Hong Kong : Chinese Festivals and Oriental Pleasures
Posted by admin on Aug 5, 2008
View from Top, Victoria Peak - Courtesy www.goway.com
Born in Hong Kong and bred in a whole lot of other places, for years Hong Kong had just been a place that I had been assiduously filling across on forms that needed to know my birthplace. In between two jobs and a stash that needed to be spent before it got squirreled away, the Downtown Hong Kong hotel site was the click that made it all happen.
I had been warned. It was going to be terrible this time of the year. August is oppressively hot and humid with regular monsoon downfalls. But the desire to explore my nativity got the better of me. More so, as I was keen to discover the Gateway to China. Lured on by offers of experiencing big-city nightlife, delicious dim sum and the many touristy attractions picturesquely displayed on web sites, it was the Chinese and Western culture mix and match that I was keen to follow up. Maybe the expatriot lineage in me was getting to me.
But then thats exactly how I found Hong Kong to be. A nice blend of old and new, Asian and Western. I found it incredible the way traditions mix with modernity as I stood gazing up on Chinese Temples alongside 21st century buildings! I did it all. Rode up and down double-decker trams past neon signs in English and Cantonese. Boarded the harbor cruise and saw an altogether different, or rather the real Hong Kong. Spend a day each at Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland and the Ocean Park and enjoyed the marvels there. Relaxed on the lovely beach and communed with nature. Reveled in the unforgettable spectacular night views that the city offers from vantage view points. Watched the spectacular light symphony show.
However, heading up to Victoria Peak had been the most fantastic experience. Taking the tram up there is truly an iconic Hong Kong event. The tram ride itself is so much fun as it travels up at an incredibly steep angle up to the peak. The vistas of lush green mountains and skyscrapers lining the coast literally take your breath away. On a clear day I am told the views from the top let you see all of Hong Kong and across the water to Kowloon. I just got very lucky that day. After a spell of rain, the skies cleared up dramatically as the sun came through affording the most awesome panorama I could ever imagine existed. This, I said to myself, is where I was born.
Not any of the organized activities around the peak - the coffee shop, the shopping mall or the walks through the surrounding park could deflect the pleasure of this great big picture. I really felt connected in some strange uncanny way. After this palpable Hong Kong experience everything turned brighter and more meaningful. And I say to all you folks, don’t worry about the weather. If it rains you suddenly find people selling inexpensive umbrellas all over. You can continue to enjoy your holiday.
The weather may intimidate you initially. All that rain and humidity can be a bit uncomfortable to begin with. An umbrella is useful to protect you from the downpours as well as the intense sun. Also useful would be light clothing but don’t forget to carry around a light sweater as well! While cotton T-shirts are best to handle the soupy humidity outside, you may need a sweater indoors as Hong Kong’s airconditioning is like stepping into a refrigerator. Be sure to carry water to avoid dehydration. A sun tan lotion and a cap are also advisable for outdoor excursions.
Traveling around Hong Kong is easy because of an efficient transport system. The main hotels are located in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. Admiralty, is a business location with shopping malls, cinema complex and restaurants. The Causeway Bay is a popular shopping district. Central, is the financial district with all the banks and financial institutions alongside the shopping malls and leisure activities. I was wonder struck by the crowds thronging everywhere for the great August Sale that was making waves for residents and tourists alike.
The sea in August is at its hottest and on average reaches a very pleasant 28C. The ideal time to be at the beaches. Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula are separated by the harbor. August is also live music time in Hong Kong when a number of international superstars swing by. Hong Kong - the live it, love it, city offers heritage, entertainment, attractions, restaurants, shopping and stunning views. I truly believe Hong Kong is built with good feng shui!
If you’re lucky, your trip might coincide with one of Hong Kong’s colorful festivals. Chinese festivals and festivals of the arts abound here. The strange and eerie Yue Lan Festival - the festival of hungry ghosts drew me like a magnet. I learnt that this one lunar month each year, is spent in offerings to ghosts from the past. And here I was responding to ghosts from my own past. Perhaps that was what drew me to this fascinating island.
September through to October, Hong Kong will celebrate the famed Mid-Autumn Festival. Referred to as the Moon Festival all over the people celebrate the harvest and the brightest moon. I am told local people light lanterns in the shapes of fish, flowers, gaze at the moon, and eat moon cakes stuffed with sesame seeds, duck eggs, and ground lotus seeds.
In fact every day of the year, something special is happening at the Events Capital of Asia. Take in a hit musical or a symphony - Chinese or Western. Cheer for your team or for your favorite singer. Soak in the ancient Chinese festivals or enjoy the modern art extravaganzas. Diversity and sophistication, East and West - You have the best of both world’s in Hong Kong. And you better believe me - six day’s ain’t enough for the pleasures of the Orient.