Archive for Hong Kong
November 12, 2005 at 6:37 am · Filed under Architecture, Culture, Hong Kong
It is very odd to find a childhood memory that’s foreign is now localised in your adulthood. I’ve been to Tokyo Disneyland and I remember how freaky it was to hear Mickey Mouse speak Japanese. Now we’re going to hear Mickey speak Chinese.
At this point of time, the theme park is going to be officially opened in a month’s time. For now only the subway line and the area between the station and ticket booths are just opened. So I was surrounded by a lot of excited Hongkies.
Note the Mickey Mouse handrails.
It’s strange because you can’t go into the theme park yet, it’s 5:00pm and there’s practically nothing to do but buy bottled water here – but there’s heaps of people hanging out here! Why, Disney’s magic is alive and real.
I didn’t post a lot of stuff between the “signboard” and ticket booths as they are pleasant surprises.
November 12, 2005 at 6:34 am · Filed under Architecture, Hong Kong
November 12, 2005 at 6:33 am · Filed under Architecture, Hong Kong, Norman Foster
I never realised the Bank of China and HSBC Bank was this close together. I wish I could go up to HSBC’s lobby but the security guards don’t seem to look too kindly on me.
I’ve always wondered if it would look better if it was a lot higher. It demonstrates how celebrating structure in an almost techno-phile way never really caught on as a brilliant move in 20th century architectural history, and still hasn’t.
November 9, 2005 at 6:46 pm · Filed under Architecture, Hong Kong, I.M. Pei
Despite being over-referenced as an icon, it still manages to take your breath away upon seeing it first time up close.
What I find typical with Pei’s work are his huge atriums, definitely made possible by his keen understanding of structure.
A gem tucked in at the side, this is nice hidden surprise showcasing his landscape solutions.
November 9, 2005 at 6:42 pm · Filed under Architecture, Hong Kong
I bought a MTR subway ticket and proceed straight to Mong Kok, due to advise from two local girls on the plane from Helsinki.
The perfect place to be during the SARS epidemic.
