February 19, 2011

Footbridge over KCR

This railway that runs between Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon and what used to be called Canton (now Guangzhou) is still referred to as "the KCR" (Kowloon-Canton Railway) by locals, even though since 2007 it has been operated by MTR, owners of the metro system in Hong Kong. In my opinion, the Hong Kong public transit system is the best in the world. It's extensive, efficient, safe, clean and relatively inexpensive. Who can beat all that?

On our last visit to Hong Kong, we stayed with friends who live - by Hong Kong standards - out in the boonies; that is, far from the din of heavy traffic and claustrophobic skyscrapers. To get to their house, we must get off the main road and cross this footbridge.

 Hong Kong, 2011

I readily concede that aesthetically there is nothing in these photos to marvel about, but what IS remarkable is how even in a remote place like this the footbridge is clean (note: NO graffiti) and safe, with reflector mirrors to alert pedestrians and bikers to each other and plenty of light for nighttime security. 




I think that is worthy of note, and so I am linking with the good folks at Weekend Reflections and Sunday Bridges.

22 comments:

Malyss said...

So different of our ways of life, therefore so interesting! Thank you for sharing!

Pat Tillett said...

Hi Francisca - Photos are ALWAYS good when they have a good story, or interesint information attached to them. You got them all in this post! Thanks!

Laura said...

the perfect state of this bridge is quite remarkable.

Sylvia K said...

I could repeat everything that Pat has written! Great bridge and information as well as terrific reflections! Hope your weekend is filled with fun and laughter, Francisca!

Sylvia

James said...

Cool reflection! I feel like climbing into the ppictures and exploring especially down the path in the middle photo.

Regina said...

Nice bridges! Great captures and reflections Francisca.
Happy weekend.

Regina

cieldequimper said...

Believe it or not, that last shot makes me slightly claustrophobic! :-) I do agree though that mirrors should be in much wider use and thank heavens some places are free of graffiti.

Lesley said...

I would like to walk that bridge just for the views! (made that much more pleasant by not being framed in graffiti)

EG CameraGirl said...

I didn't realize anyone in Hong Kong lived so far out in the boonies! The mirrors are such a good idea!

Kay L. Davies said...

The mirrors are indeed a good idea. And I also didn't realize Hong Kong had boonies. I've always thought of it as a city that goes on and on, then out into the water. Very interesting and informative, Francisca.
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

jennyfreckles said...

The contrast between this train and the ones I'm currently featuring is huge - but both do their job so well.

jennyfreckles said...

Oops, I pressed 'publish' before I'd had chance to thank you for your very encouraging comments on my blog. Much appreciated.

tapirgal said...

This is an unusual one for bridge day. Something different!

H said...

There is something inherently apppealing about bridges. In England, this one would most likely be covered in graffiti.

T. Becque said...

Clean it is, and I envy all your travels!

'Tsuki said...

I find a little frigntening the purpose of those mirrors... Interesting shots indeed...

genie said...

I, too, envy your travels. You are so fortunate to do this and to be a photographer on top of it. This walkway is indeed clean...pristine, in fact. I do not guess the boonies exist anymore, really. Everything in our world is growing so fast...far too fast for me. I wish it would slow down. Your photos are so sharp and nice. A very interesting post this week.

VP said...

The path toward reflection...

VioletSky said...

Footbridges over train tracks are necessary, but they always seem to add a mile or so to the walk.
How fortunate for your friends to be able to live in a Hong Kong with so many trees!

Unknown said...

everything in HK is efficient...for somebody like me who is used to chaos, i am unhinged in a place like HK where everything works perfectly. (LOL)

P.S. the hot air balloon fiesta was exhausting because of the heat and unbelievable traffic!

Unknown said...

Love the contrast of the mirrow to the greenery. Well spotted.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Re: Your question, it could be I was visiting someone you had visited, and I comment there. I read comments by other bloggers and I see your comment. So I click on your link. Does that answer your question?

School has started three weeks, after after two months of summer holidays, I am still getting ino the routine. My son says he is sick, and is off school. My students have runny nose, and I wish I am in bed. LOL.

That's the boring thing of a teacher, I wish I have your exciting life.