TAI O, LANTAU

I have had many experiences in my life but this one was truly one that I will never forget.  I joined  the Hong Kong Photography Club last week and signed up for this field trip to Tai O which I attended yesterday.  Tai O is a small fishing village on the west side of Lantau Island, which is west of HK Island.  We jumped on a ferry from "Central HK" and traveled to the eastern side of Lantau. We then jumped on a bus which took us across the island to Tai O and jumped off... total trip time was 1:45. I think that there were probably 30 HKPC members or so that attended in all. As members chatted I departed the group and headed out on my own which was a good move. I walked through the village via alleyways, bamboo bridges and pathways and tried to get lost. This village made New Orleans (post Katrina) look like Beverly Hills. I am VERY fortunate... that is all I can say! 

Photo #1: Kitchen (in comparison to others there... VERY VERY nice)

Photo #2: Fisherman (catching his dinner out of POLLUTED waters)

Photo #3: Main Street

WOOF! WOOF!

I saw, I stopped and then turned back!

FRIENDS (MARK & KAREN)

Mark & Karen are originally from South Africa but now live in HK full time. We think they are "brilliant." 

ALEX FROM BARCELONA

Alex from Barcelona, Spain is a friend of Susie's (Kathleen's sister) who was in HK on vacation. He contacted us so we all met for beer and food. We had a great Chinese dinner which included 100 year old eggs... YUM!

THE BOAT TRIP

Patrick (pictured) is leaving the "island" for his "island" (UK) in October. This was a boat trip last weekend for all his "mates" and we were honored with an invite. We had great weather and fun was had by all as we spent the day NE of Hong Kong.

TYPHOON NURI

Hong Kong was hit directly by Typhoon Nuri yesterday afternoon/evening.  The "island" and surrounding areas were closed down all day by the government, which issued a warning of 9 out of 10.  It was not a severe storm in my opinion... saw worse on Gilligan's Island as a kid.  The "danger" was the wind knocking objects off buildings which could fall and hit the peeps below.  I've heard the closure has something to do with insurance... few peeps have it here so the government closes the city down so that "accidents" are avoided.  It's Saturday (August 23) morning here and it's still raining, but the "danger" has passed.

CEMETARY

This is on the West side of the island. Creepy but interesting. I bet the rent is less expensive in "the tower."

HOLEY BUILDINGS

According to the principles of Feng Shui, it allows thirsty "dragons" access to the sea. Each "hole" would be around twenty apartments here. :)

SPORTS BAR

Came across this little "American" sports bar.

SUPERHERO'S

WEEK SIX

Six weeks in and all is well... other than the typhoon last week. Heavy winds and rain for three days. The first day was the worst, the city was "closed" by the government because of the risk and danger to HKers. It was just like the movie "Legend"... all the streets were empty and very few people went to work, except Kathleen. Have met some great people here... Jason, Patrick, Mark and Karen to name a few. Jason (from Boston) had a BBQ a couple of weeks ago which was great. Patrick (from South Africa) has invited me to play "football" on Friday nights and is organizing a boat trip for Saturday which should be quite the adventure. Mark and Karen (from South Africa) live in KUSH as well... we went to pizza with them Saturday night and sat on a rooftop which we really enjoyed. They had their friends Anthony and Ezmarie join us as well. Friday was the one year anniversary of Barry Bonds #756 (look for white cowboy hat in stands in photo). Mark Blesius is next to me.

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Photo by Jill Mott

PURPLE ORCHIDS

"Phalaenopsis" if you prefer. 

GIANTS BEAT DODGERS IN 10TH!

Giants vs. Dodgers on ESPN (live) this morning... Saturday night in SF. This was the "last pitch" of the game. 

 This was the second game that I have seen here... Yankees vs. Angels a couple of days ago. Nice to have a little "live" baseball in my life again.

ANOTHER FLOWER