Street - Duddell Street StePs and Gas LAmps

The Duddell Street Steps was built between 1875 and 1889 and bounded by Ice House Street andQueen's Road . It was ended a flight of granite steps at its southern.

First of all, let me tell you about the name of the street. It was named for a English businessman--George Duddell. In 1844, Duddell arrived in HongKong and run opium business, then changed to operate ironmongery and bakery. Because of the hot weather and no natural ices provided in HongKong, the europeans cannot get used to it. With other English businessmen, Duddell provided some hospitals and welfare societies with the natural ices. George Duddell was ultimately a signficant property owner in Ice House Street in the mid-19th century and he remained good relationship with HongKong government, the government decided to commemorate him with a street name--that is Duddell Street.

What attracted most people in that street is the four gas-powered street lamps. As we know, all street lamps are now electric in HongKong, however, these four remain using gas and are operated by HongKong and China Gas Company on the ground of historical interest.

The gas lamps are really scarce in HongKong, even in the urban, it worths to pay a vist and take photos there.

What is more, if you want to know the exact location of Duddell street, donot hesitate to browse into the google maps of Duddell Street.

--BY KATHERINE YEUNG

ha.ha.halloween

Ha,ha,halloween, we are waiting for your scream......this song has accompanied us more than a month, which is from the TV advertising of Ocean Park to promote the halloween event.

5,4,3,2,1.......Halloween is coming now!

HELLO WELCOME !!~~

 Everyone is busy to celebrate this “horrible” festival and I am obsessed by its special games and activities.

For instance,the most common one is treat-or-trick, also known as guising, is an activity for children in which they proceed from house to house, children can ask for treats like candies with questions.

The otherone is apple bobbing, in which apples float in a tub or a large basin of water and the participants must use their teeth to remove an apple from the basin.

Besides, some games traditionally played at Halloween are form of divination. A traditional Scottish form of divining one's future spouse is to carve an apple in one long strip, then toss the peel over one's shoulder. The peel is believed to land in the shape of the first letter of the future spouse's name.
Moreover, there is a tale of unmarried women. If they sit in a darkened room and gaze into a mirror on Halloween night, the face of their future husband will appear in the mirror. However, if they are destined to die before marriage, a skull will appear.
I found those legends interesting and I want to have a special Halloween party!

These photos are taken from disneyland where has special event to celebrelate this exciting festival!!!~~

                              

                                                                                                   --BY KATHERINE YEUNG

Building - Murray House

Murray House was used as an army quarters for the British Officers when it was built in Central in 1846 where the Bank of China Tower now stands. It is one of the oldest examples of Western architecture in Hong Kong. Murray House was dismantled in 1982 with its stones and components numbered and marked for its re-construction. 

After 15years in storage following ASD’s careful dismanting stone by stone in anticipation of a possible new home, it was offered a waterfront location at Stanley for rebuilding. The reconstruction work was eventually embarked in 1997. With the objective of outset to maintain the appearance of Murray House, including the surrounding verandahs, the 3000 preceved stones were first carefully examinated, dimensions measured and condition recorded. A real size mock up as trial assembly of a selected corner of the building from old materials kept was also done before carrying out the genuine reconstruction at Ma Hang.

The rebuilding was completed in the year2000 as part of Ma Hang Valley redevelopment by Housing Department. Nowadays it become  one of the poplular atrractions to tourists.

 

My reflection

  I have visited Murray House once with my family when I was young and my parents told me that. It is a beautiful place because it was just completed the re-construction, everything is clean and new. The environment is good and there is a good sea view. Actually I don’t remember much about that place but everyone should visit at least once because it is part of our Hong Kong history and this new Murray House examined that how to conservate some historical building in a meaningful way.

--- Jovy Tam

I have been Murray House three months ago. Outside the house, you can see that so many people like taking photos, because the view of Murray House is good. At night, there will be a romantic place for couple. They can have a seat there and face to the sea, or walk along the harbor and chat with each other etc. The atmosphere can increase the relationship for couple, family etc. Also, one thing I like most which is the air. It is fresh and I can breathe deeply. Inside the house, the design of it is very attractive, just like the old western style. People can choose the restaurant in it, but it must be an expensive meal. HAHA

--- Mable Chiu

Here are some photoes for you.

Reference

http://www.housingauthority.gov.hk/b5/commercial/shoppingcentres/stanleyplaza/0,,1-3591-6222,00.html

Helloween (Spectial Event)

At the end of October, people will ready to celebrate one of the special festivals every year. DO you know what the special festival is? YES, that is ---- [Halloween].

I think that Halloween is very interesting festival. It is because in that day, people will ask someone: [trick or treat]? If the person doesn’t want to have badly lucky at the year, they will give some candies to person who asks the question. Therefore, I can collect lots of chocolates or candies in that day. Also, lots of the celebration will hold in Hong Kong, examples, Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland. Hong Kong’s biggest theme park is also host to one of the biggest Halloween celebration in town. It is boasting the biggest Halloween bash in Asia, with 400 costumed characters, 20 haunted attractions as well as street shows and entertainment. And in Hong Kong Disneyland, there will have some famous costumes celebrate the Halloween with you such as, Mickey, Donald and Goofy. There is also a dedicated Halloween Parade, featuring stars such as Jack the Pumpkin King. An absolute must for those who packed the kids. I hope you can enjoy the special moment in Hong Kong and don’t miss the chances.

---Change Kwok

Here are some photoes about Helloween. Hope you can find the helloween's atmosphere via these photo^^

<-- Helloween in Disneyland

<-- Helloween in Ocean Park

Transport - Tram

Hong Kong Tramways Limited has been operating tram service in Hong Kong since 1904. When Hong Kong Tramways was founded, the 26 tramcars of the first fleet were all single-deck. After more than 100 years, we now own and operate a fleet of 163 tramcars which includes 2 antique tramcars. It is the world's largest fleet of double-deck tramcars still in operation, carrying an average of 230,000 passengers every day.

Routing and Tram Schedule 

Hong Kong Tramways operates 6 main routes running between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan everyday from 6:00 to 24:00. The tram service maintains to have a tramcar depart in every 1.5 minutes during peak hours on average. Frequency on all routes will be adjusted to meet traffic's requirement.

The 6 routes are:

1. Shau Kei Wanà Western Market
2. Shau Kei Wanà Happy Valley
3. North Pointà Whitty Street
4. Happy Valleyà Kennedy Town
5. Causeway Bayà Kennedy Town
6. Western Marketà Kennedy Town

Fare

Tram is the most economical mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Regardless of distance, only HK$2.00 will be charged for each adult passenger. Senior citizens and children can enjoy a lower fare at HK$1.00. Every tram currently in service has been equipped with an Octopus reader located at the front exit of the tram. Monthly ticket is also available and being sold at Hong Kong Tramways' Whitty Street tram depot, Causeway Bay and North Point terminus.

Tram stop
Hong Kong Tramways serves to provide a convenient and safe waiting environment to our passengers. You can find a tram stop in an average of 250 meters intervals.

Tram Tickets and Fares

In the early days, Hong Kong Tramways used to import its tickets from England, except during the Japanese occupation period. After 1967, Hong Kong Tramways printed its tickets locally.

In 1904, tram service had two different classes (first and third, no second class). Both first class and third class tickets were similar in size. The top of the tickets showed the classes while the middle part marked the boarding points.

Conductor system was introduced in the early days of tram service. 2 conductors would be stationed at each tram for selling ticket on the upper and lower decks. In 1976, drop-in coin-boxes were installed at the trams. Conductors were no longer needed and most of them were trained to become motormen. Conductor system was finally abolished in 1982.

Today tram fare for adult is HK$2.00, which is very economical compared to other means of transportation. Passengers can either use octopus card or place the coins into the drop-in box.

Tram tickets would be punched when passengers got on the tram in the old days.

Different Generations of Tramcar

First-generation tram was single-deck. It appeared on the streets of Hong Kong in 1904

Second-generation tram was double-deck with open top (1912)

Third-generation tram was double-deck with canvas cover (1918)

Fourth-generation tram was designed with enclosed upper-deck which has been in use since 1930s (prototype of the present fleet)

The newest tram version, launched in 2000 and featuring a sturdy alloy aluminum metal body construction (2000)

My reflection

One of the special transports in Hong Kong--------Tram

Do you know which transportation we can travel on Hong Kong Island only? Yes, that is tram. Tram has a long history in Hong Kong which was establish in 1904. In my mind, I thing tram not only is one of the very slow transportation, but also is the cheaper in Hong Kong. However, I am very enjoy on the tram, it is because although it is slow, it can let me see more the views outside. And we can feel the wind come from any where. But I don’t like travel this transportation in summer holidays, it is because that is too hot inside, I don’t like that feeling very much. I like travel it in winter, it is because the temperature are more suitable for me, hahaha~~ I think that travelers who come from an oversea, they need to try this transportation at least once time to feel what I mention before.                       

---Change Kwok

 

Street - Nathan Road

Hong Kong Governor : http://www.nntp.hk/web/post,news.3home.net,3special.benedict,106838.html

Before 1997, Hong Kong was managed by the United Kingdom.

At that time, many names of street used the Hong Kong Governor's name. 

For this history, we know that the streets of Hong Kong are one of the Hong Kong Heritage.

And today, i will introduce the street called " Nathan Road". Although this is not in Hong Kong Island, it is very popular. It is the must that you need to know.

Nathan Road is one of the famous street in Hong Kong. Many tourist must pass through this street when they have visited Hong Kong. It is because Nathan Road connects Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui and these two places are the attractions in Hong Kong. Tourist can have fun there.

Nathan Road is about 3.6 kilometer. It passes through Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Jardon and Tsim Sha Tsui. For Transportation, portions of the Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan Lines for MTR run underneath Nathan Road.

History

"Nathan Road" was named at the nineteen of March in 1909. It comes from the Hong Kong Governor'name, Sir Mathew Nathan. He was the 13th Governor who served between 1904 and 1907. However, The road was originally named Robinson Road. It came from the 5th Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Hercules Robinson. The first section of the road was completed in 1861. It was the very first road built in Kowloon. At that time, the government want to avoid confusion with the Robinson Road on Hong Kong Island, the name was changed to Nathan Road in 1909.

Famous attractions along Nathan Road

There are some buildings and landmarks along the road. Let see the photo.^^

 

                  

To know more about Nathan Road, You can click on :

 http://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hk/%E5%BD%8C%E6%95%A6%E9%81%93

Here you a video in the bus that pass through Nathan Road at night. You can see that there are still many people there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ClovWPnOtc&feature=related

My reflection

I am living in Mong Kok, so i have a big feeling about Nathan Road. For the transportation, it is very convinient. You can go there by bus, train, MTR etc. This is a easy-go place. You would not be afraid that you cannot go back home at night. For tourists, there are many special building and shopping places along Nathan Road. Also, some street next to Nathan Road are the popular shopping place that they must visit such as the Women's Street.  At night, this road will be being a hot place. There are many people to come and go. Nathan Road is being a cheerful street. people would like to have dinner here. It is because there are different knid of restaurants that they can choose. And i am the one inside ^^.

--- Mable Chiu

Nathan Road is one of the longest road in Hong Kong and it across from Prince Edward to Tsim Sha Tsui. There are many shopping mall like Longham Place and some special streets on the both side of street. One of the good example is ladies market. Those places are the hot spots that most Hong Kong people and tourists usually go. Due to the popularity of Mong Kok and other districts around the Nathan Road, there is a traffic jam on the road especially the rush hour. As a result, I suggest that if you want to have a look in Nathan Road or the malls around that, you can go there on foot. It may save your time and you can experience the real life of Hong Kong people.

--- Jovy Tam

Chung Yeung Festival (Special Event)

Chung Yeung Festival will be comig tomorrow.
Therefore, I want to let you know more about this festival.
Althougt this is not a physical heritage, it has a historial culture.
SO~~ I would like to tell you that what the meaning of Chung Yeung Festival is ?
And what things people will do in that day?
Hope you would like it.

Introduction  
The Chung Yeung Festival (which is on Ninth Moon, Day 9) is a day to respect and remember ancestors, a ritual that is widely followed in Hong Kong among the Chinese community.

Things that people do

Also known as Autumn Remembrance, this festival is similar to Ching Ming in the spring, in that families journey to the graves of their ancestors to perform cleansing rites and pay their respects. They will share the food they bring along, especially Chinese cakes, ko, which is a homonym of the word for "top". Some believe that those who eat these cakes will be promoted to the top. It is also a day for hiking. The Chung Yeung Festival commemorates a Han Dynasty (BC 202-AD 220) legend, which tells how a soothsayer advised Woon King (桓景)that he should take his family to a high place for the entire ninth day of the ninth moon. Upon their return, the Woon family discovered all living things in their village had been slaughtered. Today, many Hong Kong families head to the hills to picnic during the Chung Yeung Festival.

Our Sharing

On this festival, I will follow my grandma and grandpa to respect and remember ancestors in Cheung Chau every year. It is because I am the representative of my family. I need and represent my family to do so. I am the biggest grandson in the family; I have the responsibility to participate. I think that Chung Yeung Festival is one of our gathering moments; it is because some of our family members not lived in Cheung Chau, but they will come back at this moment and we go to mountain together. I think our family member around 20-30persons each time. Yes, I am come from the big family. Ha! Ha! We will go to the mountain with lots of things, for example, chicken, rice, fruit, drinks, rice wine etc. those are the things which my great-grandfather and great-grandmother like to eat in their be living. Actually, I very like this festival; it’s because I can meet my family members and do some exercises to get more heavily body.

-----Change Kwok

For me, Chung Yeung Festival is not a sad day. At that day, my parent would go up to the hill in the morning and do somethings to expree respecting for our forerunners. I seldom go with them because when i was young, my parent didn't want to take care of us and they didn't bring me and my 3 sister to there. Therefoe, this situation is until now^^. However, after finishing the respecting ceremony, our family would have a gathering in "Ming Sing Restaurant". We go there for gathering every year at that day.^^ After the gathering, we may plan somethings to do with the family relative. For example, we may play badminton or play cards etc. Actually, for our family, this day is to improve our relationship with each relatives. We can have a space day for increacing the interaction to know more each other. It is because we are very busy for the work so we would enjoy this day so much.

--- Mable Chiu