Tung Lung Island - August 2020

 This small island rests in the eastern harbor.  It stood as a protecting force to all who attempted to enter Hong Kong from the East.  Today it provides a few eating areas, camping spots, a lighthouse, remains of the original fort, and breathtaking scenic views.

The ferry arrives to transport visitors to Tung Lung Island.

Watch your step and “mind the gap” upon entering the ferry.

A rough map shows the basic attractions.

Red Star Fruit pods – my new favorite tree.  The pods appear full and then . . .

They open and display these dark seeds.

The flower sheds the seeds but displays a beautiful color.

      The red bloom lingers until it finally dries and falls.

This secluded inlet feels serene as the waves crash softly against the jagged rock cliffs.

Rick stands atop the eastern ocean side of the island.

The original fort was built in the 1100's and reinforced in the 1800's.  Portions of the four walls remain.

The rock building serves as a "ranger" office.  It's made to look old though it can't compare to the fort.

The heat and humidity were sweltering.  Crisp apples provided the perfect refreshment to accompany our “Sweat” drink.

Fishermen line the shores

The small tugboat pulls the large barge.  This scene reminds me of “The Little Engine that Could”.

Aah!  Pocari Sweat saves the day again.  I can't read the name of this beverage while drinking the refreshing liquid.  We also guzzled at least two (each) additional liters of water.  We left the island with soaked clothing.  Will we ever adjust to this humidity? 

Yao Tong MTR Station – I enjoy the unusual sculptures throughout Hong Kong.

Sam Ka Tsuen Village

 

Sai Wan Ho ferry takes us to Sam Ka Tsuen where we discover a fish market.

A wide variety of boats are docked here.  Some looked suspiciously like actual homes.

I enjoyed this scene of women shading themselves with umbrellas.

Note the small rock island in the harbor.

Viewing the rock island from the ferry

The harbor view of the village

I smile at the “Welcome” sculpture at the entrance to the marketplace.

Delicious??

This scene doesn’t stimulate my appetite but what fun I had studying the varieties.

A bin filled with sea urchins

The monsoon type weather builds as wind roars through the village.

Close to Home (apartment)

We currently work from our apartment, again.  Daily walks around the complex are a must to help maintain sanity.  I count my blessings that quarantine is not required, just wisdom and social distancing.  I’m snapping a few photos to help me remember, in the future,  my current everyday life.  Taxis await anyone leaving the main lobby of our four wing complex.  Section A – the hotel – requires more taxi service than we commoners who opt for the bus.

We live on the 8^th floor of Wing E.  Half the apartments enjoy a harbor view.  However, senior missionaries daily see the back side of the complex.  Our windows display other apartment buildings and the freeway.

Nepalese guards protect every entrance to the complex.  Currently, they carry thermometers to check temps of all who wish to enter.  They seem to be especially kind to missionaries.  We offer a friendly greeting whenever we pass.  Rumor has it we should not take photos of them.  

This unusual fountain feature flows every day of the year.

We stare at the beautiful pool from outside the fence, thanks to Covid’s 3^rd wave.  It is a lovely facility and we hate missing these precious months of use.

The free shuttle service is well utilized by senior couples.  It passes every 15 minutes and makes routine stops at the metro/bus station and downtown Tsim Sha Tsui (near the harbor ferry).  We enjoy this portion of “downtown” with shops, restaurants, museums, etc.   Catching the shuttle home saves us a two mile walk.

These men transport stacks of bamboo used for scaffolding.

I watched them successfully load the poles.  Most buildings have some areas supported by the bamboo as “improvements” are made.

We enjoy the unusual vegetation.  These tree roots are amazing.  What an illustration for the phrase, “Bloom where you are planted”.

 We discovered the California Pizza Kitchen.  One pizza is topped with mushrooms and tastes delicious.  The other is Jamaican Jerked Chicken which has become a favorite.  One Elder asked how we can possibly know if a chicken is a jerk.