Our first day in Hong Kong was an eye-opening study of contrasts.
It was a clutter of old and new.
Chaos
and order.
East
meets West.
It was a steamy, hot day with threats of rain showers,
maybe that’s why there weren’t many people at the tranquil Hollywood Road Park.
The funny thing about Hong Kong is that you can almost avoid the weather altogether, because there are covered and enclosed pedestrian passageways that give you access to most of the city without having to walk on the roads.
In contrast to the the serene green scene at the The Hollywood Road Park, the open air passageways were filled with a wash of humanity…
Sunday is the official day off for the many domestic employees, so they set up camp and spend the day laughing, eating, gossiping and even playing a little bingo in their makeshift living rooms.
Another respite of serenity on the complex stretch of Hollywood Road is the Man Mo Temple, when you walk in, the thick incense scented air moves you immediately into a slower, more tranquil state, glowing lanterns hang above and the spacious temple is filled with deep red lacquered furnishings. The expansive rooms are filled with the sounds of murmurs and chants, interrupted sporadically by the sound of a mellow toned gong. The complex is actually a combination of three temples, the Lit Shing Kung and Kung Sor Temples are also in this 3 block compound. To read my previous post on this incredible sight, click on take me to the Man Mo Temple.
Other signs of spirituality, in particular these small shrines, could be found along the road,
a stark contrast to the artful graffiti that covered nearby walls,
does anyone know what this says?
Or this?
When the rains hit,
there was no need to curtail our explorations…
 |
| If you decide to brave the streets, the Ding~dings can get you where you need to go. |
In the more chi-chi sections of town one can access a variety of shopping and dining experiences using the very clean and enclosed walkways, which have glass bridges that go over the roads to connect you to the next mall…
without feeling a drop of rain,
or a percentage of humidity.
In the Landmark Atrium we were delighted to find a private room for our hungry brood at the very elegant China Tang restaurant, where the ambiance feels like a rich dosage of traditional Shanghai decor brushed with a glaze of British colonialism.
{ 唐人館 }
Our beautiful room provided a special sort of shelter, giving us all a chance to take a deep breath and prepare to receive some civilized sustenance. Quite a difference from our busy morning hustling and bustling along the streets of this fascinating and seemingly endless city.
The intensely colored walls of the private rooms are decorated with handpainted and embroidered wallpaper.
Darn it! Why can’t I get that text {above} to center? or this text? Must be the cool Chinese lettered link I imported, but I’m not going to delete it
!!!!Sorry for the digression, back to China Tang {no link provided this time}…
The crystal cruets in the center of the table, filled with oils, vinegars and other exotic concoctions, allowed us to add just the right amount of flavor and spice to our expertly prepared food, a selection of traditional dishes from different regions of China.
The deep indigo, silver tipped chop sticks added an elegant touch to every delicious morsel.
And the delicate celedon serveware reinforced the sense of calm and serenity that was now ours to enjoy.
Thanks for sharing this day in Hong Kong with me,
but I’m not finished sharing the my highlights of this remarkable city,
so please stay tuned.
Emily a cultural feast, and I am excited to see much more!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Hi Emily,
I am really enjoying your Hong Kong posts! My son leaves tomorrow for five months over there studying abroad. And, I booked tickets this morning to go visit home…woo hoo!
Have a fabulous weekend! xoxo
Wow how fascinating..what a feast for every sense! Those cruets are gorgeous…….hope you enjoy!
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing this day in Hong Kong with you. We have visited several times, our last trip being in July 2012. Your wonderful post brought back so many memories. (I found Man Mo Temple to be so captivating) and you are right, it's certainly a city of contrasts and you have captured it so well.
Sandy, how great you are going to spend time there, I know I barely scratched the surface.
Tina, good to hear from you… can't even tell you how many times I've tried to add your new blog address to my blog roll and it just won't accept it, any ideas?
Karena, am I missing a new address for you as well? I show you haven't posted in months??
miss b… I agree the Man Mo temple was very captivating, translational and moving. Such a different world!
thanks for all your comments, more to come. xo, ebh
Sandy, how great you are going to spend time there, I know I barely scratched the surface.
Tina, good to hear from you… can't even tell you how many times I've tried to add your new blog address to my blog roll and it just won't accept it, any ideas?
Karena, am I missing a new address for you as well? I show you haven't posted in months??
miss b… I agree the Man Mo temple was very captivating, translational and moving. Such a different world!
thanks for all your comments, more to come. xo, ebh