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Mostly True Stories, People, Places, Things

Hong Kong Slice of Life

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When I saw the Reggae Kung Fu poster, I asked my friend, a native of Hong Kong, if Jackie Chan was in town. I meant it as a joke. He didn’t laugh. He took me seriously.

“No. Unfortunately, Jackie Chan is not in town.” He said it as if he knew, at all times, where Jackie Chan actually was. And, he seemed disappointed he could not take me to meet Jackie Chan. He didn’t mention any Reggae artists.

Humor, especially with sarcasm, doesn’t translate well, mine, or his. My friend told me how much he loves Jackie Chan, how much the people of Hong Kong love Jackie Chan. But, he said, the movies made in Hong Kong look different than the movies made in the US.

“What’s the difference,” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he said. “They’re just different.”

He tried to show me some examples. Grittier, dirtier, darker, faster, more martial arts. “American movies make Hong Kong look…cleaner.”

“Show me your Hong Kong.”

He tried to. I think. The sites we filmed and photographed were carefully selected. I spent nearly a week in Hong Kong, this time, and I still don’t think I’ve seen the city, the ‘real’ city. After all, I couldn’t give a one sentence description. Big, tall, vibrant, energizing, fast paced, harried, smelly, busy, clean, dirty… I could use a dictionary and never run out of adjectives to describe Hong Kong. It is all of those things, and more. So, bear with me. I photographed the things I could see. Slice of Life? I hope so…

Only in Hong Kong could you synthesize Reggae music with Kung Fu action. You might even see Jackie Chan.
While waiting for customers, a shopkeeper checks her device.
Three children snack on the way home from school in Hong Kong.
School just let out. Who had a good day? Who had a bad day?
I couldn’t read the posters, but it did seem like a good place to read.
Outside a Hong Kong apothecary, a sign suggests a slippery slope to regularity.
Matching sweats and jackets create some style on the Hong Kong streets
School uniforms are an important part of life for young people in Hong Kong.
This is how the build those massive skyscrapers.
Over crowding is part of life in Hong Kong, especially in the poor sections.
They look a lot nicer on the inside.
Architecture in Hong Kong makes a bold statement.
Living on the water in Hong Kong is a lifestyle choice.
Hong Kong currents carry ideas and leaves to many parts of the world.
Water means life in Hong Kong.
Repulse beach is a popular resort destination throughout Asia.
Water taxis are an economical way to cross the bay and provide an excellent view.
Any open window is an opportunity where space is at a premium.
Innovation is the mother of invention, they say. With so much to do and so little space, innovation is is contagious.
It doesn’t matter what floor you live on, a clothes dryer is a luxury few can afford.
HIGH end product placement, Hong Kong style.
Places, Things

Religious Worship–Hong Kong Style

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There are approximately 600 temples, shrines and monasteries in Hong Kong. Buddhism and Christianity are the most widely practiced religions; however, most world religions are found throughout Hong Kong. I was only able to visit two Buddhist Temples, but the evidence of religious worship is pervasive. The Chinese of Hong Kong are a religious people.

Like many cities throughout the world, those in need pray for alms on busy thorough fares.
Complete with fruit for departed ancestors and burning incense, religion tradition informs daily living for many in Hong Kong.
For the devout, the temple entrance holds the promise of greater wisdom within.
Just outside the temple entrance a lantern, in the traditional style, lights the path to wisdom.
Above the tile roof of a Hong Kong Temple, detailed ceramic artwork tells the story of rich religious tradition.
Love Gods and Goddesses are popular at the Kwun Yan Shrine at Repulse Bay.
Inlaid gold and cultured pearls enhance Godly reverence for temple worshippers.
Burning incense is an important element to worship for traditional Chinese.
Burning candles are part of the religious tradition of many of the world’s religions.
Worshippers can burn incense at many places throughout the shrine of Kwun Yam.
Each mini-shrine, contributes to the religious tradition of the Kwun Yam shrine.
Gold Gods and Money Gods are popular at the Kwun Yam Shrine where visitors line up to rub the God’s belly.
A buddhist Temple Goddess stoically watches patrons drift past.
Crowned Gods stand sentinel as patrons pass their ranks.
A tile turtle provides transportation for a Buddhist God.
Savory smoke ascends to heaven for the devout Buddhist.
Intricate ceramic artwork invoke religious symbolism throughout the temple.
Beautiful Chinese characters adorn the shrine of Kwun Yam.
Ceramic tile are a rich part of the visual appeal of the Kwun Yam Shrine.
Each character tells a story at the Buddhist Temple Shrine of Kwun Yam.
Standing over 10 meters high, Kwun Yam stands guard over the sea at the Buddhist shrine near Repulse Bay.
A shrine for burning incense adorns the porch of many homes and apartments in Hong Kong.
The Buddhist Temple Shrine of Kwun Yam touches the sea at Repulse Bay, Hong Kong.