1. As another year begins, I’ll be showcasing Hong Kong from many points of view in a new 2010 thread.
2. Waiting for the bus …
3. A new hotel is born. This is a rejuvenation project, as the neighbourhood is full of garages and appears a bit dirty for an upclass facility.
4. Meanwhile, across the street, a debate rages over what to do with this disused site. More skyscrapers along the water’s edge?
5. The views would be quite nice though, albeit blocking the residents further inland. Development needs to be more balanced these days.
6. Hong Kong is a very hilly city. Somehow, the skyscrapers know their place and scream to be seen.
7. Traditional markets are still alive and well. Although a bit chaotic, they are still cheaper than the supermarket.
12. The public’s growing appetite for nostalgia continues. In this exhibition, visitors find menus and memorabilia from a recently-closed traditional Chinese restaurant.
13. For aviation fans, some old plane tickets …
14. Watson’s is still around today!
15. What is this British red double decker doing on our streets?
16. Our homes are getting taller and taller. Each new tower seems to be outdoing the previous one. Do we need to live so high up? Soon 60/F would offer no views.
17. Hong Kong’s urban planners need to revisit the importance of maintaining proper density and lively streets. The older communities tend to do a much better job, albeit still dense but lower.
19. There is a constant call to redevelop seemingly young buildings. 40 years is not exactly a very old building if maintained properly. This one would look quite nice if it had a wash or a fresh coat of paint.
20. The older parts of town are slowly being torn down for more tall residential blocks. How do they fit into the established urban fabric?
22. Chinese New Year is fast approaching. Time to stock up on red pockets!
23. Being a valued Cathay Pacific customer over the years, spending tens of thousands of US dollars on their flights, I don’t recall ever seeing this type of baggage box before!
24. Dryers are not common in Hong Kong. The most environmental way is to hang your laundry out to dry by sunlight.
26. Hong Kong now has a sizeable Thai community, and Thai helpers are valid options for the busy family.
29. Eating out is not so expensive if you know the right places. A rice dish with some meat costs only about USD 4. Why bother cooking?
31. You can also pick up a dessert along the way home!
32. Today’s local markets have realized the competitive threat of supermarkets. So they have prettied up their wares to give more aesthetic appeal.
33. Recycling definitely needs to get more popular as we tackle the pollution problem. Here is a price list by material type for the old ladies who collect garbage for re-sale.
34. Although the boat people community is getting smaller and smaller, typhoon shelters still exist, and offer a parking spot for those who are not on duty. These don’t look anything like the family sampan fishing for a living.
37. Throughout 2010, I will bring more nostalgia, modernity, and contrast.
Welcome to Hong Kong.