Bunzel Grave

We were able to visit the grave of Birgit's parents today! I include this photo to show not only their resting place, and remember them, but also to show how well cared for, beautiful and unique graves are in Germany. In America graves are covered by grass, in Hong Kong by stone, but here the graves are little gardens, often with burning candels showing the ongoing love of their survivors. I wish I could be buried in Germany and have someone care for my grave after I die...

Purple Christmas in Shatin!

This photo does not do justice to this horrendous Christmas display in our local shopping mall, Shatin. When I first walked into the mall and saw this I wanted to scream! It's all purple and pink with a large oversized camera at the bottom of this "tower". It had no resemlance to a tree (see all those electronics in the middle?). And there is a bubble circle, plastic thingy that people can walk in to have their photos taken! And it was busy!!!

This had nothing to do with Christmas. Nothing to do with Christmas colors. And no relevance to the holiday season. It was shocking!

Tree Counting

One common activity for corporations is afforestation projects. I just got back from the regular activity of sampling the progress of the Sony Afforestation Project. It was great to be outside, on a slope, away from the city and spending time with vegetation. And it was quiet with only Kami and Vinnci around. We identified and counted. Then, when we were done, we happened upon a dead tree that was infested with termites. It was fascinating knocking the tree and seeing them all run!

Feng Shui Woods

This is Sha Lo Tung, an abandoned Feng Shui village in one of the few remaining areas of conservation in Hong Kong. There were immense battles over protecting this area years ago which, I am told, helped birth the conservation movement in Hong Kong.

This village is a prime example of Feng Shui Woods, which means that there is a 'spirituality' and practicality to its locationvillage. The 'spiritual' aspect arrises from the belief that there is protection from bad luck. The practicality comes from having woods behind the village and water in front; the village thus has a view over the landscape and protection from marauders. The woods are also a source of resources and protection from the elements. And they are the closest Hong Kong has to a primal forest, although it is highly anthropomorphic.

While the village is abandoned, it still belongs to native Hong Kong people in the New Territories. It is overun with Mikania micrantha, also known as the mile-a-minute weed, and frequented illegally by people playing paint ball.