lovely day. jj..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalibuCA Posted April 8, 2008 #33 Share Posted April 8, 2008 How complicated is it to get there? I'm reading in Frommer's about the ferry, bus, change bus, etc. to get to some of the villages, and it sounds rather intimidating. Is it that difficult to do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seapenarth Posted April 8, 2008 #34 Share Posted April 8, 2008 We did go to the Horse Racing at Sha Tin - which was a lovely day. jj..... Happy Valley more fun especially evening floodlight.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 8, 2008 Author #35 Share Posted April 8, 2008 I would have loved to have seen the racing at happy valley - but there was no racing on while we were there. Shelley do you mean how to get the races ? If so the MTR has a stop right beside the racecourse - http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/train/system_map_pop_up.html jj....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 8, 2008 Author #36 Share Posted April 8, 2008 Shelley another must do the Chi Lin Nunnery - you must go and see it !! jj....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalibuCA Posted April 8, 2008 #37 Share Posted April 8, 2008 John -- I just read a description of the Nunnery in Frommer's, and they don't seem to push it unless you are an "architect, East Asian scholar, or gardener." I'm afraid I don't qualify -- I don't even have a "green thumb." What did you find so special? Shelley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 8, 2008 Author #38 Share Posted April 8, 2008 It has lovely buildings ( made with no nails ) so quiet right in the middle of busy HK - across the bridge is the lovely gardens to walk round. jj... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalibuCA Posted April 8, 2008 #39 Share Posted April 8, 2008 I will add it to my (or should I say "your") list. How much time should I plan to spend there? Shelley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 9, 2008 Author #40 Share Posted April 9, 2008 Couple of hrs - its close to one of the MTR stations !! jj...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalibuCA Posted April 9, 2008 #41 Share Posted April 9, 2008 My question re transportation to the New Territories wasn't particularly for the horse racing. I've been reading that there are some very cool villages to visit where we can really see how the Chinese live in the traditional sense. However, the directions that I have read seem rather intimidating. Also, I worry about the language barrier. Does anyone there speak English? I do need to get back from China to my 3 daughters in the USA, and from these directions and lack of Chinese it looks like I may not! Any experience with this? Shelley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted April 9, 2008 Author #42 Share Posted April 9, 2008 We had no problems with locals speaking English - but in remote villages it could be different ( don't let it put you off ) That MTR map should help you !! jj...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bra1nchild Posted April 10, 2008 #43 Share Posted April 10, 2008 We are trying to schedule an overnight in Xian post-cruise. I just received a response email from the Sofitel hotel regarding private guide. They offer an all-day tour to see the Warriors, Huaqing Hot Spring, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang Tomb. The one thing we really want to see is the Warriors, the rest is not as important. We will only need a 1/2 day tour because we are planning to sightsee after we fly from Beijing to Xian that morning. Unfortunately, they require payment for a full-day tour whether or not we use the guide and driver for the full day. However, fortunately, it is not horribly expensive. Nonetheless, I would prefer to pay for what I get. Does anyone know of a reliable driver and English-speaking guide (very good English, please) that is willing to plan a private tour for only a 1/2 day? We also need them to meet us at the airport.P., You might be able to arrange a half-day tour with Beijing Service [e-mail Tansy@beijingservice.com]. They have been very accomodating in personalizing our October visit to Shanghai. Their web site details a full day in Xian [and up to 6 days in the area!], but they may be able to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boeckli Posted April 11, 2008 #44 Share Posted April 11, 2008 coxswain - Thank you for compiling and sharing all that information. We will have 3 1/2 days in HKG pre-cruise in October (first visit to HGK) and I will try and condense your recommendations to suit. Will also peruse your photos as soon as I have a chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liz99 Posted February 12, 2009 #45 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Do the taxis accept US$ ? If not is there a place close to the cruise terminal where I can exchange them Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liz99 Posted February 12, 2009 #46 Share Posted February 12, 2009 do taxis accept credit cards? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted February 12, 2009 Author #47 Share Posted February 12, 2009 I'm not sure about that - try tripadvisor forums !! jj...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalibuCA Posted February 13, 2009 #48 Share Posted February 13, 2009 Hi, John -- How are you? I just saw your posting and thought I'd send my greetings. Our trip to China is almost here! We leave for Hong Kong on March 21, and I'm finally prepared thanks to all of your help. I can't believe we've been planning this for a year, it's finally time. I'll let you know how it goes when I get back. Hope you're having some fun travels. Shelley:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROCruiser Posted February 15, 2009 #49 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Generally, taxis do not accept credit cards or US Dollars in HK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coxswain Posted February 15, 2009 Author #50 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Aww Shelley how are you ? I hope you have a great trip we always think of the great time we had in HK - friendly people amazing sights. We're doing fine - we were due to go a repo cruise from Singapore to Dubai but we cancelled it and i'm sure you can see we've two cruises booked on the Brilliance around the Med - we can't wait. Take care and have a great trip - just in all the amazing sights/sounds/smells lol jj........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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