» hong kong - Simon Lau

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had fun ringing in the New Year in a safe manner. I spent mine in Hong Kong watching the fireworks, which I personally think had a pretty weak finale. I don’t think anyone saw the fireworks that rang in 2008! Click on images for a larger picture.

If you didn’t have a great 2007, let’s all hope we have a great 2008. A new year is a new beginning, a fresh start and start it off right.

Tags: hong kong, New Years Eve

. 01 Jan 08 | Travel | Comments (0)

Hong Kong Night View

Last night I took the tram back up Victoria Peak in an attempt to watch the 8PM laser show, but apparently from the peak you can’t see anything. Regardless, the view is quite nice. It would have been better with a beer in hand since it was still 17-22C outside. Click on any of the photos for a larger view.

After hanging out at the top, instead of taking the tram down again I took the bus. From the harbour I grabbed a beer at 7-11 ($6.15 HKD which is less than a $1 CDN) I think this view looks a lot nicer. The goal new years eve is to come back down and watch the laser and firework show. I’ll bring along my tripod to get some steadier shots.

Tags: hong kong, night show, panoramic, photos

. 28 Dec 07 | Travel | Comment (1)

Hong Kong Tung Chung Island

Taking the MTR to the end of Hong Kong leads you to one of the more famous landmarks – the Tian Tan Buddah!

The Big Buddha it made out of bronze and was completed in 1993. It apparently symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion. Climbing to the top of the hill gives a spectacular view of the region.

Going up to the peak we rode a bus and I must say the driver was insane. The road is a two way street and the width is certainly less than that of Toronto’s. Our driver was going up and down hills on 3rd gear swinging around hairpin turns and narrowly avoiding incoming traffic. The bends are so tight that you cannot see beyond the turn. In some places, there is only one lane with a narrow passing zone for two buses to get through. For $3CDN, it was quite an entertaining ride, better than any roller coaster you can find!

Tags: hong kong, Tung Chung Island

. 28 Dec 07 | Travel | Comments (0)

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong is subdivided into several territories, Hong Kong itself is actually an island. The other territories include Lantau Island, Kowloon and New Territories. On Dec 25th, I participated in a tour of Hong Kong Island which landed me the opporunity of taking some photos from the highest point in Hong Kong. The weather was great for panoramic shots. The city is full of skyscrapers which helps increase the population density.

In case you’re curious, the weather for Hong Kong’s winter is currently +17C. While everyone is wearing jackets and scarfs, I’m walking around in jeans and a t-shirt! My kind of weather!

Tags: hong kong, panoramic, photos

. 26 Dec 07 | Travel | Comments (0)

Hong Kong Street Market

Hong Kong is approximately 1100 square kilometers and has a population of over 7 million people. As you can guess, it’s a little crowded. A majority of the residents live in tall apartment buildings/condos to accommodate the high density. If you think Toronto’s Yonge &Dundas, Richmond & Adelaide or the 401&404 junction is busy, you haven’t seen anything.

The two photo’s below are from a street market not too far from the hotel I’m in. Two nights ago I walked up to the “Mong Kok” subway station and into another street market that was probably 3 times the size of this one. The market from the images below mainly sold knock-off clothing and trinkets, hence the name Jade Market. The larger market, had a lot of electronics and a section that sold knock-off high-end clothing like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucc, Diesel etc. It’s better known as Ladies Market for that particular reason.

Tags: hong kong, street market

. 25 Dec 07 | shopping, Travel | Comment (1)

View from the Hotel

Here’s two panoramic views from the hotel. The first view from the 11th floor is pretty boring, but the one from the 17th (pieces together from images below is pretty nice). Clicking on the picture will open up a full size image. Not 56K friendly.

Tags: hong kong, hotel, Travel

. 24 Dec 07 | Travel | Comments (0)

Next Stop: Hong Kong

I arrived in Hong Kong shortly after 8PM local and got through customs about 9. I now have my first stamp in my passport, rather boring looking stamp.

I’m currently staying in Caritas Bianchi Lodged – 4, Cliff Road, Yaumati Kownloon, Hong Kong. It’s a residence style place with single beds, a couch, TV and washroom. I’m on the 11th floor looking into the city. My parents on the 17th floor and have a view of the a hill.

I’m disappointed that there’s no wireless service in my room, lucky for me my parents have a hardline which allows me to stay online.