A visual feast.

Hong Kong the most densely populated city on the planet. But just a short bus or metro ride and you are amongst some  wonderful scenery - a hikers delight.

Over the past few weeks we have been able to explore the oasis around Hong Kong Island and the New Territories.

Looking over the Islands from Sai Kung West Country Park.

Hiking home after camping at Wan Bai

The view towards our camp sight

Typical stream crossing.

Tai Po waterfront - looking south east.

Plover Cove country park

Steaks on the beach

Typical abandoned village in the New Territories.

Hanneke blazing the trail as usual.

Looking Northeast over the Islands towards the Chinese mainland - along the Tiu Tang Lung Path

Hillside Shrines.

View towards Yantian (Shenzhen) over Starling Inlet.

The concrete is winning - just 20 years ago there wasn't a building in sight!

A view from the "other" side.

We visited another  'country' last month. Well it seemed like it.

A trip to Hong Kong involves passports, entry and departure procedures, customs declarations and driving on the other side of the road!!

The main road access to Hong Kong from Shenzhen.

The "mad" rush of goods and people from Hong Kong to Shenzhen.

A forest of flats/arboretum of apartments.

Camping, Hong Kong style.

Heaven on Hong Kong.

A trek towards civilization.

An amazing view, from the most populated place on the planet!!!

A vision for the future: a view of the past.

We have had the opportunity to visit some special places.

On a typical Sunday the beautiful city park of "Lian Hua Shan" is alive with families enjoying the open space, flying kites, playing music, honouring the past and looking for love.

Lian Hua Shan Park

Let's go fly a kite, or two.

A Chinese alternative to dating agencies.
Parents place "adds" describing their
son or daughter's attributes.

Details of a range of prospective partners; all in one spot.

No photos, just a description and contact details.

It is usually the parents that place the "adds" and scan
for a prospective son or daughter in law.

The pride of the park - An impressive statue of
Deng Xiaping.
The leader with the vision to encourage China to adopt a more open economy.
Considered the "Father of Shenzhen"; 30 years ago this year,the area was established as a "Special Economic Zone" . 15 million people later, the city is still growing and reaping the benefits of the vision. 

All walking with Deng.

The writing may be temporary but the
message brings parents hope for their
children.

What better place to practice than in the park.
Sharing music with nature.

Deng's vision - the growing skyline of Shenzhen.
The three spots above and near the buildings are actually kites being flown from the park.

Sundays are also useful for visiting sites a little further afield. An hour and half bus ride and  we had the privilege of visiting a 600 year old fortress, used to repel the Japanese, pirates and those dastardly British.

Entrance gate to the Depeng Fortress.

The narrow streets inside the ancient town.

Across the roofs of the tightly packed historical Depang site. 

I spy with my ............................

Some interesting sights on our walks around the city :-)

Notice for movie patrons - 2 and 6, 7 sound advice :-) 

What every fashionable poodle should be wearing - a yellow behind.

Chinese Eiffel Tower!!!!

No playing the trumpet whilst driving.

More good advice about how to behave - especially the last one!

Typical Chinese gnomes.

Making sure dinner does not crawl away.......

A hard days work at the store.
Narcolepsy is definitely a sleeping giant in China, especially in my classes!!!! 

Check out the environmentally friendly bike helmet - grows his own vegetables whilst riding around the city.

Interesting "Christmas bells" in our dinner.  

Hanneke's new "green" bike.

Local police pursuit vehicle. Maybe the bike will be quicker!!!! 

What a wonderful message :-) 

Golden towers!!!

What is Mandarin for Ice Cream?

Water fountain display

In case there was any doubt, these phones are
for the hard of hearing, seeing and standing.
Needless to say, Michael has one.

The fast train - very comfortable, very punctual and very fast.