Rugby Fever - Attending the Hong Kong Rugby 7s

After our awesome time in Beijing, we returned home to an amazing weekend of HK Rugby 7s. It was so much fun and I was so glad to have the chance to take the kids to enjoy in person, for the last time that the event will be held in one of the most intimate and beautiful stadiums of all time, Hong Kong Stadium, nestled in the heart of Causeway Bay/Caroline Hill.  Next year the event is slated to move to Kai Tak Sports Park, which is just.... bleh in comparison.

I wasn't sure if the kids would like or understand the game, but turns out there really is something invigorating and arresting about the relentlessly fast 15 minutes tournaments (7 minutes for each half, and every time I find myself marveling that the clock did not stop and play was continuing!) that makes it irresistible to all.  Before we knew it, the kids were cheering, adding up the scores, and shouting "Try!" and waving the flag.  They all loved the festive spirit and music breaks.  It was quite hot at some points, but sitting in the upper east stands brought some more open air and quiet and relief.  The juice, sparkling water, outdoor arena, and beautiful backdrop of Hong Kong's mountains didn’t hurt either!

On the first night a group of us got together for a traditional Chiu Chow dinner at Pak Loh.  The food was salty and greasy and nothing to wrote home about, but the company (6 adults and 6 kids) was everything!