Impressions of H O N G K O N G - a journey, through my lens (PART3)
This is PART 3 of a series of photos I put together to give you an impression of the great variety of landscapes and experiences Hong Kong has to offer.
You can read the introductory blog to this series, and the second part to get a better idea of what Hong Kong is all about.
I hope this collection of photos awakens memories/emotions of former travels you may have had in Asia or other, or simply gives you the desire to get out there and discover more of what the Earth has to offer.
This is a view of Hong Kong's urban jungle on a gloomy day, from the top of The Peak. It is a great place to observe boats coming in and out of Victoria Harbour, follow the outline of the green hills of the New Territories and play "count the number of skyscrapers" (and end up with a massive headache).
Before Hong Kong was inhabited by people, it was mostly covered by subtropical rain forests. Like many jungles around the world, it has suffered from the impact of human activity. Historical evidence suggests that deforestation took place as early as 1206-1368 AD, during the Yuan Dynasty. Despite the unique ecological value of HK's countryside and the efforts made over decades to preserve the natural reserves, its future is overshadowed by rapid developments, much like forests in many other part of the world.
Tags, graffiti and paste-ups blend together to give these grey Kowloon walls an artistic feel. Hong Kong's street art is often overlooked. Some of the pieces you will see around the city are massive and filled with colors, while others are a little more discreet and can be harder to find.
The quiet and untainted Sai Wan beach in Sai Kung is known for its white sand and clear blue waters.
Professional calligraphers must follow strict rules, established for thousands of years. Each character requires a certain number of brush strokes written in a specific order. Just as with drawing and handwriting, everyone's calligraphy looks a little different. Mine was fat and sloppy! Needless to say, I didn't have much success... It is much tougher than it looks.
Hong Kong's police motorbike are often seen parked in the streets with their drivers probably having a bite to eat in a nearby cafe! Luckily, HK is one of the safest places in the world, with extremely low crime rates.
View of the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection in Nan Lian garden (南蓮園池), near the Chi Lin nunnery.
Funeral plaques and niches keeping the remains of cremated loved ones on Lamma island.
In this city where land is scarce, there is a growing shortage of public spaces for urns holding cremated people’s ashes, let alone burial plots. In 2013, more than 90% of HK's deceased were cremated.
One of the many statues surrounding the Big Buddha (see previous post) on Lantau Island
View of the majestic IFC Tower with Hong Kong's observation wheel in the foreground.
All photos in this post were taken with my CANON EOS 500D and Samsung Galaxy S4.
Please don't hesitate to leave comments, share ideas, upvote/resteem. I have lived/worked in multiple Asian countries for over 13 years and enjoy meeting other expats and locals, as well as tourists.
To check out some of my previous posts, click on the links below:
 Pashupatinath Temple |  HONG KONG - through my lens |
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 Impressions of HONG KONG 2 |  Autumn in Burgundy |
“Learning is not a race for information, it is a walk of discovery” - Jane Healy
Really beautiful pictures and I think you caught the variety of beauty and mystery you can find in Hongkong. I find traveling from one side of hongkong to the other feels like you walked around the earth. It is so dense and filled of hidden treasure. I am saving up my voting power so I send you a tip! 0.3 and this also definitely deserves to be resteemed !
I think individually a lot of these images could be submitted for the different phot competitions on steemit and they all have chances of winning
Thank you so much Dan! I often think about submitting a few photos to competitions but there are so many, I keep forgetting which one is when! Steemit can be a bit overwhelming at times...
Anyhow, super happy you came on this little tour once again. You have a perfect description of what HK is to most of its visitors and residents alike. Gracias hombre
Wow that some really beautiful pictures I really like the one on top of the peak it look really relaxing and just watching the world go by thank you so much for sharing!
It is pretty incredible to be up there and listen to the humming of the city life down below. Thanks @hotmangoes
Love the photos :)
Fab collection @osm0sis - Now that the weather has finally decided to have an attempt at Autumn, it's tolerable getting out and about in the SAR. Much winter hiking to be done, photos to shoot, and camping out at Dai Long Wan :)
A friend had a camping weekend there a while back and told me it was great! You are so lucky. Perfect time of the year too. Throw a little surfing in there and you're set :)
Yeah - It is great out there. Clean water, fresh air, and once and awhile the whole beach to yourself :)
Great write up and photos @osm0sis!
Cheers @choogirl :)
More lovely photos and background into Hong Kong, thank you for sharing with us! :)
You're welcome Asher :)
Great shots as always. Calligraphy is such a wonderful art form. Its really special that these traditions are preserved and not forgotten.
Thanks as always @eroche. The best part is that this little grandpa sets up his table in the same busy street every year. People know to find him in that very same spot, doing his thing, as the New Year approaches. I'm sure if I go back in 10 years he will still be there :)
it's really beautiful and interesting photos. thanks a lot
Very beautiful place :) I have to visit one day :) Nice photos!
That is one beautiful country. Thanks for sharing.
It sure is :)