HK: Now with pictures

I've just realised that I haven't demonstrated much proof, other than all my whingey* blogs that I have actually upped and moved to Honkers. Friends have but seen me whisked away in a car, apparently headed to the airport, apparently bound for HK. I wouldn't blame you if there was some small suspicion that I hadn't left the UK at all and instead have fled to some nondescript hamlet in the country, cos I just got sick of you people.

*Or as autocorrect would have it, all my 'Shingles'. Eeeuch.

Well, here's some proof, and also an opportunity to show off  start making my blogs a little more interesting by inserting some random pictures in between paragraphs to keep your interest. And sure I could have ripped these off Google Images, but I didn't so nuuhh.

Overlooking Hong Kong Island from the Sky Terrace at The Peak

The best word I can use to describe the Hong Kong I know thus far is discord.  The landscapes are crammed full of jarring, clunky, 1960s inspired buildings and skyscrapers, many of which require more than a lick of paint,  and a few more which stand out like sore thumbs what with their lemon yellow or salmon pink facades. Not many world heritage sites or 'Grade II listed' buildings here. The streets are crowded, and bathed in a subtle smog that is only fully (and alarmingly) visible from high above (see later photo).  I can't wander 200 yards in my local neighbourhood without an elderly lady shoving a pamphlet or newsletter into my path, whilst I awkwardly shake my head and avoid eye contact. Dress sense ranges from high end couture, to baggy T shirts with misspelt English accompanied by pink flip flops. There is so much inconsistency and incongruity, but I guess this is what makes it HK?

Speaking of fashion -  note to HK, it is most unfortunate to name a clothing brand for men "5cm".

Away from the metropolis.. my family home in the New Territories

Home grown Papayas outside the family home

There is a small plot of land (where the home is) which we own, and a larger plot a few yards away which unfortunately, several decades ago, due to some mislaid paperwork/family feuds/bad timing (depending on how sensationalist you want to be) is no longer ours to claim.  A big pity, since that plot of land is a prime piece of real estate in a village that people with a lot of money are slowly beginning to take more interest in. Also, it has a small Starfruit orchard, very cool.

The view from the 53rd Floor of One Island East

Finally, this picture may seem to have no place in this blog post, but I'd like to justify it as a demonstration of  the aforementioned incongruence, when really I just want to show you a decapitated roasted pigeon head. 

In case you're wondering, it tastes like something in between duck and KFC but they're freaking scrawny so you don't get much meat out of it.