THE NEW TERRITORIES, MACAU, AND LANTAU ISLAND

The bufffer between the dense urban area of Kowloon and the boundary with mainland China, the New Territories are an odd mixture. There are calm beaches to seek out, remote villages and lofty mountains to seek out. 

A residential area for over 700 years, Lam Tsuen in Tai Po is home to two wishing trees and the Tin Hau Temple. In the past , villagers whould throw joss paper into the two trees and make wishes.

Today, people from Hong Kong still visit the area during festivals to make their wishes. 

Standing under the wishing tree. 

Writing our wishes ....(there's suggestions for wishes)

Throwing our wishes in the tree...hoping they will stay, and come true. 

I was born in the year of the rooster!!!

The Museum is set in a compound of blended houses built around a central courtyard. The architecture is beautiful. There was a Bruce Lee Exhibit, and galleries that express the history, culture and the arts of early Hong Kong.

Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco, raised in Hong Kong and shot to fame around the world. His life was a glorious one, and 40 years after his death at age 32 , his legacy still endures. His philosophical mind, and his fists gave the impetus to Jeet Kune Do, which marked his unique character just as it shook the entire martial arts community. His dynamic presence can be found in pop music, emerging sports, animation and comics, video games, advertisements and and many other fields. 

November 27, 1940-July 20, 1973

Chinese ceremic vase. 

MACAU

We took the 50 minute hydrofoil ride from Hong Kong to Macau.

Macau was originally inhabited by he Portuguese. It was turned over to the Chinese in 1999. The Ruins of St. Paul's is the facade of what was originally the church of Mater Dei built in 1602-1640. This was the old Jesuit area of the city.

Today the island has a population of 631,000. Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages. 

Making a wish and burning incense in a temple......

LANTAU ISLAND

Lantau "broken head" in Cantonese, is the largest of Hong Kong's islands. This is the area where the airport is now located about 45 minutes outside of the central city. 

The Lantau Peak and the Shek Pik Reservoir are two areas that is visited by tourists. 

PO LIN MONASTERY

Precious Lotus Monastery. The large complex which dates back to the 1920's and underwent major refurbishment in 2013 is a tourist area. 

The Tian Tan Buddha, know as the "Big Buddha" is 3 stories tall. A long flight of stairs leads up to the statue and there are good views. 

Ngong Ping Village

There is a cable car which gives views across Lantau and the airport. Glass floored cabins add extra excitement to the journey.

HONG KONG SHOPPING 

STRANGE ............

PEIKING DUCK

FRIENDS FROM THE BFI......and our Hong Kong Friend 

Meeting a friend in Hong Kong for Drinks......

FAREWELL TO AN EXCITING CITY........

STANLEY MARKET,ABERDEEN FISHING VILLAGE, TIN HAU TEMPLE,MAN MO TEMPLE,THE PEAK, TEA APPRECIATION

FENG SHUI.........

Visiting the sights in Hong Kong

Aberdeen Fishing Village - huge number of floating vessels.

Jumbo floating restaurant is a tourist destination. 

Cruising on a boat in the Aberdeen area. 

Living and fishing from the boat. 

Jumbo Restaurant - the largest floating restaurant.

Stanley Market - One of the attractions along the seaside for market goods, and shopping. 

MAN MO TEMPLE 

Honoring the dead in the temple. 

Offerings to Buddha

Hanging wishes from the lanterns. 

Three times to hit the bell and the gong for good luck. 

Lighting incense and making a wish. 

TIN HAU TEMPLE 

Lion Dances are performed during the festival in April and May.

GOING TO THE PEAK - LOOKING OVER REPULSE BAY

The Peak is Hong Kong's most notalbe natural landmark. The Peak Tramway was opened in 1888, and the area quickly developed into one of the most sought-after places to live in Hong Kong. 

Views from the Peak with the "Fog"

MUSEUM OF TEA WARE - TEA APPRECIATION CLASS

In Hong Kong Park the Museum of Tea Ware which is the best example of bespoke architecture. 

Explaining the different elements of tea. 

The teapot had to be heated, and handled with care. The "tea cakes" were soaked, and simmered before they were able to pour. 

Do you just have a Lipton Tea Bag?????

There was a different rug in the elevator every day in our hotel, so that the guests would not be confused as to what day it was......it was extremely helpful.......