Mid-October Fall Break

We just wrapped the kids' fall break (10 whole days, man, international schools in HK have it so good) which was jammed pack with activities despite our not having the chance to go to Bali, Indonesia.

Yes, about that - Michael's passport expired in February of next year and we were aware and slightly worried but largely relaxed about the timelines. Until it turned out to really be a thing... But we knew we were cutting it close because, in true Michael fashion, he first needed his dependent visa renewed, then needed his PR application to complete, before he went to his US passport appointment.  And then he wanted to postpone it until he had time to get a passport picture.  And I looked at the US consular website which seemed to allow for fast turnarounds on emergency passports, but neglected to check whether those would be accepted by Indonesia.  

By the time he finally made it to his US passport appointment, it was too late to get a new regular passport in hand for travel.  It wasn't too late to get an emergency passport, but Indonesia is super strict about visitors having a minimum of 6 months left on their regular passports. Thankfully we discovered all this before it became too late to cancel the hotel - or before Michael boarded the flight (or more likely, was stopped at the check in counter in HK).  

Honestly, I was bummed but not so distraught, and actually kind of relieved, to stay put.  With our renovations and fitting out of our apartment, I just love being home and don't feel the overwhelming need (as I did during Covid) to break out and leave.  The kids also still had all their usual extracurriculars, which was a nice bonus because we pay so much to attend them and they don't give makeup classes for sessions missed due to vacation.  It also isn't seem terrible to spend a bit more time at home reading, writing, and playing.

And let's be frank - these kids have it so good. They didn't get to go stay in a luxe 2 bedroom villa with private plunge pool and lagoon access in Bali, but they did get to: go to Shenzhen and sleep over, attend surf camp and learn how to hang ten (Lola), go to Ocean Park to ride roller coasters and play carnival games all day and go to Disneyland for a whole other day (Al and Teo), take a boat out to Middle Island and eat dinner on the water (Al and Teo), as well as check out a special MTR museum/exhibit (Al and Teo) and attend multiple birthday parties. I'd say life is still pretty epic, and so, so sweet.