Behind a Camera

While I love taking pictures, the thing I hate about it is that instead of being a participant, you become an observer. Instead of being engaged in what's happening, you wind up watching the events through a viewfinder, a plastic 2.5 inch screen. This, of course, didn't stop me from taking a bunch of pictures today/tonight.

Today was the HK city tour, the student helpers took us by bus to a couple of different places in HK. We made it out to HK island, which was a first for me. We stopped by the Stanley Market, which I'll admit could have been cooler. Checked out the temples, but something seemed vaguely off about them. Stanley Market is a very commercial area so I just felt like the whole significance behind a temple was sort of lost in the shuffle. Also, I'm not sure if it's observing the proper reverence to go into a temple, kneel, and bow because it's "what you're supposed to do." I feel like the whole concept deserves more than that. The temple did have a sweet ~50 year old tiger skin which I'll admit that I gawked at. Didn't make it to the market part of Stanley Market, so maybe my view is a little skewed.

From there we went to Victoria Peak, which is...a peak? Very picturesque, nice views of the harbor and city. Also of note: Victoria Peak has a shopping mall. Capitalism at a couple thousand feet elevation. So removed that no person in their right mind would go there for their first shopping option, but a facility that rivals malls in the US.

Then to Tsim Sha Tsui again, but didn't do much there. Walked along the Avenue of Stars (or whatever it's called), took some pictures, admired a sunset. Highlight? Random white guys doing a Bruce Lee pose infront of a bronze Bruce Lee statue. Again, not the proper reverence. Bruce "His Fists are only used to Pummel the Unrightuous" Lee is the sort of role model young Asians need. Screw you, Mickey "I fail to see why Long Duk Dong is offensive" Rooney.

Took a ferry over to Central, a nice (and short) ride. Cheaper than the MTR too, so not a bad thing.

Supposed to go out tonight, personal batterries at about 15%, going to sleep instead. Lame? Yes. Restful? Yes. HK nightlife, wait for me, I'll be there someday.

If you made it this far, you get pictures (a small sample anyways, took about 200 today):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shuie/