So there was
* Durga Puja
* Walks in the city
* Hiking on Dragon's Back
* Se Jie (Lust, Caution)
* Michael Clayton ... and a few other films
* Time spent at LKF and Causeway Bay
* Interviews at Chungking Mansion
* Nepali Dusshehra celebrations
... among other things.
And all that went by without a word recorded. So I'll just post some pictures here, and we'll call it October.
Above: Durga Puja at Yau Ma Tei. A significant Indian festival leading up to Dusshehra and then Diwali. I was lucky to catch the last day of the week-long revelry (ahem, worship!) The statue/idol is not huge, but quite nice. And they covered all the details so that was nice. It was probably not the only Durga Puja in town, but it was the closest, so, camera in tow, I trudged over to the Community Center where a hall was reserved for the loud drums, chanting and bells that go with the event, and participated as fully as I could.
Below: This picture was taken in Mong Kok, but I've seen this guy before - in Tsim Sha Tsui, years ago. He hasn't changed a bit, nor has the poster. I have to admit I kinda admire him. Also I suspect he's gone a bit funny in the head. All day (for years) he stands on various sections of Nathan Road and shows his sign to people. No speakerphones, no handouts, no warnings ... just three lines and a whole lot of patience in the face of a flow of largely uninterested pedestrians looking for the next best deal.
Below: The third picture on a religious theme - Kowloon Mosque. A prominent structure on Tsim Sha Tsui section of Nathan Road, Kowloon Mosque is getting a facelift these days. So are a lot of things around it. I like this picture as it juxtaposes consumerism with tradition, Americanism with the East, Hong Kong identity with that of immigrants/outsiders. Anyone hungry for KFC?
Below: Clock Tower near Star Ferry pier, Tsim Sha Tsui - a landmark in Hong Kong. This night picture was taken from the 'Walk of Stars'. The light on the upper right side is actually a big LCD screen rolling out advertisements : ) ... it was kinda spoiling the view, but one has to appreciate the help with lighting!
Above: Face in the crowd... and with the light shining directly in her face. This is at an open-air restaurant in Mong Kok, close to the night market. Great seafood.Below: A large-format print of an ad featuring a couple taking a leisurely break in the grass, with music. And no one in Hong Kong even has time to look at them ... "um, yeah, we don't do that here".
