Pottinger? Portland? Street names that reflects the maritime past in HK

Plotted on the map with familiar names?! not to be so surprised!

Plotted on a world map, the street names show how Hong Kong’s port has moved, as reclamation left the old working water­fronts inland. From a dotty land to an international city - the name of the streets tells me a lot about the maritime past of Hong Kong.  

Hong Kong is my hometown and every time I come back for a visit, Hong Kong greets me warmly with a hug - you will know it because it's the feel of home. - Kelsey Wong

So how did those names come from? Who were they? 

That is a very good question, as Hong Kong has gone through a several colonisation with the British and the Japanese Empire during WWII, as it sits in the southern shore of china near the harbour which can be beneficial to the other countries for trading - A deep colonial history with the British Empire since the 19th centuries after the Opium War - The colonisation has lead Hong Kong becoming one of the world's well known cities and heart of the Asia's economy.
Considering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great ports, street names with maritime connections are remarkably few – no more than 10 per cent of the total. But that is enough, when loaded into a database. and the others are named after our Governors, Prime Minister, King/Queen of UK and other members of the nobility or have authority in the past when HK was ruled centuries under the crown of Queen Victoria till Queen Elizabeth II. In memory of the maritime past we have gone through and the industrialisation.

 King's Road located in HK island from Wan Chai to North Point named after King George V, in memory of Queen Elizabeth II's father. 
Caine Road named after the Colonial Secretary 'William Caine' - situated near the midlands.

Pottinger Street - In memory of Sir Herny Pottinger, Pottinger street is located in Central, and is well known of the unique stone steps in Hong Kong.

But not every Governor were lucky enough to have his own street, such as Sir Edward Youde, Hong Kong's only Welsh Governor was widely liked for his kindly demeanour and greatly admired for his formidable erudition.  Sir Edward Youde was the Governor of Hong Kong when Margaret Thatcher was in pose during the 80s while London is going through depression(29 August 1974 – 15 June 1978), He was also the only Governor in HK died in office.  He went on to serve a total of four tours of Foreign Office duty in China, the last as ambassador, from 1974-78. He also served in Washington (1956 to 1959) and as a member of the British mission to the United Nations (1965 to 1969).
Even though a street name was not given or specially dedicated to him, but a plaque to his memory was commissioned by the Hong Kong Civil Service and placed on the wall of St John's Cathedral, in the Central District of Hong Kong.

And some other silly mistakes have taken place when the Government of Hong Kong was trying to name the streets - such as Queen's Road, as from a linguist perspective it is a derogatory term, in English it signifies the same position and authority with King, but in Chinese Culture there is also an unequal encounter presented - in this context it should be 'Lui Wong' meaning 'Women King' but they have accidentally named it 'Wong hau' which simply means 'Queen', a lower position.

Queen's Road West - named incorrectly





Sometimes Hong Kong make me feel like I'm home, it's like when see you the design of the direction signs and street signs - such as the blue background white text and street names (London has a Gloucester Station while HK has Gloucester Road), it gives me a sense of security of thinking that Hong Kong was part of UK and somehow things are similar, hospitals, streets and monuments named after and so much more, definitely great to travel- and you rarely get any homesick apart from streets are too crowded all the time, even the things are cheap though.

                                        

''Hong Kong has created one of the most successful societies on Earth." -Prince Charles

Hong Kong is one of those cities you never really stop discovering. With its breathtaking national parks and a Chinese culture influenced by years of British colonial rule, Hong Kong has unique and enduring characteristics that make it truly special. The city's intrigue will lead you there, while its economic and cultural vibrance will make it impossible to leave. - So why don't we book a flight? Travel to Hong Kong and savour Hong Kong with our own footsteps? :)

Kelsey xoxo

Ich liebe dich :)

 Brandenburg Tor - He was my north, east, south and west

On my way to Brandenburg Tor, one of Germany's famous monument!

Sunset at 5pm - Berlin

Dawn, sunset... Brandenburg Tor in Berlin has gone through a lot of things, especially the war since the 18th century till now. 

MALL OF BERLIN - 5 minutes walk from Brandenburg Tor

Mall of Berlin,  located 5 minutes away from the Brandenburg Tor, I walked from Brandenburg Tor on a freezing cold winter night, but it was worth a visit, while you're strolling down the street you'll walk past the memorial blocks of the Jews. 

Make sure you make your way down in the morning if you want to visit the Jews Museum or the memorial statues, no street lights or anything at night - MAKE SURE YOU DON'T WALK ON IT TOO.

Mall of Berlin - for me it is definitely a paradise as you can see it is massive and has over 300 stores!!

Sony Center in Potsdamer Platz - 

Sony Center contains a mix of shops, restaurants, a conference center, hotel rooms, luxurious rented suites and condominiums, offices, art and film museums, cinemas, an IMAX theater, a Legoland Discovery Centre, and a "Sony Style" store.

 During major sports events like the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the center also had a large television screen on which the games were broadcast to viewers sitting in the large open area in the middle.

The Sony Center is located near the Berlin Potsdamer Platz railway station, which can be accessed on foot. A large shopping center is nearby, as are many hotels, the Deutsche Bahn central offices, and an office building featuring the fastest lift in Europe.

Visiting Potsdamer Platz at night is a totally different experience in contrast of during day time, I remembered that I walked passed the Sony Center during day, nothing special it was just an ordinary shopping center , isn't attractive or maybe I should say the Neon lights aren't turned on,therefore it was just completely normal.

Heading back during night - before the Berlinale International Film Festival

Absolutely stunning, marvellous and I couldn't express how beautiful I'd describe this place...

Sony Center displays a "cyberpunk corporate urban (futuristic)" aesthetic.

Looking at the architecture and the building of the Sony Center, it's unique, I mean I'd never ever find something like this in London, especially an outdoor mall.

Sony Center

10785 Berlin

Germany

Kelsey xoxo 

Divided not only the city but the world. - MEET BERLIN

Berlin - stands upon the vast European Plain in Northeastern Germany, on the banks of the River Spree

Berlin's history has been one of the most triumph and tragedy, tyranny and transformation, brought to her knees by the two World wars and then divided by The cold war between the East and West Germany (1961-1989).

However, this glittering city has been reemerged to become one of the world's top economic and creative powerhouse.

Furthermore, Berlin enjoys an air spaciousness which is very unusual in European cities, I always see forest and tall trees around me, and the leaves fell off leaving all the tree trunks, giving me an illusion of the forest in Corpse bride(Movie created by Tim Burton).

That grim and dark feeling I must say I have never experienced such things before!

For 28 years, the Berlin Wall - the most potent symbol of the Cold War - divided not only the city but the world.
Twenty-five years after its fall, little remains of the barrier between East and West,
but those seeking to understand its impact needn't look far.

Learning the story of the wall has given me a thought of how valuable freedom is.

Nonetheless, I may not be German or have not been experienced any of the World War but by reading the posts and visiting the exhibitions inside the East Side Gallery, you will finally understand how valuable freedom and money is to East Germany in the past.

They crawl over the walls risking their own life just to cross the border to West Germany - people who get caught will be taken to prisons or somewhere no one knows...

East Side Gallery is a monument to freedom of expression -

Wall murals had previously been a highlight for visitors and a Berlin attraction for years but were only to be found on the western side of the Wall. The artists transformed the grey concrete rearticulating this into a lasting expression of freedom and reconciliation.

Standing next to the Letter 'M' - a priceless artwork in Berlin

Wearing black as this is a black history, a history that no one wants to be reemerged or be told again :)

East Side Gallery - 

Mühlenstraße, 

10243 Berlin, Germany

Kelsey xoxo <3 

HONG KONG - LAN KWAI FONG!!!

 Welcome to LAN KWAI FONG, before I start this article, I would like to introduce you a little history behind LKF.

Lan Kwai Fong as an area is defined by D'Aguilar Street and the smaller lane, Lan Kwai Fong, an L-shaped, cobble-stoned lane. Both streets turn 90 degrees to form a rectangle. It is near the Mid-Levels. Its eating and drinking establishments are considered upmarket in price and the area is also considered a tourist spot. From the west side of the rectangle, Wo On Lane and Wing Wah Lane extend to host several more spots for drinks and food. The area arguably extends to Wellington Street and Wyndham Street, through to the Hong Kong Fringe Club. It is also home to a small number of art galleries.



Clubbing and drinking is a must 'DO' in LAN KWAI FONG, even though it could get so crowded and dangerous at night but it was a good experience to see and experience the night life in HK.

Eating Godiva Ice-cream 

 @ Hard Rock with my Blue devil!

HONG KONG - Victoria Harbour

What a memorable trip after spending 2 weeks in Hong Kong, 
A city has been serenaded by the Victoria Harbour.

Every time I land in Hong Kong, mostly during winter, Hong Kong greets you with her warmest alongside with love...
I may even call this feeling 'HOME'.

 Taken by - Kelsey Wong

Full of remorse after I left this city, realizing there is nowhere in the world, not even London or Tokyo could replace such tremendous place even though you may have complained about the level of light pollutions.

VICTORIA HARBOUR - Looking from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central

- Number 1 ranking on Tripadvisor

Victoria Habour is a natural form harbour situated between the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, boats and ships sailing around inside an international city, showing the histories behind the Harbour.

Long famous for its spectacular views, the harbour is a major tourist attraction of Hong Kong. Lying in the middle of the territory's dense urban region, the harbour is the site of annual fireworks displays and its promenades are popular gathering places for tourists and residents.

Without the Victoria Harbour or being one of the British Colony's we wouldn't be as shine as we would have been now.

Those dots makes a star, therefore it is called 'Star Ferry' , this is also what makes this amazing 13 minutes journey so calm and enjoyable at the same time!

Seats inside the Star Ferry

 As a local - we do love taking ferries to travel because it hasn't got any traffic jams and could travel quick (If I had to go to Central from TST - MTR takes 2 station to get there!).

Blurry ferry sailing in the Victoria Harbour.

Thank you Hong Kong.

Kelsey xx

A place to introduce - Kowloon Walled City

The Kowloon Walled City was an amazing and extraordinary place for people to live in,  it was once the most densely populated place on earth. 
It is also known by the locals as '三不管地帶' - No mans land. - for more information :Info of the Walled City .
If you ask me how would I explain this place to you, I'll probably say It's like the Vatican City in Rome. where it is a small place but with it's own rules and things.
Basically a lawless area of Hong Kong and what it is today 20 years later(Now developed as a park in Kowloon City).



The Walled City contained 33,000 residents within its 2.6-hectare (6.4-acre) borders. From the 1950s to the 1970s, it was controlled by Triads and had high rates of prostitution, gambling, and drug use. 
The reason why I chose to introduce this place to the others out there because it is an extraordinary place, no one from outside the 'city' dare to go in there or live. Even my parents or grandparents hasn't been here before, because as the locals said : Once you get in here, you wouldn't have the chance to get out. Due to the high rates of criminality.
Dead bodies are everywhere due to there were drug dealers, Wall street journal once interviewed a former triad and he said : Rich people take 'red pills' or opium, people who are not rich but still could afford drugs take 'Heroin'. this also shows a juxtaposition in the city, you're rich then you can do whatever you want - even killing is permitted, but if you're poor then your destiny will be in charged by the rich. As simple as that.

However once there was a Japanese TV channel has visited this city before Hong Kong returns to China,  everyone in the city were incredibly amazed by the Japanese, because there was none of these people dare to get in there - but if you want to visit you'll have to pay someone to take you in there , but you don't need passports! (laughs!)


In Japan, there is a place called ' Kawasaki Warehouse', they developed a theme park based on the 'City'. all the little things from the city was recreated nearly 99% similar (apart from the language ).

Japan, 
〒210-0024
Kanagawa Prefecture, 
Kawasaki, Kawasaki Ward, Nisshincho, 3-7

-The address of 'Kawasaki Warehouse'.

People described here as a ''BEEHIVE'' or ''Maze''

Incredible claustrophobic footage from inside the Kowloon Walled City :

Photo taken in the 1970s.

Poverty and crimes were the matters in the Kowloon Walled City, therefore the refugees from China (China wasn't open to the others until 1989) took advantages to stay in Hong Kong by living inside and because ID's or certificates are not needed (Chinese doctors weren't allowed to open their own clinics before 1997), there were over a hundreds of dentists and doctors from China operating their clinics illegally.

Furthermore things were so cheap in there even wages, most of the traditional hong kong snacks or food were 90% made in inside the 'city'.

Including :

Hong Kong's most famous fish ball and Put chai Ko （A local traditional snack in Hong Kong) 

Fish ball.

Putchai KO. 

The city was also next to the former airport in Hong Kong - Kai Tak Airport. so the buildings are not allowed to build higher than the limit where the government has set (even though the former government of Hong Kong couldn't take care of this place).

Obviously, there are still some people listens to the law.

But in the 1997 Hong Kong has to be handover to China on the 1/7/1997, so everything has to be cleared out from the city because after the handover ceremony, the kowloon walled city belongs to China so they had to move people from the 'city' to outside. The government did pay them to find  new houses and start a new business.

1994 - The 'city' has been officially broken down into pieces, a year later in 1995, the former place of the 'city' has been developed as a park instead of buildings.

Kowloon Walled City Park -

If you visit Hong Kong, make sure you go to this amazing park, now it's full of histories and museums to introduce and explain the history behind the 'city'.\

Kelsey x

Proactive during exam period;

THIS IS SERIOUSLY;

Not gonna lie but I am those people who gets distracted so easily then I end up not revising and failing all my exams.

Which this is absolutely not a good thing so what I did was, I try to find a way to make myself proactive also making myself looking very studious and clever at the same time (You are only doing this to impress the teachers so they will stop calling you dumb or lazy)

1. Getting yourself colourful or beautful notebooks;

From my personal experience, this would absolutely help you from studying.

It is a motivation.

*But before you start doing this, ask your teacher for permission first

2. Different colour pens

Choose you favourite colour pens , start writing.

It is expensive to buy different colour pens (ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE PILOT).

But imagine after using those pens and writing notes on your notebook, it will look very colourful and cute :D

3. Buy a Tablet /Get some past exam paper on the web (OPTIONAL)

*I am not asking you to buy a tablet, also I am not showing off how rich I am*

A tablet is actually a small laptop (Mine;s a window 10 ) , so you can carry it out or in whenever you want.

*For school or college

Downloading past exam paper or revision not:)

4. FOOD

YEAH THIS IS MOTIVATION.

5. Get yourself some cute stationery

So you can stick cute sticky notes or highlight them (This is what I do).

Overall, You should be able to focus on studying - I hope so!

Kelsey xx

Japan 2015 Summer Festival!!!(Late post)

I have a feeling, a weird feeling which I wanted to go back to Japan.

Missing the passion and people there :)

 Drinking Hot chocolate in Charles de Gaulle airport :)

 With the Famalam in Japan!

Couldn't ask for more in Japan, Joyrich and everything was in there.

If I could go shopping everyday in Shibuya, I'd go.

SHIBUYA 109 IS WHERE I WOULD SUGGEST YOU TO GO.

After a long day in Kamakura, On the bullet train, on our way back to TOKYO STATION!!!

We were eating *ice*, yes it is ice. indeed it is.

The joy of buying food. 

I've only recently discovered these photos, I know it is a bit late but oh well! 

x

KELSEY

What will it be?

Progress of my Art Exam...

I have to think of a summary (outcome) for my 10 hours exam.

 I'm trying to stick and draw things on to create an illusion of 3D.  Making my own diary more interesting! :)

Me and The Cheki;s

I have chosen Tenerife for the 1st trip in my diary, so I will be traveling around the Europe then to Asia.
Then go back to Europe , do a 14 days trip in different countries.
The last trip I am planning to do is Hong Kong.

It's been a really really long day! and I am shattered because of doing so much work.
These books keeps me motivated because it inspires me to do work. (Basically).

\

After a long day, Let us just chill.

I was so happy because I had Art and Physics today, which it weren't that bad and I enjoyed all the lessons. so far apart from Spanish.


I bought Bubbleology on the way home because I thought it'd be good to praise myself doing work in lesson and behaving like a Year 11 girl nowadays.



Kelsey xx\

My Visual Art book - 5 years ago

More infos and photo; click the link down below:)

https://www.facebook.com/misskelseyyywonggg


Kelsey xx