If you are like me, you probably never really considered where Hong Kong actually is located in Asia unless you've actually been here. If you're like Mark, you know exactly where it is because you actually paid attention during Geography classes. I've had enough friends back home ask "where in the world are you anyway" that I'm posting this handy map so you can see. Not only can you see where Hong Kong sits in relation to China (it's tiny isn't it?) but the picture is blown up to show how Hong Kong is divided into the following regions:
--Hong Kong Island, which is where we live,
--The NewTerritories, which is actually connected to China
--The other outlying islands like Lantau Island which is where the airport is and Lamma Island which houses my favorite seafood restaurants.
Next week, I think I'll feature pictures of our apartment to give you a peak at our small little home.
Buddha's Birthday and the Bun Festival
Last week we had a national holiday in Hong Kong which meant a day off work. Yea! It was Buddha's birthday. The small island of Cheung Chau also celebrates an annual Bun Festival on this day and it's an interesting little celebration to say the least.
The most exciting part is they erect 3 huge towers covered in steamed buns. On Midnight on the eve of Buddha's birthday, climbers climb to the top of the towers, grabbing buns on the way. Hoards of people hang out to get their buns. In the past, anyone could climb the towers, but because of safety reasons, they have designated trained bun tower climbers. Needless to say, 3 giant towers of pastries was enough to get me to take the ferry to Cheung Chau island. Unfortunately, we got there a day late and the towers were already stripped of buns, but we had a good time anyway. We ate at a traditional Chinese sidewalk cafe and stuffed ourselves with food until we were so uncomfortable walking was painful. In our world, a test of a good meal, and it passed with flying colors.
No comments:
Post a Comment