Hong Kong trail Pt 1

We went on a hike with a group of friends and kids. It was a great day for a hike. It was not too cold and and not to hot. The humidity was not to high, but it was a cloudy day. I am always curious what you can see on a hike. So I going to post a few photos.

Travel tip for visitors: This is one trail you don't need to hire a guide for something you really need a guide for. Save your money and print the hiker's map off one of the websites below.

Here are a few photos to show you the day. Scroll further down (pass the photos) to reference to websites that can guide you through the hike.

Photos taken by Rambling Gypsy

Photos taken by Rambling Gypsy

Photos taken by Rambling Gypsy

Photos taken by Rambling Gypsy

Photo taken by Rambling Gypsy

photo taken by Rambling Gypsy

Hong Kong Outdoors is a great website: http://www.hkoutdoors.com/hiking-and-biking-in-hong-kong/hiking-in-hk.html

If you have a strong passion and want to get really involved you will enjoy this website: Hiking Hong Kong Group: http://www.hiking.hk/?gclid=CNWp7tOjp64CFQpshwodO070Ug

The peak is where we started the trail. Here is the website that has a map: http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/1_3.asp

I will post more tomorrow about the hike......

How do say " Happy Chinese New Year"?

OMG! I hear this said in different way, but the more I learned the more I missed something. Here is the break do of what I have learned.

Standard New Year Greeting - Kung Hei Fat Choy (Congratulations and Prosperity). Should be the first word out of your mouth when greeting friends and family or anyone for that matter. http://www.reddit.com/r/HongKong/comments/oe3bt/chinese_new_year_etiquette_for_the_uninitiated/

Definition: 恭喜發財! Chinese greeting for Chinese New Year.

Pronunciation: gōngxǐ fācái

Also Known As: 新年快樂 (Xīnnián kuàilè)

http://chineseculture.about.com/od/thechineselanguage/g/Chinese-For-Happy-New-Year-Chinese-New-Year.htm

The simplest of ways to show your well wishes for a prosperous new year is to say "gong xi fa cai" -- which means loosely "congratulations and prosperity." http://goasia.about.com/b/2012/01/20/say-happy-new-year-in-chinese.htm

 Chinese (Cantonese)Gung hay fat choy (a New Year greeting meaning, "May you become prosperous.")
Sun nien fai lok (meaning, "Happy new year")

Chinese (Mandarin)Xin nian yu kuai
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/calendar/newyear.shtml

What do I say? Gung hay fat choy

The year of the Dragon & I am Dragon

I am a Dragon... what does that mean  for me? My curiosity always gets the best of me, so I did a little more research.

 

All information came from Chinese fortune Calendar.com. My comments will be in Yellow.http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2012ChineseHoroscope.htm

According to Chinese Five Element Astrology Calendar, 2012 is the Year of Water Dragon . The color of Water in Five Elements system is related to Black. Therefore we can say 2012 is a Black Dragon, Water Dragon or Black Water Dragon year.

Chinese Astrology is a Balance Theory of Five Elements. Each animal can be converted into Five Elements. Dragon contains Earth, Water and Wood. It's a source of Water and It is also called the Water Dam in Chinese astrology. Since Water of 2012 comes with Dragon. it implied Water from the sky makes a dam overflow. Therefore 2012 is a strong Water year.

Dragon is a legendary animal and it is symbol of emperor in China. Since the Dragon is coated with mysterious color, Chinese consider that the dragon is unpredictable, untouchable and people cannot see its head and tail at the same time. Therefore, we can might see something unexpected happening in 2012. Also a person with too many dragons in the Chinese astrology birth chart will become smarter, sly and unpredictable in the coming year.

2010 was the Year of White Tiger and is the beginning year of the Wood cycle. 2011 was the Year of White Rabbit and is the middle year of the Wood cycle. The Dragon of 2012 is the last year of the Wood cycle. Dragon is the transition year to the Fire Cycle. The energy of Wood is in the East side. The energy of Fire is in the South side. We never know what will happen when turning from East to South. That's another sign of unpredictable Dragon year. You can have either good luck or bad luck in 2012, and will have a chance to turn it into better or worse luck.

Lucky Element is from your astrology birth chart. The Lucky Element is the major factor to determine people's fortune. 2012 is the Year of Black Water Dragon, which contains Earth, Water and Wood. If your Lucky Element is Earth, Water or Wood, then 2012 will bring you some degree of luck. Since 2012 is Water Dragon, people whose lucky element is Water will benefit more in 2012. Fire is the opposite element of Water. People whose lucky element is Fire will have more impact in 2012.  My Lucky Element is Wood or Fire.

If you go by my birth date I am a THE WOOD DRAGON

Wood has a modifying influence and brings creativity to this sign. Questioning and liberal, Wood Dragons enjoy talking about original ideas and are open to other points of view. They are innovative, imaginative practical and appreciate art in each of its forms. Generally less pretentious than other Dragons, Wood Dragons have an ability to get along with other people. They have the essentials to build a prosperous and happy life for themselves. Still, Wood Dragons are outspoken and at times a bit pushy to quell everyone, even in the most friendly quarrel.

If you go by my birth year I am a THE FIRE DRAGON 1916 AND 1976

The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

You can check out my post “Chinese New Year 2012- The year of the Dragon” post Feb. 3^rd2011 from China guide.

Chinese New year is around the corner!!

Last year I went down the list of what each zodiac was for the next few years, but if you are just getting started...this year is the year of the Dragon.

Check out this website to find out what is going on in Hong Kong: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/chinesenewyear/en/index.html

What will I being doing this Chinese new year? Staying away from it all! I have done it and been there. Sorry, but the crowds are finally getting to me. I will hopefully be spending time with good friends away from the crowds.

If you haven’t attended any of the Chinese New year events, than I hope you will be attending! It is a must do in Hong Kong!

Kung Hei Fat Choy

What you need to know about Chinese New Year... Of course you can search all the websites... there is sufficiently enough information out there to confuse anyone.

1. Keep in mind prices go up around Chinese New Year. So if you are on a budget...do your reseach before you arrive here. I live here... believe I know how the prices go up on the Hotels and plane fare.
2. The Hong Kong fireworks take place on 24 January at 8pm. To beat the crowds, consider a harbor cruise (you will thank me later). If you're in town the night before, 23 January, be sure to catch the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade running through Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, starting at 8pm. FYI For the Night parade,  people start finding their viewing place hours before ( Like around 3pm).
3. The Lunar New Year Race Day takes place on the third day of Chinese New Year – 25 January in 2012. Gates open at 10.30am, first race 12.30pm. Check out Hong Kong Jockey Club (hkjc.com)  for Tickets.

Here is the thing I am not one to reinvent the wheel when someone has already done a great job, so instead of me rewriting about Hong Kong & the Chinese New Year etiquette. I found this AWSOME website that has already done it and more. Please visit it!!

Chinese New Year Etiquette for the uninitiated: http://www.reddit.com/r/HongKong/comments/oe3bt/chinese_new_year_etiquette_for_the_uninitiated/ 

 

Total lunar eclipse in Hong Kong on December 10

Total lunar eclipse in Hong Kong on December 10 (24 November 2011)

A total lunar eclipse will occur at night on December 10 (Saturday) and will be visible in Hong Kong if the weather is fine. Scientific Officer of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr Woo Wang-chun, said, "The duration of the whole process (from the moon entering the penumbra to leaving the penumbra) will last six hours, the longest period of lunar eclipse visible in Hong Kong since the year 2000. As the elevation of the moon will be rather high during the eclipse, most places with an unobstructed view to the east are suitable for viewing the event. If the weather is fine, the condition will be very favourable for viewing the eclipse." "The moon will not completely disappear but will appear coppery-red in colour during totality. This is because sunlight scattered or refracted by the Earth's atmosphere will be projected onto the moon," said Mr Woo. A webcast of the event, covering the time the moon enters the umbra until it leaves, will be jointly provided by the Hong Kong Observatory and the Hong Kong Space Museum on the following web page from: www.weather.gov.hk/gts/hksm/astrophoto.htm (Please refer to figure 1 of attachment for relevant QR code). Additionally, the Hong Kong Space Museum will organise an observation activity titled the "Night of Total Lunar Eclipse", in the central section of the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. "The public will have the opportunity to observe the total lunar eclipse with telescopes and various kinds of astronomical instruments under the guidance of Space Museum staff. The activity is provided free of charge and no registration is required," said the Curator of the Space Museum, Mr Chan Ki-hung. Please refer to attached diagram for details of the moon's path during the eclipse. An animation of the lunar eclipse is also available on the Hong Kong Space Museum's YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/hkspacem/) (Please refer to figure 2 of attachment for relevant QR code). Details of the lunar eclipse are as follows: Hong Kong Time Direction (Azimuth) Elevation Moon enters penumbra 7.32pm East-northeast (75 degrees) 26 degrees Moon enters umbra 8.45pm East (79 degrees) 42 degrees Total eclipse begins 10.06pm East (83 degrees) 60 degrees Middle of eclipse 10.32pm East (84 degrees) 66 degrees Total eclipse ends 10.58pm East (85 degrees) 72 degrees Moon leaves umbra 0.18am (next morning) Northeast (52 degrees) 90 degrees Moon leaves penumbra 1.32am (next morning) West (274 degrees) 74 degrees Please refer to the Hong Kong Observatory website for an explanation of the cause and different stages of a lunar eclipse: www.weather.gov.hk/gts/astron2011/lunar_eclipse_e.htm (Please refer to figure 3 of attachment for relevant QR code). The next lunar eclipse potentially observable in Hong Kong will occur on June 4, 2012, which will be a partial eclipse. Also in 2012, an annular solar eclipse will be potentially observable in Hong Kong on May 21, and a transit of Venus on June 6. Both are rare astronomical phenomena.

More upcoming Christmas Bazaars

The Repulse Bay Christmas Fair

Sunday, 27 November 2011

11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Free Admission

Come and join our fair with more than 50 stalls

Christmas items / children’s books / toys / gift items / cards

paintings / handicrafts / jewellery / home accessories

and much more…

                                                      Live bands, children’s activities, bouncy play area

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Glenealy School International Bazaar

If your weekends are already filled up, this is a great evening option featuring plenty of stalls selling all sorts of items, games and international food to munch on whilst you mingle with other families.

Where: Glenealy School, 7 Hornsey Road, Mid-Levels, Central

When: 18 November, 5.30-8pm

http://sassymamahk.com/christmas-fairs-list-sassy-mama/

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Hong Kong Winterfest
Hong Kong Tourist Board’s official event will see a fabulous festive fiesta taking over the entire city! Statue Square in Central will set the scene with a twinkling Tiffany’s decorated Christmas tree, carol-singing and a carousel whilst HK’s first ever outdoor ice-skating rink will appear in East Tsim Sha Tsui so you can glide under the stars and soak up the festive atmosphere. There’ll also be carnivals, sparkling Christmas illuminations, seasonal menus, special offers in shops and restaurants and much much more!

Where: Everywhere!
When: 25 November-1 January
More info: www.discoverhongkong.com/winterfest 

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JWA Bazaar
The Jewish Women’s Association bazaar will be selling an assortment of branded clothing, bags, accessories, toys, homeware and other Christmas items – with all proceeds going to charity. There’ll also be food, activities and much more fun for all the family; just remember to bring your ID card.

Where: Island School, 20 Borett Road, Mid-Levels
When: 27 November, 10am-5pm
How much: $20 (children are free)
More info: www.jwa.org.hk

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Hullett House Christmas Market
Hullett House’s historical courtyard and garden will be transformed into a quintessential European Christmas Market, with a mouth-watering array of specially-selected sausages, smoked meats, cheese, teas, gingerbread, Christmas cakes, chocolate, jams, preserves – and even a sneaky tipple of mulled wine and eggnog too! There’ll also be Christmas cards, ornaments, books and other seasonal gifts, with carol-singing and a special appearance from Santa and his reindeers – so there’s absolutely no excuse for not getting into the festive spirit!

Where: Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, No. 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
When: 9-11 December
More info: 3988 0000, www.hulletthouse.com