Tag Archives: Travel and Tourism

Mostly True Stories, Places, Things

You can buy it in Hong Kong, 24/7

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I was working in my suit and tie. Not uncommon in my current assignment. Our light panel case had some particularly powerful velcro holding it together. When I bent down to get the LED lights out of the case, the velcro grabbed my tie. Destroyed. I went through three ties that day. I needed a new tie, like, NOW. My AroundMe app told me I could buy a new tie .57 miles from my current location. I took off walking. I never made it to the store AroundMe suggested. I found a tie shop within a quarter mile. In Hong Kong, much like L.A. or New York, you can buy just about anything, at just about anytime. The city never slept, at least, while I was awake, which was most of the time.

My last post from Hong Kong is dedicated to Commerce.  Fortunately for me, I now have several new ties.

If you know where to look, you can buy just about anything. You just have to carry it home because there is not room for cars on this street.
Happy really big Chinese New Year from H & M.
HIGH end product placement, Hong Kong style.
Real, or knockoffs. You can buy them both in Hong Kong.
Fashion doesn’t get any higher than in the high rise Hong Kong malls.
In one of the electronics capitals of the world, Canon and Nikon battle for supremacy. I took this photo with the 5D mkiii.
If you’re in Hong Kong, you should definitely try the dumplings. They’re Pro.
You can see the meat, hanging out in the open on almost every street corner. You can smell the meat, everywhere else.
You can smell them before you can see them. This sign was perfect, the fish were definitely not fresh.
While waiting for customers, a shopkeeper checks her device.
You can trust him. He knows what all that stuff is.
I don’t know what it is, but it better be good, because it’s not cheap (unless you know the exchange rate:).
Not sure what it is, but they said it was good in soup.
If they started moving, I’d think I was on Kronos (Qo’noS).
These are not mushrooms. They put them in soup. When you see them in your soup, don’t ask, it’s better not to know.
In Hong Kong, even the grains are color coordinated.
Perhaps she needs some new customers, or just some customers.
Negotiating is a fine art at the street market’s in Hong Kong.
I’ve been to some parts of the world where they didn’t have them; however, it is, I must admit, one of my goals to eat at McDonald’s in every country in the world that does.
Delivered hot and ready just about anywhere in Hong Kong.
Every neighborhood street corner has them. I just want to know if they have free slurpees on July 11.
They sell by the meter, and, the price is right.
To live, work, eat and sleep in small spaces.
Two brands control most of the vices throughout the world.
Hong Kong moves 24/7. Some of the best deals are available at the night market.
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.
Mostly True Stories, Places

Hong Kong in HDR

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I don’t shoot everything in HDR. Honest, I don’t. However, Hong Kong is such a visual, visceral experience, quite beyond the ordinary sense, bordering on the overwhelming, that High Dynamic Range imagery seemed to be appropriate. Sometimes, I know, HDR–my HDR shots–skirt quite close to the edge of going over the top. I’m still trying to figure out where that edge is, what’s appropriate for the subject, what’s appropriate for the viewer. I certainly haven’t found that place–yet. I haven’t been doing this long enough. My wife sometimes tells me my HDR shots look like bad ’70s blacklight posters.

C’est la vie.

It’s fun and it looks cool. I can’t draw. I don’t use a brush. But, if I did, my impressionist paintings might also look like bad ’70s blacklight posters.

C’est la vie, again.

I would, at some point like to approach art, not just capture, although, I think I look at the world with a documentarian’s eye. I do enjoy the candid, the natural, the slice of life, the story in the moment.

I didn’t throw all my visual sensibilities out the window when I landed in Hong Kong. I did capture some of those images. Nevertheless, the striking structures of Hong Kong demanded that I shoot more than one image and compelled me to combine them in my favorite HDR tone mapping software. So, if that wasn’t enough of an apology, here is gallery of Hong Kong, HDR style.

And, by the way, I’d love to know if galleries work best for viewing these images, or, if posting them individually over several days is more enjoyable. Thanks, and I hope some of the fun I had in Hong Kong rubs off on you and brightens your day.

View of the downtown Hong Kong Financial district, Wan Chai.
It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of traffic, people, noise and smog; however, when in Hong Kong, don’t forget to look up. The sky is up there, somewhere.
In spite of the size of the city, the number of people and cars, Hong Kong boasts a remarkably effective public transportation system.
Soaring above the teeming masses, Hong Kong’s endless skyscrapers are home to the most densely packed populace in the world.
Many towering buildings in Hong Kong have been designed with rectangular openings to withstand high winds during violent storms.
Families live aboard Junks and make their living by fishing and transporting passengers across the water.
The Junk is a traditional Chinese sailing vessel. Junks are still part of the seafaring lifestyle for many Hong Kong.
Among the busiest natural harbors in the world, Victoria Harbor is also one of the most scenic.
While it may seem like it, all is not sweetness and light. While there are not many left in Hong Kong, there are still some poor areas.
Bold architecture accents Hong Kong’s optimistic position as a leading global city.
Changing light conditions and swirling storm clouds dance above the soaring buildings of Hong Kong.
A brewing storm lowers over Victoria Peak in the background and the massive skyscrapers of Hong Kong.
Every night for ten minutes, 45 buildings in Hong Kong on both sides of Victoria Harbor synchronize a light show to music.
Looking back toward the city from Tamar Park, Hong Kong.

Mostly True Stories, Places

Hong Kong, a fascinating city

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With a population of over 7 million, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Known by its initials, H.K., Hong Kong is a world city and international financial center that is part of the big three–New York, London, and Hong Kong–that support the global economy.

I have been able to spend a few days in Hong Kong taking pictures and filming. Over the next few days, I’ll post my visual impressions of the city.

I never feel like I have enough time to capture the full story of the places I’ve been. Hong Kong is certainly no exception. There is so much more to a city of this Magnitude. The city is exciting and beautiful. The people are friendly. Language was rarely a problem. Almost everyone I met spoke English. And, perhaps most important to surviving the long days of filming was the food. In a word, great. I now have a much better command of chopsticks than ever before.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong became a British Colony in 1842. In 1997 China peacefully resumed control of the densely populated financial center.
Places

Taipei City, Taiwan

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Situated on the northern coast of Taiwan, Taipei City is the capital of the Republic of China. With a population of nearly 3 million people, Taipei is the political, economic and cultural center of Taiwan.

Taipei was founded in the 18th century and has been the center of government for China during various periods. Following World War II, Chiang Kai-shek lead his nationalist forces to Taiwan after suffering defeat at the hands of the communists in China’s civil war. Today, Taiwan has a democratically elected national government.

To reach this viewpoint where I took this picture, we had to hike some pretty steep steps. It was a good workout, and worth it. Taipei is a beautiful, clean and stunningly beautiful city.

Taipei, Taiwan
Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building until 2010 when a taller building opened in Dubai.
Places

Chaing Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan

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Two sets of stairs, each with 89 steps representing Chaing Kai-shek’s age when he died, lead to the main entrance of the Memorial Hall. Rising 289 feet above ground and covered in glazed tile, the structure and surrounding flower beds represent the colors of the flag of the Republic of China.

Chaing Kai-shek retreated from China to Taiwan with his army in 1946 following defeat at the hands of the Communists. He had been ruling China for nearly twenty-two years. After arriving in Taiwan, he served as President of the Republic of Taiwan until his death in 1975. During the period of his rule, he continued to develop plans to retake mainland China from the Communists. Following his death, the Memorial Hall was erected in his honor and has become a natural gathering place, landmark and tourist attraction. If you visit Taiwan, don’t miss it. I was impressed.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Erected in honor of former President of the Republic of China, Chaing Kai-shek, the Chaing Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a famous monument, landmark and tourist attraction in Taipei, Taiwan.
Places, Things

A Taste of Australia

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Whirl-wind tour. 

Gold Coast. I want to feel the sand and surf before I die.

Brisbane. The Brisbane River snaking through the city leaves the marks of flood waters on the stone foundations of downtown high-rises.

An Aboriginal street performer plays a didgeridoo concert for some coins; the deep, rich, mysterious, mournful sound vibrating my bones. After playing, he tells us the story of how his father, European, fell in love with his Aboriginal mother deep in the bush.

Driving away, a Kangaroo stands and stares at us, watching us go with sad eyes.  Why are you leaving?

From Kangaroo Point, the spectacular setting sun gives way, too soon, to the sparkling stars of the Southern Cross. I’m far from home and longing to see my family.

The good news, for me, is that spending such a short time down under means that I will go back. I must.

Dusk settles on Brisbane, Australia and the Brisbane River
The Brisbane River flows beneath the Goodwill Bridge at dusk in Brisbane, Australia.
The sun sets over Brisbane and Goodwill Bridge as seen from Kangaroo Point.
This street performer, half aborigine, was a most excellent didgeridoo player.
On a visit to Brisbane, it doesn’t take long to leave the city behind and get lost is the Beautiful, Australian bush.
This young Kangaroo stood up to pose for pictures not far from Brisbane, Australia.
Not my best photo ever. When I got to close for comfort Kanga took off with amazing speed.
The Koala Bear is actually not a bear at all, but a marsupial native to Australia.
The sub-tropical climate near Brisbane, Australia is perfect for beautiful wild flowers.
Sunset on the Brisbane River.
Places

Sunset on Aotearoa

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No matter how much I want it to last, the day always comes to an end. I try to make it last. I try to hold it in my hands. I try to capture the moment, to remember the brilliance, to savor the beauty. No such luck–but wait–my camera…

Leaving New Zealand I couldn’t resist the sunset. Perhaps, the HDR shots are a little much; however, the actual brilliance was indescribable. Would I go back to New Zealand? Will I go back? In a Kiwi second.

First settled by the Maoris nearly 700 years ago, Captain James Cook discovered and mapped New Zealand in 1769.
Known as Paradise of the Pacific, New Zealand is a land of stunning natural beauty and diversity.
On average, there are 137 rainy days in Auckland each year, guaranteeing more sunny days than not.
Auckland has a vibrant and colorful Mauri population, the largest of any city in the world.
Climate conditions in New Zealand make for spectacular sunsets, nearly every evening.
With cool breezes, sunny weather and friendly people, if not paradise, New Zealand can’t be far from it.
Mostly True Stories, Places

Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud

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The traditional Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, or “Land of the Long White Cloud.”  Ocean currents, weather patterns and South Pacific moisture combine for spectacular cloud formations which brood above the mountains, valleys and fjords, of New Zealand and bear witness to the truth of the ancient Maori name.

With the brilliant clouds and sparkling waters, New Zealanders love to sail. Auckland, New Zealand is known as ‘the city of sails’. Some reports boast that there are more boats per capita in New Zealand than anywhere else in the world.  Check any international yachting crew and you’ll probably find a New Zealander.

From my perspective, I could feel pleasant breezes, blue water and plenty of sunshine. Now that I’ve been there, If I had to choose, I’d rather be sailing–in New Zealand.

Clouds, sunshine and rain and clear water.
Can you hear the sea calling to you?
Even if you could sail around the world, why would you ever leave New Zealand?
We’re calling everyone to ride along, to another shore.
At home in the harbor.
Nearly one in every three New Zealanders owns a boat.
With a population of approximately 1.5 million, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand.
At 1,076 feet tall, or 328 meters, the Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand is the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
The western coast of North Island from the air.