tourism – Travels with Ali

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

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.