Snap

Caught in the act:

See also this post.
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Pop up 2

In an earlier post, I examined the streetside pop-up shop. Here's another variant: the pop-up knick-knack stall. On sale (urban variety): glowing plastic toys, hair scrunchies, purses, and, if it's raining, umbrellas.

Often found near MTR exits, the stalls are equipped with handy mobility features, such as wheels (above), or fold-flat cardboard box stands and open-suitcase displays (below). 

Now you see 'em, now you don't.
All content © Emilie Pavey

En bateau

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衞星

衞星= wai sing: satellite

All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

星期四

The launderette-cum-dry-cleaners downstairs is demonstrating a small, fairly inoffensive grammatical inaccuracy.

Or is it? Perhaps the launderette owner (launderer?) is actually using the imperative, ordering neighbouring shops to follow his exemplary opening hours. Indeed, the other launderette, across the street, seems to obeyed and has even taken up the same rallying call.

One thing's for sure: you can take your close somewhere else today.
All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

Pillar of the (beach) community

It's beach season. If you want to feel safe whilst swimming, you cannot avoid the stiletto heel of HK government architecture: the elevated lifeguard hut. Aesthetic (as far as a man-made public safety structure can be, that is), yet precarious.

Upper Cheung Sha
Still, it's nice to know that there's a dedicated watchtower for sharks and other disruptions to paddling paradise.

Silverstrand beach
Even if this does mean that swimmers are lorded over by a bored, tanned attendant with a megaphone who lets off the occasional Cantonese rant if a swimmer strays outside of the designated swimming area. If you get eaten by a shark on the other side of that yellow floating line, tough luck buddy, we did warn you.
More quirky government structures.
All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

laced with style

One of the first things that struck me about Hong Kong minibuses is the lacy trim of the seats.  It is somewhat like being in Granny's living room while speeding along at 79 kph (the driver usually attempting to stay on the 'safe' side of the beeper, but not always)
Looking back on this weekend's photos, I thought I'd dedicate a post to Hong Kong's chintz-on-wheels in all its kitschy glory.

All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

大躍進

大躍進 = dai yeuk jeun: great leap forward

All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

Strangers on a tram

30 followers today! A small milestone for Land of no cheese. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to visit. I am always trying to make it better.
EXTRA, EXTRA:Pick up the latest issue of Time Out HK to see more photos on the Hidden Hong Kong page: ways of beating the heat, modernity vs. antiquity and where in Hong Kong is this?
All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

Keeping an eye on your kids

Modern parenting involves cameras.

All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

酷 熱 天 氣 警 告

(excerpt)

The Very Hot Weather Warning is now in force. The Hong Kong Observatory is 
forecasting very hot weather in Hong Kong tomorrow. The risk of heatstroke is high.

People staying indoors without air-conditioning should keep windows open as far as possible to ensure that there is adequate ventilation.

Dispatched by Hong Kong Observatory at 06:45 HKT on 14.08.2011

Photographs © 2011 Emilie Pavey

小狗游泳記

(Wet dog stories)
開心

唔開心

More Hong Kong pooches...
All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

Offering

'Tis the season.

I hope the residents of my building follow these good citizens' example and do it outdoors this time.

All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

Hidden object

All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

中計 Be counted

The 2011 Hong Kong population census is in full swing, with census officers across the territory scuttling up and down residential buildings doing what they have to do. To minimise the chances of opportunistic swindling, the government has plastered public transport with these two friendly faces, encouraging us to be proactive and check identities before interview!

I studied the diagram showing the parts of a census officer closely, and then went out on an officer-spotting excursion. It was remarkably successful. 

Satchel. Check. Badge. Check. Natty government-designed polo shirt. Check.

I am pleased to report that the government-provided illustration is a fairly accurate representation of the true specimen, with one minor flaw: the real thing lacks a cheesy grin. Clearly some artistic licence was involved.
Update on 3/8:EXTRA, EXTRA!My photos appear in the latest issue of Time Out HK, on the Hidden Hong Kong page. Cats in shops, walls and bridges, and a big rock. If you are in Hong Kong, take a look.
All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey

Pointing

All content © 2011 Emilie Pavey