This is the question posed by Tina from Travels and Trifles this week. We are all familiar with the famous story by Aesop from our childhood. The moral of the story is “living a simple and happy life is better than living an extravagant life with constant fear“.
Of course we all want a happy life, not so sure about simple. I love living near a city, but not in one, just near enough to get an exciting vibe whenever I feel the need. On the otherhand, I do like the peace and quiet of the Perth suburbs.
Having lived and worked in London and also Hong Kong, I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of city life. We lived in the countryside in Hong Kong, an anomaly right there, but it wasn’t too far to drive into the city.
Hong Kong City – Day & Night
Hong Kong Countryside
Perth – Countryside and City
I love a city break for two or three nights, see the sights and visit fancy restaurants. Coming home to my serene suburban life is always welcome at the end.
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 Promenade
Bronze Sculpture of Tunka Fishermen
Floating Jetty, Aberdeen
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.
Homes to some of the fisher folk
Sampan
Blow up Panda on the roof!
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
Having an in depth conversation about the merits of a battery operated screwdriver
Nearly alighted at the wrong stop!
Carrying his shopping back from Abderdeen
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.
Quirky mural depicting life on Lamma
Colourful rowing boats
Looking up to the grass covered towering hills
Looking through the banana trees towards the other side of Lamma
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.
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
Angelonia
It was held in Victoria Park, named after Queen Victoria.
Orchids“Orchids on Steroids”
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.
Candy House
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.
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 BeachTai 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 takenTai Tam ReservoirCrossing over the reservoirMount ParkerTai Tam Reservoir
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.
Murray House in the backgroundFrench Oysters for Lunch
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.
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.
University CampusNorth Point across the harbourLion Rock
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!
Always time for a banter!
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.
Time for Tai ChiYou can just make out the figures under the curved canopy
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.
Former Central MagistryCentral Police Station
A mix of old and new buildings in Central.
Us on a BusNo trip is complete without a ride on the Star Ferry
Flower Stalls in Central
A Bauhinia Tree growing out of the wall
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.
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.
December in Hong Kong is always magical and this year is no exception. Every shop, hotel, bank and restaurant has a tree up, most of them real too. We have been out and about the last few days and I have been snapping away at some of the trees and decorations on offer this year.
We have also been lucky with the weather. Normally it’s quite cool adding to that Christmas feeling but this year I have been walking around in t-shirts and linen pants.
Lobby, Hotel Icon, Kowloon
This is the hotel where we are staying for five nights, a change of district for us this year.
Hong Kong always has the most amazing lights on the sides of the buildings, these are just a few.
I wonder if this is real gingerbread!Quirky and Weird!
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. …
HSBC, Central, Hong KongChristmas Wreaths adorning a corridor
“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it” Roald Dahl
Throughout my life, I’ve had the opportunity to live in several different environments, each place different from the other. From bustling cities to suburban towns, each place has made me the person who I am today.
England
I was born in London and raised in Essex and lived there for 31 years. There are certainly parts of England that I love, London, the South West, the coastal towns. The environment is great in summer and sometimes spring and autumn, but the winters are not for me.
After living away from England for so many years, I realise I could not live there again. I’ve got too used to the wide open spaces and the sunny skies of Perth.
I enjoy a visit though!
Oceans, Rivers, Estuaries and Suburban Rooftops
Hong Kong
In my early thirties, I upped and moved to Hong Kong and it was a significant culture shock. The frenzied pace of life and the sheer number of people everywhere was overwhelming at first, especially the heat and the weight of the air, like a wet blanket over your shoulders. Anyway I soon fell in love with this City and also a few weeks later, my husband.
Hong Kong is not just a concrete jungle as many people think. There are many country parks and huge green rolling hills for hiking. Beaches on faraway islands only accessible by boat or ferry. Popular at the weekends for people to enjoy a calmer environment.
I remember when I first started work on the 37th floor of a skyscraper and travelled to work by ferry, I felt like Melanie Griffith in Working Girl!
I enjoyed 14 wonderful years here and both my children had their primary education here.
We were lucky enough to live in the countryside with views in the distance of the sea. We had six dogs, rescued by Anthony and Elena from the bins or left abandoned by the road side.
Skyscrapers surrounded by rolling green hillsReliving my journey to work More skyscrapers with the green mountains behind and the ocean in frontSai Kung HarbourSacred tame cows on LantauLantau Island
Perth, Australia
Deciding to leave Hong Kong was an extremely hard decision, I think all ex-pats would agree. It was like stepping out of our comfort zone. From the moment I first visited Australia in 1988 I knew that I could live there though. We left because it was time for senior education for the children and Anthony had family in Perth. Also because Hong Kong is not a place to grow old unless you are Chinese!
Perth has to be one of the best environments in the world to live. Nearly always blue skies and warm weather. Endless coastlines and green parks and ovals only a short drive away or even on your doorstep. As much as I love to travel I always look forward to going home.
I’ve been extremely fortunate in all the places I’ve lived, but then again I always try to make the best of everything life has offered me.
A few photos below of what Perth has to offer, including a couple from my garden
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.
Tram riding at night
Cobbled Lane
Christmas Disco Ball
It’s a holly jolly Christmas
French style mural
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.
Over the past couple of days we have been traipsing around the streets, reacquainting ourselves with our favourite areas of Hong Kong. Central is one area that we have always enjoyed walking around, from here you can join the Central-Mid-levels escalator to access the streets of Soho, namely Elgin Street and Staunton Street. The escalator was built in 1993 and at that time was the longest in the world. Old and new buildings exist along side each other creating unique scenes.
The Old Hong Kong Police Station, Hollywood Road and Jardine House, Central Stone Slab Street and Shelley Street
The two guys above are both wearing safety harnesses that aren’t attached to anything! No helmets but to be on the safe side they have their masks on.
We stopped for lunch at a tiny Italian restaurant just off one of the levels of the escalator, one which we had been to many times before. We were happy to see that it wasn’t a Covid victim.
Spaghetti Marinara
Just outside Anthony noticed a girl painting a mural, so I asked her if I could take her photo.
The damp grey walls could all do with a bit of paint. She was doing an excellent job. Take a look at the murals in the slideshow below.
The smell of fresh pine leaves outside this shop brought back so many memories of our Christmases in Hong Kong. We would always have a real tree, since moving to Australia we just have a fake one now.
Anthony’s favourite food, animal intestines. Sadly I don’t share his taste in food and I’m not a fan of Chinese or Japanese food.
I mentioned before that there are many wonderful sculptures in Hong Kong, I love the ones below.
Sitting Couple by Jill Chadwick
Silver Fighting figures
Two ladies taking their babies out
Sweet Potatoes and Hot Chestnuts
Thanks for coming along for the walk around Central. There’s always something to see that’s odd or quirky and you can always find so much artwork around. It’s great how Hong Kong are renovating all the old buildings and holding onto the history. There is a place for everything here.
