Just A Pair of Sunsets

Brilliant sunset skies captured in the past two weeks. The first pair were taken near my friends' homes in Hong Kong, while the second pair are near our own home in Manila.

 Hong Kong, 2012

Manila, 2012

In the distance I spot a plane and feel the peace of not wanting to be on it.

For sky-watchers at SkyWatch Friday.

Flowering Ornamental Foliage

I found these deliciously bright flowering plants in the garden around my friend Lily's home in the countryside of Hong Kong. On a wet, gray day the vibrant purples, reds and greens jumped out at me. I don't often see them in bloom.

 Hong Kong, 2012

Solenostemon scutellarioides is a species of perennial plant, commonly called Coleus or Painted Nettle. 

I am linking with lovers of flowers at Floral Friday Foto, Flowers on Saturday and Weekend Flowers. Thanks to the hosts of these memes and all the participants for all the lovely eye candy.

A Grand Armchair Grave

On our way home to Manila from Wuchuan ten days ago we passed through Hong Kong and again stayed with our friends in the countryside of the New Territories. It's a lovely secluded and green place to live, but as guests without a car, getting in and out is not always most convenient.

I wanted to visit a cemetery for Taphophile Tragics, but my honey and our hosts were not at all enthusiastic. Not only was it a work day for my friends, it rained most of the day, so it was not a good time for either an outing or photography.

Truth be told, Chinese in general regard cemeteries with mixed feelings. While on special days in the year they meticulously go through the rituals of ancestor worship I described before, they otherwise see cemeteries as places for powerful spirits both good and bad, places to be avoided. In sharp contrast with the West, Chinese do not regard cemeteries as positive urban spaces. To illustrate, I was told we'd likely have trouble getting a taxi driver to take us to the cemetery up on a hill in the area, let alone wait for us while I explore. Unfortunately it was much too far to reach on foot.

To appease me, my friend offered to walk me to this grave near her home. Or rather, she showed me the start of a narrow concrete path, pointed up, and said, "it's about 20 meters up there." Then she quickly turned to return home. No way was she going to accompany me!

So here is what I found: a grand example of a modern armchair-shaped grave (all photos can be enlarged).

 Hong Kong, 2012

Headstone: Here lie together Uncle Wong, Father Wong and Mother Lau. First built 1967, rebuilt Jan 2002 by all the offspring.

The two minor side graves are for the "guards" - in Chinese they are called "god of the earth."

You'll agree the grave resembles an armchair, with raised areas protecting three sides, from its back reaching around to the left and right. The front is left open and accommodates the platform where living family members engage in the rites of ancestor worship. I've shown less grand versions of the armchair grave here and here.

 

I have read that constructing graves in the armchair shape goes back to the Northern Song Dynasty, 960-1127 AD.  Many Chinese, especially in southern China, have long regarded the form of an armchair as the ideal shape for a grave. It provides a sense of wealth, comfort and dignity.

According to fengshui beliefs, it is considered auspicious for a grave to have a good view.

Historically only the ruling class or the mandarin Chinese could afford armchair graves. Today they are increasingly frowned upon as taking up too much valuable real estate. But as elsewhere, old customs and traditions here die reluctantly.

The property behind the grave had a dog that was not pleased with my visit and barked incessantly. Rather than any spirits that may have been hovering, it was this very living creature that made me wary of hanging around too long. Still I thought he was a handsome fella.

The Grand Millenium Reflected

This is part of the Grand Millenium Plaza building reflected in the windows of Sheung Wan Golden Centre in Central, Hong Kong.

First in monochrome for Weekend in Black and White. [Better seen enlarged.]

Hong Kong, 2007

And then, because I really couldn't decide which I liked better, a slightly different angle in color for Weekend Reflections.

When I took these photographs some years ago, we were on a fast walk and I really only noticed the clock tower and the art decoish details. I was expecting to find some interesting information about the architecture. It was therefore a bit of a disappointment to learn that this is a relatively new building completed in 1998 with no real historical significance.

What you would not realize just from looking at these photos is that right behind the clock tower the Grand Millenium Plaza is a 28-floor multi-purpose building. I didn't take a photo of it.

This was an urban renewal project started in 1988 on 7,200 sqm lot of land in a then rather dilapitaded area of Central on which the two towers were built: this one you see, plus another 52-story glass tower with a similar lower floor design (ranking 20th on the list of tallest buildings in HK). Between the two towers there is a 3,365 sqm Italian-inspired plaza, complete with fountain, trees and flower planters - an amazing little oasis in the urban center. This photo shows only a small part of it.

The buildings and plaza are worth a closer look. I found this 360-degree view online (and it gave permission to use it for non-commercial purposes). After clicking on the center red arrow and OK, click on full screen on the top left; then use your mouse to drag left-right-up-down to change your view. You can also zoom in or out. It's cool.

The Millenium Plaza

Sandy Ridge Cemetery

I thought I'd end up with a pretty lame post, if one at all, when I took these shots of a cemetery I saw in the distance yesterday. Instead, my online research unearthed some interesting information I did not know even after 27 years in the region.

This is Sandy Ridge Cemetery, known as Shaling by the locals.

Hong Kong, 2012

These photos show just the top section of one of the larger cemeteries in the Hong Kong New Territories. It is one of nearly one hundred named burial grounds in this Special Administrative Region.

The cemetery was opened in 1949 and holds the mortal remains of a mix of Buddhists and Christians in both coffins and urns.

But it is perhaps unlikely that I will get to visit Shaling Cemetery anytime soon; first, because it's hard to get to, and second, because it's located in a 28 square kilometer area of land bordering the Shenzhen River and China that is closed to all but locals and those with special permits to enter (this is the most interesting part I did not know). There is, however, a plan to reduce the size of this area significantly, and already there are places open to visitors. I'll have to find out whether the cemetery can be accessed by non-relatives. 

In the early 2000s, the Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene began a program to remove, cremate and place in the urn sections the human remains of parts of various cemeteries in Hong Kong, including this one. Families could apply for permission to do a private exhumation and make their own arrangements. I'd like to find out more about that program, too.

This may be of interest to the community at Taphophile Tragics.

Pretty Factory

Say mural and I think of compelling wall art; you know, a painting or a tile mosaic image. So now you tell me, is this a mural?

Hong Kong, 2010

We can agree it's painting, yes? It's on the walls of what I can only call gigantic storage drums (anyone know a more correct term?) of some kind of plant (cement, perhaps, although it looks too clean). 

The pleasantly painted image of the green islands in the blue sea under a blue sky blends nicely into the coastal setting of Hong Kong.

And I'd bet the owners of these multi-million dollar condominiums are not displeased with the effort made to beautify their view.

And that made it compelling enough for me to show you this today for Monday Mural. What do you think?

::::::

This past week I have been supporting a fundraising drive for scholarships for the poorest of the poor children in a slum in Manila. The response has been totally wonderful.

If you'd care to chip in $5, $10, $20 or whatever, to help get a child like Cynthia OUT of the charcoal factory of Ulingan and INTO school, please see my earlier posts this week for more details and securely contribute with the form on my sidebar.

Give the gift of education. And hope.

Project PEARLS: Peace, Eduation, Aspiration, Respect, Love, Smile.

Hong Kong Airport Reflection

Whenever we travel between Manila and Guangdong, we invariable transit through the Hong Kong Airport. It's one of my preferred airports, as I've reported here before. Efficient and aesthetically pleasing; what more can you ask for?

Here you have a good view of the Regal Airport Hotel through the airport window, conveniently located for people with layovers too short to go into town or awkward transit times.

Hong Kong, 2012

Nicely reflected for Weekend Reflections.

Iron Fences

Hong Kong, 2011

Little did I know two months ago when I snapped this scene near the former Marine Police Headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui that I'd be posting it for the meme Friday Fences. 

The old building you see is called Star House. In the '80s we had our trade consultancy office on the sixth floor. It has a fabulous view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.

In the photo below taken from another angle you can see the distinctive Bank of China building across the water in Central District on Hong Kong Island. It was designed by the famous IM Pei. Since construction started in 1985, the same year I landed in Hong Kong, I was able to see it rise up until it was opened in 1990. For only three years it was the tallest building in the city (315 m or 1,033 ft).

On the right you can see the old Ball Tower, which was formerly used to provide time signals to the boats in the harbor. Today its view from the water is blocked by the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

D is for Dove

Last month when my honey and I strolled in Hong Kong, I spied this pretty Chinese Spotted Dove having fun bathing in rain water.

 Hong Kong, 2011

The Spilopelia chinensis also called the Spotted Turtle Dove, Lace-Necked Dove or the Mountain Dove. This species is usually found in open woodland, farmlands and other natural habitats where it can find the seeds and grains it needs for nourishment. Makes me wonder why they are now appearing in urban centers; does anyone know?

Watching it play and noticing it was alone (as opposed to in a big flock one typically sees pigeons) got me asking what is the difference between doves and pigeons. I learned: not much! They are both species of the bird family Columbidae. The larger of the species are generally called pigeons, the smaller are called doves, yet there is no taxonomic difference. 

So I ask the pigeon-haters, those who consider these rats with wings, how can you not adore this sweet looking critter?

Check out other fun and creative D posts at Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. I'm also linking to Camera Critters, where people around the world share their animal shots and stories.

Above the Streets

My last post before slipping behind The Great Firewall of China a few weeks ago elicited questions about where I was to take the photo. The answer is: I shot it looking down from one of the countless pedestrian overpasses that makes walking in the bustling city of Hong Kong a whole lot easier and faster.

I posted an overpass in the financial district of Central last year. This one was taken in Mongkok, the most crowded place on earth, with 130,000 people living and working there per square kilometer or 340,000 people per square mile! And that, if I'm not mistaken, does not include the thousands who go there daily to shop till they drop!

Mongkok, 2011

Besides the pedestrians on the overpass and below, in this one capture, you can also see a handful of red taxis, a couple of double decker buses and a line of mini-buses, all part of the most efficient transit system I've ever experienced.

This overpass joins the meme Sunday Bridges.

Look the Right Way

Crossing the streets in Hong Kong can be a hazardous venture if you don't look the right way! The signs on all the streets make it a no-brainer... if you remember to look down first!

Hong Kong, 2011

Joining seekers of interesting Signs, Signs.

Note: I'll be going behind The Great Firewall of China shortly and will catch up with fellow sign bloggers and other commenters when I get back out.

A is for Amber

Can you believe it! ABC Wednesday is back to the start of the alphabet! After you ooh and aah my photo, go check out what others have been able to do with the first letter A.

Here's a fun shot I got a few years back in Hong Kong, a smiling vendor of amber jewelry. Isn't that an amazing chunk she's wearing? Did you ever imagine anyone could sell ONLY jewelry made of amber?

Hong Kong, 2007

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.

Lights and Lines Reflected

Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise. In the days preceding a holiday, the malls are extra busy.

In this shot of people on the escalators taken a few weeks ago, I can hardly make out what is real and what is reflected. Thought it might be perfect for James' Weekend Reflections. Enlarge it and tell me if you think I've gone over the top.

Hong Kong, 2011

Reflections in a Dew Drop

The Hong Kong Airport is one of my favorite airports. Besides being an attractive modern piece of architecture, inside and out, well laid out, well lit and convenient for travelers (free public PCs and WiFi, yay!), since 2005 there has been on display a wide and interesting variety of local public art.

I found this unique sculpture for James' Weekend Reflections:

Hong Kong, 2011

This polished stainless steel piece on base of granite was created by Danny Lee Chin Fai in 2005 and is called A Dew Drop. Using a technique similar to traditional Chinese carpentry, Lee grinds a piece of stainless steel to form this mirror-like surface, reflecting the view around it. 

You may be interested to read what the plaque says:

Nature is all around us. Yet often we look but do not see. Next time you see morning dew, take a look at just one small dew drop. See your surroundings reflected there. Look closely and you will see a reflection of yourself. So why not pause and try to look at ourselves, objects and people around us from a fresh perspective?

I say right on to that! 

If you enlarge the images and look at them closely, you'll find all kinds of interesting reflections on the various surfaces.

[MyWorld] Don't Pick Me!

For Cantonese the only seafood worth eating is fresh... very fresh.

In Hong Kong, people have a hefty appetite for seafood - consuming an average of nearly 50 kg (110 lbs) a year - and are willing to pay a premium for it. Thousands of tons of live seafood, most of it caught in the wild, are flown in from around the world. It's a half-billion dollar a year trade... for this one city.

The crabs, lobster, clams, scallops, oysters and other seafood is distributed to countless tanks in wet markets and restaurants throughout the Special Administrative Region. These are snapshots of a wet market I recently visited where customers choose their own live dinner for a nearby restaurant to cook and serve.

 Hong Kong, 2010

I "caught" these red fish in a tank. The perfectly prepared meal we had was to die for. But don't tell these fish that!

This is for Klaus and team's My World Tuesday - you'll find plenty of scenes from around the globe there! And there are more great takes on the theme RED at Mary's Ruby Tuesday.

A Job I Wouldn't Want

Hong Kong, 2010

Hong Kong is one of "the big three" - the two others being Chicago and New York City - recognized in architectural circles as having especially compelling skylines. The skyscrapers in Central (the financial district) are, as you can imagine, generally tall - the tallest reported to be 88 floors. Being somewhat prone to vertigo, one of the last jobs I would want in this city is that of window washer.

This reflected window washer is posted for Weekend Reflections hosted by James. Check it out for over 100 other reflections around the globe!

Making the Long Walk Shorter

Whenever I am in Hong Kong I use its world-class public transportation system to get around... and I get to do a lot of walking. So whether it's sunny or it's rainy, as on this day, I am grateful for the extensive network of covered pedestrian overpasses throughout the financial district called Central. They are so very much easier and faster to walk than on street level.

Hong Kong, SAR, 2010

Posted for Louis la Vache's Sunday Bridges. Click the link for many more links to fascinating bridges around the world.