This is one of the most common photographs taken in Asia. Every night of the week sees professional photographers, and people like me, with tripods set up on Avenue of the Stars in Kowloon, their lenses trained on the bright lights of Hong Kong Island.
How could you not take this photo? The clouds roll in from Victoria Peak, covering the skyscrapers. The phallic IFC2 building spotlights the sky. It’s freakish. It’s mysterious. It’s gaudy beauty. There are dozens of colorful metaphors I could use.
I hate you, Hong Kong. On your streets I feel like an adulterous husband sneaking guiltily around. How could I love the bastard child of opium-laced British Imperialism? I hate you, Hong Kong, and Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay.
But this photo: I can almost forget about the bitter expats that fill your bars and the fact Jackie Chan is still allowed to make films. This scene: That is why I love you.
And hate you.
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July 15th, 2008 at 8:02 am
It’s breath-taking.
Jennifers last blog post..Sometimes, I am lonely.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Oh! This one I understand completely!
The Dallas area is hot, sticky, dusty, and crowded. The traffic is horrible, and living here is expensive. But the sight of the Dallas skyline will always mean I’m home.
It’s beautiful, Stevo. How could you not love it?
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July 15th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Nice shot Stevo but I can completely understand why you wouldn’t want to capture it. It’s almost too easy.
R(etc… )
July 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
So you sprung for a 40D?
cfimagess last blog post..Catch of the Day
July 15th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
The last time I was in Hong Kong was in 1983. I certainly don’t remember anything about it.
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July 15th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Jennifer: Thank you kindly.
Shawn: It’s nice to know someone in the same boat.
Ron: Maybe if I took it from a ferry in the middle of the harbor the easiness factor would be removed?
Craig: In fact I did. Picked it up a week ago. Love it.
July 15th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I like it. Always love that sight. I love the dancing lights. Even Mr. Andie thinks that’s too superficial for his taste.
July 15th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
What the hell have you been doing out there anyway?
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July 15th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Andie: It is something to see.
Wanda: Business, baby. TC of B.
July 16th, 2008 at 12:06 am
What a beautiful image, Stevo. The mood you invoked with this image is breathtaking.
HeyJuless last blog post..Crystal Ball
July 16th, 2008 at 5:58 am
It looks so cool, great shot!
Someday I’ll get to visit, hopefully… It looks amazing.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:17 am
DLD: Welcome and thank you!
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July 16th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Have not been too many Asian cities but been to Hong Kong. It is one of the few cities that I have felt at home. An organized Istanbul, perhaps.
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July 16th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
For me its only love! Hong Kong is a great city. I am always glad to go back. Will be back there soon. I never get tired of that skyline and love to see it from the Peak too. I can’t wait to get back in September.
Hope you enjoy,
Ciao
Durbanbay
Durbanbays last blog post..New Zealand 04 - The Pictorial
July 17th, 2008 at 1:00 am
That is an awesome shot! I have seen a lot of them very similar, but I can see why. I have never been to Hong Kong, but hope to make it there in the near future!
July 17th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I took that photo too. I think sunset on the harbor in Kowloon was one of the coolest things I’ve seen on my trip.
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I love the photo, too, but even more so with the text you wrote to go with it. It makes the photo more meaningful.
July 17th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
It’s a glorious scene, that’s for sure. You captured it brilliantly in words and with your camera.
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July 18th, 2008 at 7:16 am
HeyJules: Merci.
DLD: It is quite a site.
Unguided: That’s an interesting comparison.
DurbanBay: I have never been to the peak at night. I’ll have to give it a try.
Justin: Let me know if you get there, we can meet up.
Gary: I missed sunset, I’ll try next time.
yb: Thanks.
Robin: 谢谢
July 19th, 2008 at 6:08 am
I got the 40D too, and I love it. It’s amazing how well it will handle most situations.
Great pic, it’s completely worth 10 Jackie Chan movies.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Awesome capture and an extremely well-written post. It was worth the wait!
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:11 am
Some of the most amazing cosmopolitan areas are vital and unique because of their multticultural backgrounds, no?
OmbudsBen´s last blog post..Glimpses of the Magic Kingdom
May 6th, 2009 at 6:18 am
the phallic building’s actually called IFC2
May 6th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Christine: Thanks, the 40D is great.
Carrie: Thanks.
Ben: Yes, but it’s the “superiority” of Hong Kongers that gives me problems.
Allen: Thank you for that. Correction made.
May 11th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Oh, I love Hongkong! I love that view Steve. Like you, I was capturing the views and sights every day and night I was in Hongkong - without the tripod. Hongkong is my kind of city. Everything is there…accessible, affordable, classy, foodsy (foodsy?), fun, diverse. I love shopping there…the big shops, the small stalls. The expensive restaurants..and the small vendors. You captured that breath-taking view of Hongkong lights. And ..the light show…every night at 8pm — it is like going to the fair.
Keep up the good work - and the photos.
(Edita) -
PinayMOB@AirlineTravelersGuide.com
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May 12th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Edita: Thanks. I don’t know if you can call Hong Kong affordable…