K on the verge

HK’s Star Ferry Relocating

nobody@vox.com(Knoizki) — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:37:04 -0800

One of my favourite icon of Hong Kong is getting set to move to its new location.

From The Standard newspaper.

At the stroke of midnight on November 11, as the clock on the 49-year-old tower chimes, four ferries will set sail for one last time from the Central landmark to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Locals will then get a final chance to see the building bathed in light before workers shut off the electricity.

Once the terminal moves from the original place, office workers elbowing past leisurely tourists, including myself will walk at least 15-minute away to the new terminal at rush hour making its way to a larger space and road bypass. I guess reclamation is one the delimmas for Hong Kong. One day, I will not be surprise that the entire Harbour will shrink and turned it into another extension of the HK Island. Some people say reclamation is spoiling the city’s natural beauty and ruining its biggest natural assest, the harbour itself.

Surely I’ll miss the old ferry but on the good side, it will also ease traffic congestion in Central and will make the ferries another bigger tourist attraction. At the moment, at HK$1.70 a ride on the lower deck, the cross-harbour trip is a rare bargain in one of the world’s most expensive cities - and I’m certain that the Government will have the attempt to raise fares until the new ferry terminal opens in early January 2007, next year.

And of course, the new terminals will floors for shopping and dining facilities, with a rooftop beer garden on the Kowloon side and a Star Ferry exhibition on the island side. What do you expect in Hong Kong? More shopping malls.

Do you think I will still take the ferry? Well of course, I like walking around Central.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Smoking ban set to become law in Hong Kong next year

nobody@vox.com(Knoizki) — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 22:39:53 -0700

HONG KONG - Smoking in workplaces, restaurants, karaoke bars and public places such as beaches and barbeque areas will be banned from the beginning of 2007 in Hong Kong, a news report said.

The ban will also include public parks but with a concession for smokers in the outdoors allowing designated smoking zones covering 1 per cent of the total area.

A report in the South China Morning Post quoted government sources as saying the law had enough support to ensure its passage through the legislative council.

A second stage extending the ban to cover bars open for those aged 18 and older, mahjong houses, massage parlours and nightclubs will follow in July 2009, it said.

The bill is due to go through its second and third readings at the legislative council on October 18.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

A post about Hong Kong

nobody@vox.com(Knoizki) — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 10:03:57 -0700

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong. This is where I live.

The best thing about being here is getting into the influence of both multi-Asian and Westerns. It's about savouring new tastes of different things while slurping your noodles.

Hong Kong is divided into four areas -- Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and The New Territories are on a peninsula of the Chinese mainland, while Hong Kong Island is on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon.

Hong Kong Island is the business district with its high skycrapers. There are a lot of shopping malls, bars, some big business companies and have a few lots of culture and sights. Make sure you visit the Victoria Peak where you can see the astonishing views of the surroundings especially during the evenings. It also might be a good idea to visit the Aberdeen, known to many as the floating city because over 20,000 people live on boats. But it is definately an unforgettable sight to see at night with most boats are illuminated with little lights.

Hong Kong is so densed that it's so easy being pushed by many thousand elbows. However, it's also efficient, hushed and peaceful. The transport network is easy and excellent and of course the cuisine is legendary.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

My first Vox

nobody@vox.com(Knoizki) — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 04:44:06 -0700

Thanks to Jack Yan for the nice invite.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend