Hong Kong Park - December 2020

 

Nestled in the Central district of the island rests Hong Kong Park.  We meandered there for an afternoon and didn’t see everything.  I’ll share a small portion of the delights we found.

              This heart-shaped frame adorns the garden adjacent to the marriage permit building.

The left side shows tile stairs and landings.  The right side is the complementary waterfall/fountain. What beautiful landscape architecture. 

               The stunning vegetation displays nature’s autumn colors.  Note the background tower.

                                  We climbed every step to reach the lookout point.

                           We met this delightful young man showing his great strength.

                                      Note the unique architecture in the background.

           The older generation practices the art of Tai Chi in many open places within the city's parks.

                              From the tower we see the aviary (not shown) and the conservatory.

                                       Another unique plant with slipper type blooms

A close up view of the slipper plant

The same plant with blooms not yet mature

Tropical colors and shapes - all are breathtaking

Orchids – of course (I’m only sharing one instead of the ten I snapped)

These looked artificial until I leaned in to discover they were not Christmas decorations.

Yard art – a pitchfork table

The shovel chair – Julie Williams, these are for your creative view

We enjoyed watching the photographers seek a perfect shot of a small butterfly.

The water features provided delightful sights and sounds.

 

This round, rolling feature beckoned to me.

I had to enter.  My feet were wet the rest of the day but it was well worth it.

 

                       

Lamma Island - November 2020

 Lamma Island is beautifully situated southwest of Hong Kong Island.  Our district ventured out one P-day to take in the sights.

     Senior couples on the ferry heading to Lamma Island 

The bike parking lot greets us.  There are no cars in town.  Bikes provide the most common form of transportation.

One small street in town emphasizes the need for bicycles only.  We were surprised at the number of expats who live on this lovely, quiet island, away from the business of the city.

                       We see shops all along our walking route through town.

      Aha!  A vehicle is spotted.  These would be deemed necessary, of course.

Outdoor restaurants start cooking lunch early.  Note the bamboo baskets that provide a wide selection of dumpling choices.

        I enjoyed this bright orange home.

                              The fire truck looks like it belongs in a Barbie village.

                       I’d like to know the story behind the name of this business.

        Most of the Senior District attended the excursion.

             The power plant eyesore blackens the beautiful island.  Hong Kong does need power.

The natural beauties were endless.  The view of a sandy beach combined with the cloud-covered mountains was breathtaking.  

                                      We stand outside the major temple on the outskirts of town.

                                       Anyone want to guess what the sign really means?

                                                                           Papaya trees

                             The bright colored blooms beautified the mountain pathway.

                                              A large cement factory operates on the island.

                             Our walk to the other side of the island provided endless delights.

Rick and I ventured alone to the jutting peninsula part of the island.  The secluded path revealed these urns (memorial shrines) – likely honoring the deceased on a nearby family.

We braved the wind to take in the rocky coast, rough beaches, and hilly passages.  Hardly a soul was on the path.  The serene beauty was well worth the extra miles.

Thanksgiving 2020 - Decor of the season

 THANKSGIVING - Hong Kong Style

The hosting restaurant banquet room was lovely.   They separated tables of eight into four with clear, plexi-glass dividers.  Each table enjoyed a basket of soft bread and crispy, pita-like bread.

The Area Presidency and their wives joined our celebration.   We began with small copper serving bowls of cooked pumpkin, green beans, broccoli, and cranberry sauce.

The turkey (not pictured) was cooked to perfection.  We enjoyed our large portion for two additional meals.  The turkey was its own course.

We missed our family but these fine people provided nice substitutes.  The meal didn’t represent the feast we create at home, but we enjoyed the Hong Kong version and felt comfort our families were enjoying the holiday in an altered fashion, due to Covid.

The restaurant menu didn’t include pie.  We all prepared one for the monthly birthday party on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.  Wow!  Each one tasted superb.  Thanks for the crust recipe, MaryAnne.

          This old hotel always decorates splendidly for the holidays.  This year’s display was no           exception.  These polar bears make me smile.

                               The accompanying décor delights every age.

Rick stands in the courtyard near the polar themed tree.

                           The security officer at the Church Office Building dons his Santa hat.

I’m thrilled with the appearance of these repurposed bells.  The oversized tree ornament was given new life within the bell.

                         Aha!  The lovely tree gladdens my heart whenever I pass it.

My fingers twist slightly at the sight of this beautiful wreath.  I wired every ornament to the base.

Fresh poinsettias fill the building and the city.  This plant inspires  my holiday spirit whenever seen.

The entry nativity display causes  people to stop and look.  We invite all to enter.  I especially encourage children to come and touch the figures.  All seem to show reverence for what this represents.