🐎 Kung Hei Fat Choi 2026 – Year of the Fire Horse 🐎

Kung Hei Fat Choi everyone, Happy New Year of the Fire Horse. Although the Chinese New Year Calandar cycle is every 12 years, the year of the Fire Horse is only once every 60 years. After shedding the year of the snake in 2025, 2026 is meant to be an abundant year for all. This is something I am hoping for anyway, after a somewhat stressful 2025.

Having recently been in Hong Kong I took the opportunity of snapping a few shots of some of the decorations I saw.

Hong Kong can always be relied upon for ornate decorations whatever the event.

The lotus blossom is a powerful, auspicious symbol for Chinese New Year representing purity, harmony and abundance.

We stayed in Wanchai on Hong Kong Island and below are photos I took at different times of the day from our window.

Above is a video playing of different images of horses.

In case you are wondering what animal you are I have added a photo of a Chinese New Year Calandar. I am a dog, faithful and loyal. Which one are you?

How did these particular animals get chosen to represent the Chinese Calandar? For your information I looked this up!

According to legend, the 12 Chinese New Year animals were chosen by the Jade Emperor or Buddha to compete in a great race across a river. This was to determine their place in the zodiac. The first 12 animals to finish secured their spots, resulting in the order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

1. Rat: Won by hitching a ride on the Ox and jumping ahead at the end.
2. Ox: Diligent, but outsmarted by the Rat.
3. Tiger: Strong, powered through the current.
4. Rabbit: Nimble, hopped across stones and rode a log.
5. Dragon: Strong, but stopped to help others.
6. Snake: Hid on the Horse’s hoof.
7. Horse: Spooked by the snake.
8. Sheep; 9. Monkey; 10. Rooster: Worked together to cross.
11. Dog: Delayed by bathing in the river.
12. Pig: Stopped to eat and nap.

🔥 Wishing everyone a Happy Year of the Fire Horse 🔥

~ Escape from the City – Aberdeen to Lamma Island, Hong Kong ~

During our time in Hong Kong we caught a bus to Aberdeen. We hadn’t been to Aberdeen in over twenty years and was surprised at how nice the new promenade was.

Aberdeen dates back to the Ming Dynasty, and was originally known as Hong Kong. When the first foreigners landed they thought this town was the whole island. Even after they discovered this wasn’t the case, the name still stuck. The name Aberdeen comes from George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1852-1855).

Aberdeen is still a thriving fishing harbour with many people living on their boats.

During our stay in Hong Kong there was a “Pandamic”, advertised as a “Pandastic event”. We saw hundreds of these being blown up in Hong Kong Harbour. I couldn’t work out how this related to Christmas.

We walked along the promenade and noticed a ferry that was about to depart for Lamma Island. This was another place that we hadn’t been to since we had left Hong Kong. So without further ado, we jumped on board and sailed away.

Sailing away from Aberdeen to Lamma Island

We reached Lamma around lunchtime and meandered along the seafront looking for a place to eat. Many of the restaurants only serve seafood, mostly local cuisine. We opted for one that served Western also.

After lunch we had a wander up and down the seafront. Lamma is a fairly large island with many hiking trails. Young local Chinese often camp overnight here.

Dragon Boats are human powered watercraft and generally made from Teak. Dragon Boating is a popular pastime in Hong Kong, there is even a public holiday for this event.

The end of the promenade, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island

If you are ever in Hong Kong and want to escape the busy city life, here is a fantastic way to see another side of Hong Kong. It’s a great day trip and easy to do. Ferries leave from Central, Hong Kong Island and Aberdeen regularly. Many people who visit HK miss out on these smaller side trips. They are not advertised much internationally but are very popular with local Hong Kong people. Ferries go back and forth regularly, both from Central and Aberdeen. The islands of Hong Kong and Country Parks are lush and verdant, which is a surprise to many.

~ Leading Lines from Across the Globe ~

For Monochrome Madness this week, Sarah from Travel with Me, has challenged us to find leading lines in our photos.

“Leading lines are a compositional technique that uses lines in a photograph to guide the viewer’s eye towards the subject. They can be natural or man-made, and can be straight, curved, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Leading lines can create a sense of movement and depth, and can be used to direct the viewer’s focus, create balance, and tell a story“.

I’ve thoroughly scoured my archives to see if I had anything along these lines (excuse the pun!).

I wouldn’t have necessarily taken a photo because of the lines, these just become apparent after viewing. I will now try and implement this technique.

It’s something I’ve come to appreciate on these challenges, I find out more and more about different ways of taking photos.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a popular tourist attraction. For the more adventurous and not something I’ve ever felt inclined to do! I prefer looking up at the ant like characters at the top.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Hong Kong Skyscrapers

Stairs leading up to a temple in
Luang Prabang
Looking over to Mount Sakurajima, Japan

Quiet street in Luang Prabang, mostly bikes. Such a peaceful road.

~ Hong Kong – Arts and Flowers ~

The annual flower show was on while we were in Hong Kong recently and when we arrived we were ushered in promptly through the free gate. There are some benefits to being a senior! The crowds were out in force, bus tours from old people’s homes and also school tours. People waited patiently in line to have a photo in front of the spectacular displays.

The theme for 2024 was “Floral Joy Around Town” and attracted more than 200 exhibits from local and mainland horticultural societies. The colourful Angelonia was the feature flower.

“Flowers don’t tell, they show.” – Stephanie Skeem

It was held in Victoria Park, named after Queen Victoria.

The sheer variety of flowers was overwhelming. Some were so intricate and would have taken hours to put together.

There were classic designs and fun exhibits. Something for everyone to admire.

The Art of Ikenobo

“Though we pursue an economic value in life, it is in admiring beauty and creating things that we enrich the ground of our mind.” – Senno

The art of Ikenobo dates back to the 15th Century and was founded by the Buddhist Monk Senno. Japanese people like to give deeper meaning to flower arranging and prefer them upright rather than casually placed.

There is an elegance and simplicity to these designs that bely the hard work that goes into creating them.

After leaving here we went back across the harbour and walked along the sea front to our hotel. On the way we noticed yet another new shopping mall and popped in for a look around. We were astounded by the sheer size of it, not just that but the fabulous art works on display, not something you would normally find in a shopping centre. Of course there were the normal high end designer shops and high class restaurants but I think most people were there to have a look at everything else on display. We were wondering how these shops make any money because most were empty.

K11 Musea

Sculpture Garden on the 6th floor

Looking up inside K11

This is a place I will definitely be going back to because I realise we missed so much of the fantastic artwork. It won’t be to shop for sure!

Goodbye March, hello April

Linking to Second Wind Leisure for Urban
Natalie for PPAC

~ Day Tripping to Stanley, Hong Kong ~

During our recent stay in Hong Kong we paid a visit to Stanley for old time’s sake. I used to love going there on the odd occasion with friends for shopping and lunch. I can’t believe I used to drive, I was much braver in those days! Merging fearlessly onto the four lane highway and going up and over flyovers. This time we took the bus, which is also a great way to see the surrounding countryside, especially if you’re lucky enough to get front row top deck seats.

Once off the freeway the roads become very narrow and the trees and branches knock and scratch at the windows.

**Red Hill Plaza overlooking Tai Tam Beach**

Hong Kong, surprisingly for many, has some beautiful beaches. Some are only accessible by boat.

Unlucky for us the front row was
already taken

Stanley is named after Lord Stanley (subsequently Earl of Derby), British Colonial Secretary at the time of the cession of Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, and subsequently Prime Minister. Stanley Fort is situated here, the former British Army barracks, and is now occupied by the People’s Liberation Army.

It is mostly famous for the market and bars and restaurants along the promenade and is situated on the peninsula of Hong Kong Island.

The market is not the same as it was and mostly full of tourist stalls and art galleries. I remember my first visit to Stanley and was in awe of all the beautiful silk clothes for sale. I bought myself a raw silk suit and silk blouse for work. Realising too late that silk is not the ideal material to wear in 90% humidity!

Detailed paintings from a gallery in the market

A typical side alley in Stanley, also trying to work our way back to the bus stop through the labyrinth of alleys.

I enjoyed our time in Stanley, walking down memory lane, an hour or two is enough to explore and have a nice lunch. Then it was time to get back on the bus back to Central.

Hong Kong – A City of Contrasts

After the serenity and calmness of Bali we are now in the busy and bustling city of Hong Kong. Surrounded by lush green hills, the skyscrapers jostle for space in this ever growing city. Wherever you go there are buildings going up and buildings coming down. Each competing with the others to see who can be the tallest or thinnest and offer the best view. It’s a city that never sleeps and is never quiet.

We are staying once again at the Hotel Icon on the 17th floor and can see for miles across the harbour to Hong Kong Island.

On our first morning we opened the curtains to this view. Not a skyscraper in sight. A heavy fog had descended, obscuring everything. I remember these days well from when we lived here before, especially in the New Territories. They would last for days and wreak havoc with my hair.

Luckily for us the weather turned out well over the next few days.

Maybe you’re wondering who cleans all these windows and how. There was a small notice in our room informing us of window cleaning, but one I only glanced at. Good job we were both decent at the time!

Vertigo would have no place in this job!

Each morning we would have coffee in the room and enjoy the spectacular views and comment on the activity below.

Each day we would take a bus to wherever we wanted to go. There was a bus terminal around 10 minutes walk from the hotel. With google maps I could find the exact route and times as well.

A mix of old and new buildings in Central.

The photographic opportunities in Hong Kong are many and I have to stop and think, “do I already have that shot?” as they never get old.

Posted also for Lens-Artist Challenge – Cityscapes

~ Pick A Word – January 2024 ~

This month’s words are

Far Reaching
Panoramic
Scenic
All Encompassing
Wide-ranging

Simple, but tricky! I’ve searched through my archives and here’s my pick.

Far Reaching

Panoramic

Scenic

All Encompassing

Wide Ranging

Thanks to Paula @ Lost in Translation for this fun and interesting challenge. It’s great to see other bloggers selections too, which I had a peak at first to get inspiration before I did mine!

~ Hong Kong Gallery ~ Sculptures and Artwork

Continuing with my photos of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Airport is a place where you can easily while away an hour or two, there’s always something different on display. As we were walking towards our gate I noticed several new sculptures that caught my eye. I would have like to linger longer on these but it was nearly time for boarding. I’ve had some fun editing these and framing them with Ribbet, a photo editing website.

Buzzing with Excitement –
Artist – Man Fung-yi

“The group of artworks themselves own an interactive energy which can energize the place with laughter, vigor and warmth”

Raise Me High I
Artist – Li Wei-han Rosanna

“Kite flying can be seen as a journey in the sky, a way to go free. It brings joy and excitement and endows with boundless imagination” – Li Wei-han Rosanna

**Raise Me High II**
**Artist – Li Wei-han Rosanna**

“An airplane window that obscures the view with stainless-steel origami mirrors and a dichroic glass. As passengers look out the window, they become part of the illusions”

“Abstractly shaped artwork with a collage of colourful mosaic tiles. The back is copper plate. Passengers are encouraged when looking to relax their minds and forget about their troubles before they go on their wonderful journey”

About to Board
Artist – Li Wei-han Rosanna

“Whether it is a journey heading home or out to the exotic, travelling is often marked by moments of wait longing and yearning. Upon reaching the destination, it is the sense of relief mingled with joy and fulfilment that makes travelling an exciting adventure”

I have taken the liberty of copying the words with some editing that accompanied these wonderful works of art. Studying them definitely made the wait for boarding thought-provoking and diverting.

Linking to Natalie’s PPAC

~ Hong Kong Gallery – People at Work, Rest and Play ~

I’ve posted about Hong Kong a few times in the past and each time we go I find something new to photograph. So I thought I would do a series of posts with different topics.

“It is the working man who is the happy man. It is the idle man who is the miserable man“
Benjamin Franklin

An employee of the Star Ferry getting ready to bring the gang plank down. He’s wearing the same uniform that has been in existence for many years. I imagine he’s also worked on the Star Ferry since a young man. Not much has changed about the Star Ferries, just the price of a ticket which is still a great bargain at HK$5.
“The Star Ferry traces its origins to 1880 when Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, a Parsee cook, embarked on a new vocation. He began a ferry service across Victoria Harbour with his steamboat, the Morning Star.” – Source: Star Ferry

“The wise man knows how to run his life so that contemplation is possible”
Gabriel Marcel

Taking a moment to reflect on the book he is reading. It made me wonder what he is thinking about.

Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Take the time off to replenish your energy and recharge your soul – Annoymous

Employees from a nearby restaurant enjoying their lunch outside. There were poinsettias everywhere, providing splashes of colour.

“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship”
Thomas Aquinas

Wedding shenanigans with the groomsmen. We came upon this group as we turned the corner from our hotel. I just caught them in mid pose. Chinese weddings are an extremely flamboyant affair in Hong Kong, most of the photos are taken before the wedding.

◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️

Bright Lights and City Sights

I’m linking up this post with Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share and Public Art Challenge.

We arrived back in Perth very early Thursday morning, around 1 am and I’ve been busy ever since. Especially today as it’s Munchkin Monday and have been run ragged by my two adorable grandchildren. The plan was to see Santa and choose a Christmas decoration each. They both declined the visit to Santa, Rosie being particularly scared and anxious, she is only two. Anyway I didn’t push it and we just stood and had a look at the scene before us. We had a pitstop in a cafe, coffee for me and smartie cookies for them. Back to the house for some Christmas baking, more cookies and then chocolate cake for hubby’s birthday. A huge sugar hit today, hope they sleep okay!

Below are some photos of Hong Kong at night.

Let City Lights guide you home

One thing for sure about Hong Kong, it really knows how to dress up at night, Christmas especially. Walking around the city that never sleeps there’s always something to catch your eye. Brightly lit skyscrapers, shop windows and side streets.

Oohing and aahing at every corner!

John “Rudolph” Travolta

Even the trams get a sprucing up, just captured this as it trundled by in a blur!

This is just because! I turned around walking through this shopping centre at night and just liked the clean lines and the diagonal pattern it made.

Just like to say thanks to Natalie for taking on the PPAC challenge after Marsha, something I’ve always enjoyed. This is also my first time for Weekend Coffee Share, although I’m a day late.

Category: Hong Kong

🐎 Kung Hei Fat Choi 2026 – Year of the Fire Horse 🐎

🔥 Wishing everyone a Happy Year of the Fire Horse 🔥

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~ Escape from the City – Aberdeen to Lamma Island, Hong Kong ~

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~ Leading Lines from Across the Globe ~

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~ Hong Kong – Arts and Flowers ~

“Flowers don’t tell, they show.” – Stephanie Skeem

“Though we pursue an economic value in life, it is in admiring beauty and creating things that we enrich the ground of our mind.” – Senno

Like this:

~ Day Tripping to Stanley, Hong Kong ~

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Hong Kong – A City of Contrasts

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~ Pick A Word – January 2024 ~

Far Reaching

Panoramic

Scenic

All Encompassing

Wide Ranging

Like this:

~ Hong Kong Gallery ~ Sculptures and Artwork

Like this:

~ Hong Kong Gallery – People at Work, Rest and Play ~

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🔥 Wishing everyone a Happy Year of the Fire Horse 🔥

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“Flowers don’t tell, they show.” – Stephanie Skeem

“Though we pursue an economic value in life, it is in admiring beauty and creating things that we enrich the ground of our mind.” – Senno

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

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Like this:

Far Reaching

Panoramic

Scenic

All Encompassing

Wide Ranging

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Like this:

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Like this:

Let City Lights guide you home

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