My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Hong Kong and Beijing China , September 8-18 , 2008. I was forunate to win a sales incentive trip from my company. I contacted Andy prior to my trip to ask if he'd accept a lunch date while we where in town. My son and I sat next to Andy in Chicago last year at his dinner. That is really the only time I had meet him before. I also mentioned to him I am a strong buyer of King and Country from Treefrog and Tim Tyler. I was very surprised when he asked us to come by his offices in Wanchai area of Hong Kong. We walked from our hotel to his office. He meet us and was a tremendous host. He gave me one of his limited edition Africa Korp soldiers that was given in LA earlier this year. What a surprise! Helen Mok Sargent joined us as well; she is a real gem and Andy is lucky to have her. We truly enjoyed her company. Helen shared one of her exclusive MoonCakes ( a real treat for Autumn Fest Holiday on September 15th in China ) from the Pennisular Hotel in Hong Kong during our talk at Andy's offices. We all talked about China, Hong Kong, King and Country, the industry , politics and many other things. He gave me a tour of his museum and introduced his staff. We took the last picutre shown here in his museum. His whole staff stopped working and joined in for the picutre! We spent about an hour or so at his offices. We walked to the Conrad Hotel about 5 minutes away for a tremendous Indian Curry lunch. I have never really had curry before and my wife and I were duly impressed! It was tremendous. I got the impression from the wait staff and host that he is a regular there. After lunch we went to Pacific Place, toured his retail store. I have included two pictures we took there as well. After a few purchases we talked some more and Andy went back to work. It was a four hour event. I know Andy is a busy man and I can tell you I was really impressed by his genuine interest in Diane and myself , my collection and my interests. I think it's a real testament to his love for the hobby and willingness to entertain a virtual stranger. This is an amazing hobby and where else can you build this kind of relationship with the best kind of people no matter where you are from !
I might add if you are ever anywhere and the chance to visit Hong Kong please do so. We loved the city, it's people, it's food. When compared to Beijing , well there really is no comparision. Hong Kong is very westernized and friendly to tourists. We felt safe and comfortable at all times. I found Beijing to be warm as well, but I felt a little less welcomed there. We spent 3 nights , 4 days in Hong Kong - then 5 nights , 6 days in Bejiing. Beijing does have a rich history beyond anything I have ever seen.
One last thing , I came away from our visit in Hong Kong with something I really did not expect.- Andy has a real love and loyalty for his people that he works with. You can see it in them as well. And you know what - now I really know why King & Country is the #1 Toy Soldier Company in the World. I know that sounds corny - but it is truly the feeling we got.
Thanks again Andy and Helen - your friends in Florida , Greg & Diane Kempton
p.s. - thank you Shannon for your Hong Kong tips before we left for our trip! They were helpful!
I might add if you are ever anywhere and the chance to visit Hong Kong please do so. We loved the city, it's people, it's food. When compared to Beijing , well there really is no comparision. Hong Kong is very westernized and friendly to tourists. We felt safe and comfortable at all times. I found Beijing to be warm as well, but I felt a little less welcomed there. We spent 3 nights , 4 days in Hong Kong - then 5 nights , 6 days in Bejiing. Beijing does have a rich history beyond anything I have ever seen.
One last thing , I came away from our visit in Hong Kong with something I really did not expect.- Andy has a real love and loyalty for his people that he works with. You can see it in them as well. And you know what - now I really know why King & Country is the #1 Toy Soldier Company in the World. I know that sounds corny - but it is truly the feeling we got.
Thanks again Andy and Helen - your friends in Florida , Greg & Diane Kempton
p.s. - thank you Shannon for your Hong Kong tips before we left for our trip! They were helpful!
