Morpheus and Golden Reel

When I arrived in Macao, I saw some interesting architecture on the bus journey to the city centre. Today I took a bus to that side of Macao. It’s full of modern buildings and a light railway. There are plenty of casinos, just as there are in the centre. My first port of call is … Continue reading / view photos Morpheus and Golden Reel

Guia Lighthouse, A-Ma Temple, and Moorish Barracks

Adjacent to my hotel was Guia Park and rising on a hill was the Guia Lighthouse. The park had a circuit and fitness machines. Lots of people, young and old, were out exercising. I traipsed up the hill to the lighthouse. There was a panoramic view across the city. All the buses here seem to … Continue reading / view photos Guia Lighthouse, A-Ma Temple, and Moorish Barracks

Library, ruins, and Guardians of the Galaxy

I was intending to take it easy in Macao. Life moved at a slower pace than Hong Kong. For my first full day, I headed for the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library. Built in the 19th century, it was bought by a wealthy Hong Kong businessman in 1918. When he died, he donated the building … Continue reading / view photos Library, ruins, and Guardians of the Galaxy

A ferry to Macao

When I tried to book a ferry from Hong Kong to Macao Outer Ferry Terminal, there was only one sailing with places available — and that was at 2330! I hadn’t thought about booking ahead because I thought I might be staying in Hong Kong a little longer. There was an alternative: the ferry to … Continue reading / view photos A ferry to Macao

Hong Kong shopping

Whatever you want to buy, there’s a market or district for it in Hong Kong. My favourite place was the Golden Computer Arcade, which I went to a few times. The arcade is a mall with lots of technology stores. You can buy anything you want to build a computer, fix a computer or have … Continue reading / view photos Hong Kong shopping

From circular escalators to dim sum

My Hongkongese friend and I met up to go for a walk. On the way to the start, we went through a shopping mall that had a curved escalator. I wondered why I’d never seen one before. On a normal escalator, as the steps disappear, they go beneath and are parallel to the visible escalator … Continue reading / view photos From circular escalators to dim sum

Chungking Mansions, Stanley, and West Kowloon

Labour Week fell in the middle of my stay in Hong Kong. The consequence was that over a million people (primarily from China) came to Hong Kong. The demand for accommodation was great. For my first few days I’d booked accommodation. As is usual, I then played it by ear. However, this time when I … Continue reading / view photos Chungking Mansions, Stanley, and West Kowloon

Libraries, rabbits, and Bruce Lee

Every now and then, I go to a library. For me, libraries are an enjoyable way of getting away from the hustle and bustle of a city, especially one as hectic as Hong Kong. I spent two consecutive afternoons in libraries: Yau Ma Tei on the mainland, which was close to me, and Central Library … Continue reading / view photos Libraries, rabbits, and Bruce Lee

Chi Lin Nunnery

Chi Lin Nunnery is the world’s largest hand-made wooden building. The Buddhist nunnery was built with no nails. Instead, the builders used traditional Chinese methods to cut interlocking pieces of wood. I found the nunnery a peaceful place enhanced by several lotus ponds. As you walk around, there are many large stones with an engaging … Continue reading / view photos Chi Lin Nunnery

Laundry Day

When I was growing up, every so often, we’d all go to the big laundry in the local swimming baths. This was in the age before everyone had washing machines. Usually, we’d take laundry that was bulky, such as bedsheets. After washing and drying, we’d put the linen through these huge rollers to iron the … Continue reading / view photos Laundry Day