Around the world with Irina: The City by Night - HK - 28.12.2008

......Welcome to Chapter 2 of this story. Hong Kong by night. In fact, this is the most important one. Because during the day it looks just like any other city. But during the night it's so colorful, full of life, bright.
......To attract more tourists the Administration had a very good idea. In Kowloon there is a promenade. People go there to walk and to admire the buildings nicely lit up on the other side of the Harbor, on Hong Kong Island. So, they thought "what about creating a show?". And nowadays everybody can admire the "Symphony of Lights" every night at 8pm. A show of music and lights which lasts for about 15 minutes.
......The best viewing locations of this nightly spectacle are along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront between the Avenue of Stars and the Kong Kong Cultural Centre. The show begins with the introduction of the buildings, both in Hong Kong and Kowloon, such as Bank of China Tower, the IFC Tower, Central Plaza, AIG Tower, Bank of America Tower, Hong Kong City Hall and so on.

......Bruce Lee's statue on Avenue of Stars
......To pay tribute to outstanding professionals of Hong Kong's film industry, to promote tourism industry, and to consolidate Hong Kong's position as Asia's World City, the Avenue of Stars which is located at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade was given a glittering official opening on 27 April 2004. It was opened to the public and visitors from all over the world from 28 April 2004 onwards.
......A cruise ship crossing the Harbor
......Christmas wish on a building on HK Island
......The Intercontinental and Peninsula Hotel on the Promenade. Peninsula Hotel, 5 star deluxe, besides the fact that has a beautiful architecture, has a long story that goes back to 1920s.

......Yes, that's me. The only picture. So don't look for others.

......The Symphony of Lights Show (http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/)comprises five major themes, taking spectators on a unique journey celebrating the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong:
......The first scene "Awakening" begins with flashes of laser lights that give life to a nucleus of light-energy which gradually illuminates participating buildings using an array of dancing lights and rainbow colour. This scene symbolizes the genesis and powerful growth of Hong Kong.
......The second scene "Energy" is represented by the display of rising colour patterns and the sweeping of the lasers and searchlights energetically across the night sky, signifying the vibrant energy of Hong Kong.
......In the third scene "Heritage", traditional lucky red and gold colours are displayed across buildings on both sides of the Harbour, complemented by the introduction of music using Chinese musical instruments, symbolizing Hong Kong's colourful heritage and rich cultural traditions.
......The fourth scene "Partnership" features a display of laser beams and sweeping searchlights scanning across the Harbour, representing an illuminated connection with the opposite side. Beams reach out to symbolically connect the two sides of the Harbour into one greater and unified partnership.
......The finale "Celebration" brings out a powerful rhythmic display of swirling, kaleidoscopic patterns of lights and beams dancing lively across the Harbour. The exciting final scene signifies the celebration of the close partnership between the two sides of the Harbour and represents an even brighter future for Asia's world city - Hong Kong.

..... Avenue of Stars, Kowloon

...... Huge ad in Kowloon, on Nathan Road

......The city changes completely during the night. The stores are opened till late in the evening, all the tourists start looking for bargains. There are so many ads, one above other, as you can see below.

......Nice display at the Tissot Store, on Nathan Road

......Bilboard advertising Australia, the movie.

......No comment. Just George.

...... IFC Tower

......All the buildings below are located on Hong Kong Island. I got there the second day of my visit. It was about 9pm but still a lot of people on the streets.

...... Bank of China Tower

...... The Central Square

...... IFC Tower and the huge Christmas Tree on Central Square

......After visiting the Island I got up to Victoria Peak, as the guide suggested when we where there during the day. The only problem .. it was raining. But I was very close to the Peak Tram. I didn't know if I can get there again so I bought the return ticket. It's almost impossible to go up there by foot. It takes so much time and it's pretty steep. The ride by tram was short (less than 10 minutes).. but at an agle of 45 degrees.

......It was a heavy rain but to my surprise the pictres turned out pretty well.

...... The Peak Tram

......The pictures that follow were taken before and after New Year's Eve. The people there don't make to much fuss about this celebration. I think it's strictly a Romanian thing to party till morning. Here there was a huge number of people coming to the harbor, in Kowloon, Hong Kong and on boats.

......The fireworks from the buildings were spectacolar. 15 mintues of show.

.....The pictures are taken from a restaurant-boat. It was a sort of party-dinner-cruise that was far more interesting than just staying on the promenade. International buffet, a lady that was trying to sing... After dinner we (10 people from my group were there) decided we want to dance. So we went to the dance floor. The singer was happy. I guess then she felt like she was actually listened to. The Chinese people on board had only one purpose. To eat. Following our example some Italians came on the dance floor. We had fun for abou 40 minutes. At 1 am the ship returned to the harbor.