Stop Press!

Trying to finish Cyprus trip. Four new videos uploaded into previous posts.

After trotting around Southeast Asia over the summer, I'm now back in the UK - Cambridge to be exact. Am trying my best to update as frequently as my clinical course will allow.

Entries on Italy and France two winters ago have been put on hold indefinitely. Read: possibly never. But we shall see.

Entries on Greece and Turkey last winter have also been put on hold for the time being.

Posted:
Don Det (Laos), Don Khone

Places yet to blog about:
Ban Nakasang, Champasak, Pakse, Tha Kaek, Vientienne, Vang Vien, Ban Phoudindaeng, Luang Prabang, Khon Kaen (Thailand), Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), London (England), Cambridge

Sunday 30 July 2006

Tai Fu Tai Mansion


It was very romantic and nostalgic: a shadow of a golden era long gone by.
~ Tai Fu Tai Mansion

Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees


...people would write down their wishes on incense paper, tie it to an orange and throw them on to the branches of these gigantic banyan trees.
~ Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees

Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail


The trail supposedly runs through almost a dozen centuries old villages, five of which are enclosed within stout walls for safety reasons. Although these houses were on the ground floor, they appeared to be quite cramped. And yet, there was a strong sense of the family unit in a very close community. Such is the Tang clan.
~ Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail

Fung Ying Seen Koon


A very beautiful Taoist temple complex situated on a hill overlooking the town of Fanling.
~ Fung Ying Seen Koon

Friday 28 July 2006

Tsuen Wan town centre


There she stood. In deep contemplation of the choices spread out before her. A single insignificant spending entity amidst the many connected shopping centres.
~ Tsuen Wan town centre

Hong Kong Baptist Convention Primary School


Stop right there. That should teach them a lesson. Don't mention it. It was nothing. I'd love to! In fact, I'm heading there too.
~ Hong Kong Baptist Convention Primary School

Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar


The idea was to choose what you wanted to eat and how much of it, haggle for a reasonable price and decide how you wanted it prepared. It was all very exciting indeed.
~ Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar

Monday 24 July 2006

Ping Shan Heritage Trail


Saw some children playing catch and badminton as well as toddlers riding their tricycles in front of the Tang Ancestral Hall.
~ Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Cheung Chau Island


In the light of the setting sun, the view of the island laid out before us was simply spectacular!
~ Cheung Chau Island

Saturday 22 July 2006

Aberdeen


Ended up walking the entire length of the Aberdeen Promenade which runs along Aberdeen Harbour. The harbour - protected by Ap Lei Chau - isn't very interesting with its many fishing vessels anchored in its calm waters while sampans ferry people to and from Ap Lei Chau. Nonetheless, the walk was rather enjoyable in a relaxing way - watching people doing tai chi, acknowledging people jogging by and just soaking in the peaceful environment.
~ Aberdeen

Ocean Park


So I had just spent the entire day at Ocean Park with Cath, Kaja and Zen...rides that we deemed worthy: the Raging River, the Mine Train, the Abyss and the Dragon.
~ Ocean Park

Friday 21 July 2006

Golden Bauhinia Square


Up close, the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Square is absolutely enormous despite its stunted height when compared to the likes of 2IFC. The Forever Blooming Bauhinia sculpture is quite impressive as it glistens in the glow of the setting sun although I was expecting something more. Nonetheless, the gorgeous view of Victoria Harbour as it is set ablaze more than makes up for it.
~ Golden Bauhinia Square

Bank of China Tower



With only 70 floors and the observation deck on the 43rd floor, it's not as tall as 2IFC. And smaller windows generally make it rather unimpressive.
~ Bank of China Tower

Western Market


Encroached upon one side by a busy highway, this nondescript Edwardian-style building is deserted to say the least. It could've been the items on sale - mostly arts and crafts as well as souvenirs and collectibles - or it could've simply been the wrong time.

~ Western Market

King's College Old Boy's Association Primary School No. 2


...also because of the strong bond we have between us...This feeling is quite mutual: I've tried to help him steer clear of trouble while he's been very protective of me. Something which I feel very touched with.
~ King's College Old Boy's Association Primary School No. 2

Wednesday 19 July 2006

Two International Finance Centre


...from where I'm standing, the view of Hong Kong Island's skyscrapers overlooking Victoria Harbour in the light of the setting sun is absolutely stunning!
~ Two International Finance Centre

Tuesday 18 July 2006

Clock Tower


It was a brilliant display of the Hong Kong experience in the form of breathtaking pictures projected on a water curtain.
~ Clock Tower

Statue Square


In front of the Legislative Council Building, it's quite a busy place due to its location at the centre of Hong Kong's financial hub. Encroached upon by three office buildings, people walk through it every second of the day to get to work or go home via the MTR or ferry at the nearby pier. Some also sit by the refreshing fountains in a futile attempt to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
~ Statue Square

Mid-Levels Escalator


From the very top at Conduit Road all the way down to its very bottom at Central Market, it gives one a very good cross-sectional view of Hong Kong Island with its gradual transition from its mountainous region to its coastal region. Behind the facade of new beautiful commercial buildings lining its coast lie old and ugly residential flats.

~ Mid-Levels Escalator

Man Mo Temple


Giant coils of incense hung from criss-crossed poles just beneath the ceiling. Fragrant wisps of smoke snaked its way upwards through square openings in the roof. Everything just seemed so surreal.
~ Man Mo Temple

Monday 17 July 2006

Minnaya


Couches were huddled closely together around low tables while cushions were spread out on the floor. Cards and a variety of games were provided while food and drinks were served leisurely. Generally for good laughs and fun times with friends.
~ Minnaya

Friday 14 July 2006

Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No. 2


Their self-consciousness was their own greatest enemy. But everything turned out fine in the end. I ended up being a friend to some of them as well as their teacher. I will surely miss all of them.
~ Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No. 2

Hong Kong Museum of History


"Ah sir! ah sir!"
~ Hong Kong Museum of History

Wednesday 12 July 2006

Temple Street Night Market


I found out today that he actually paid part of the fee to join this English Camp.
~ Temple Street Night Market

Tuesday 11 July 2006

Mongkok


It's quite a pity especially for those who can't afford to further their studies abroad. It just puts everything into perspective and makes you re-evaluate the thingsthat you take for granted.
~ Mongkok

Monday 10 July 2006

Lantau Island


I am getting slightly apprehensive about my first day of teaching tomorrow.
~ Lantau Island

Sunday 9 July 2006

Victoria Peak


...the amazing performance of the Symphony of Lights and the breathtaking view from Victoria Peak...
~ Victoria Peak

Ap Liu Street


Despite the suspicious electrical and electronic devices being sold at Ap Liu Street...
~ Ap Liu Street

Saturday 8 July 2006

Lan Kwai Fong


Definitely good times.
~ Lan Kwai Fong

Friday 7 July 2006

British Council Hong Kong


She was very subtle and never revealed it openly to anyone. And yet, you could tell that she was very passionate about Chemistry and teaching it. Out of all the teachers who have taught me, she has been the most skilled potter in moulding me into the person that I am today.
~ British Council Hong Kong

Aqua


More than three years later, he thanks me for the advice I gave him. Never before have I felt so touched.
~ Aqua

Thursday 6 July 2006

Poh Lin monastery


And when it's just right, the wind catches the prayers of the monks in a nearby hall and fills the entire monastery with them before lifting them up into the heavens.

~ Poh Lin monastery

Wednesday 5 July 2006

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin temple


Like the burning of forests it was. No more the fragrant smell of incense. But of smoke and ash. In which futures were shrouded from tearful eyes.
~ Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin temple

Felix bar


The glass walls became the walls of the coffin in which I was buried alive. And no one notices. No thing notices. Not even the bright lights of Hong Kong Island. I'd drown myself in Victoria Harbour if it weren't this pretty.
~ Felix bar, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tuesday 4 July 2006

Avenue of Stars


The stars shine brightly here. Mirroring the ones that dance in the night sky above. Reflected by the gleaming waters of the fragrant harbour.

~ Avenue of Stars