Yau Ma Tei
Tagua nut: feels, looks and carves like ivory.
The ivory trade threatens a whole host of endangered species. Despite the bans, despite the publicity of the long term negative and irreversible effects of poaching, there is still a thriving ivory market. While I fail to see the appeal of ivory, it is time for those who do, to reflect on where their ivory comes from, the selfishness of contributing to such an economy, and seek alternative materials.
Yuen Po Street, Bird Market
Ancient script
Yuen Po Street, Bird Market
Birdkeepers own birds to admire, compare and show off. They walk them every day, inside the cages, socialising with fellow bird-walkers. Apparently only a healthy bird will sing, and those paraded in the parks, they sing. But what are they singing? Singing to join the birds flying around outside the cage in the trees?
The cages may be ornate, but it is still a cage.
Wing Lee Street
Historical building preservation, something to celebrate right?
Not for everyone. The owner of this house had been waiting for compensation and relocation. Wing Lee Street had originally been part of a redevelopment plan, until the film “Echos of the Rainbow” made it famous and indestructible. Under this new preservation scheme, residents will only be able to sell their buildings at market value, which despite their location is relatively low, as the buildings are in very bad repair and over 60 years old.
While I am glad that this little snippet of old Hong Kong charm will be saved the destiny of becoming another high-rise block, I am only too aware of the irony. For the residents, the sudden increase in historical value of their homes has decreased the monetary value, and for the time being taken away from them an immediate improved standard of living. As the surrounding area is proliferating rapidly, whether they will benefit in the long term, only time will tell.
Sheung Wan
And then there were nine wine bottles sitting on the wall…
Yangshao
Public picnic tables inside Twin Gate Mountain karst.
Xinxing
Preparation for my cousin’s wedding lunch banquet in his old village home. 40 tables, 8-10 guests per table. Dinner and lunch the day before consisted of the organs and less tasty food. Dinner after consisted of the extra uncooked food. Plastic bags provided with every meal for take away. Nothing is wasted.
Xinxing
Inside my grandmother’s old family village home.
Waterfall Bay
Look up and there is the Peak’s Bel-Air skyscraper, turn around left and there is an old Beach Defence Unit (Pillbox 006 and Lyon Light), turn around right and there is a small shrine of gods, look backwards and there is a container ship passing a small motor-less fishing boat. Hong Kong in one breath; Snippets of nature neighbouring with sky-high development, modern life peppered with wartime history and intertwined with old traditions, grand ambitions sailing alongside reminders of its humble fishing village origins.
Wa Fu
The locals have created their own open air swimming pool on the coast. Minimalist design and minimal maintenance costs. Steps and handrail enables easy access in and out of the South China Sea, a covered 3-walled enclosure with a freshwater hole provides a scenic one person changing and shower area.
And as for the swimming clubhouse, it has a coastline garden filled with never-ending statues watching over those taking a dip.
