For this week's Photo Hunt, tnchick decided that we could share any photo. Sounds simple enough, doesn't it? But when you've amassed quite the collection of photos like I get the feeling most of us have... And to make things more difficult for myself, I really have decided to stick to the singular and consequently share just one photo this week. Also for a change, I've gone this week with a photo taken in Penang -- where I was born and my parents still have their home -- rather than Hong Kong -- where I currently live and work.
The funny thing though is that when I look at this Penang photo now, I get to thinking of how Hong Kongers would look at what's in it. More specifically, I get the definite sense that they'd think, "how great it must be to live in a place -- high up on a hill -- with that view"! Whereas when I visited, that house from which I took this photo was vacant and it looked like it would be a fair while before it would attract any buyers -- because even while Penang Hill does have a few luxurious residences and well-to-do residents, living up it just doesn't have the attraction for many Penangites that living up on Victoria Peak has for many Hong Kongers...
One reason for this is that even while Penang Hill has its hill railway that can remind one of Victoria Peak's Peak Tram, the former's operating hours are shorter and its trains much less frequent and consequently packed than the latter's trams. Also, while there are public roads and buses connecting Hong Kong Island's highest peak to its more populated sea-level area, there are no such equivalent things on Penang island.
In short, lack of public transportation makes for an inconvenience that really can't be ignored in Penang. And as I've told many of my friends and family members many times, one of the reasons why I love Hong Kong so -- and over Malaysia, for all of it being my official homeland -- is that thanks to its plentiful public transportation (options), here I do often feel free to roam in ways that I just don't in many other less convenient -- as well as safe -- parts of the world...
So, to sum up: A room -- or even home -- with a view may seem great to some. But give me a place with convenient public transportation over it any time! ;b
The funny thing though is that when I look at this Penang photo now, I get to thinking of how Hong Kongers would look at what's in it. More specifically, I get the definite sense that they'd think, "how great it must be to live in a place -- high up on a hill -- with that view"! Whereas when I visited, that house from which I took this photo was vacant and it looked like it would be a fair while before it would attract any buyers -- because even while Penang Hill does have a few luxurious residences and well-to-do residents, living up it just doesn't have the attraction for many Penangites that living up on Victoria Peak has for many Hong Kongers...
One reason for this is that even while Penang Hill has its hill railway that can remind one of Victoria Peak's Peak Tram, the former's operating hours are shorter and its trains much less frequent and consequently packed than the latter's trams. Also, while there are public roads and buses connecting Hong Kong Island's highest peak to its more populated sea-level area, there are no such equivalent things on Penang island.
In short, lack of public transportation makes for an inconvenience that really can't be ignored in Penang. And as I've told many of my friends and family members many times, one of the reasons why I love Hong Kong so -- and over Malaysia, for all of it being my official homeland -- is that thanks to its plentiful public transportation (options), here I do often feel free to roam in ways that I just don't in many other less convenient -- as well as safe -- parts of the world...
So, to sum up: A room -- or even home -- with a view may seem great to some. But give me a place with convenient public transportation over it any time! ;b
27 comments:
Wow....this is like a dreamscape!!
For my photo hunt, my sweet cheeks and I are celebrating our 40 year wedding anniversary. Stop by for a piece of our wedding cake.
Happy weekend.
Beautiful photo! I love the way you've framed the view in the dark window.
We are very lucky here. We have reasonable views and easy access to facilities.
Lovely sight!
we live on a hill and 15 min away from the train, which is very nice to have :)
Happy hunting and happy weekend !
Beautiful view, and an excellent shot! Happy PH and have a great weekend!
OIC... You are from Penang...
Hope you have great weekend~
Hi Hootin' Anni --
Happy 40th anniversary and teehee re your calling your husband sweet cheeks! :)
Hi dragonstar --
Glad you appreciate the framing. Must admit that I like taking pictures where you can see the framing... and yes, you do sound lucky! :)
Hi Mar --
Wow, another lucky person (like dragonstar above) who doesn't have to choose between convenience and great views! :)
Hi Sue --
Thanks and happy Photo Hunt and weekend to you too! :)
Hi Sean --
Yep, I'm from Penang... as are you?
I don't rely on public transportation but I can certainly understand the sentiment you've shared in your post!
That's a lovely picture :)
Hope you have a good weekend.
Stop by and visit if you get time!
That's a beautiful photo! Such a lovely view out the window. But yes, having public transportation nearby is a very convenient thing!
That was an interesting essay! I love your photo, too.
Have a great weekend!
Wow, yes, great view - but I understand the difficulty of living up a hill with poor public transport.
It's still a lovely photo.
Nice entry here...Happy hunting!
Beautiful view... but, I hear you about transportation. I've always had my own car but I now live in a small city where you have to own one, or something, to get around.
oh wow - this is just incredible. Reminds me of the view I saw last night from a house... beautiful
Wow, but then who needs art work it is all done for you:)
A breathtaking view! The public transport must be quite something to be worth more than that view :)
I like the unique picture through the window frame. The frame itself stands out and looks stylish.
Hmm, we sure love convenience. I think the tram or cable car to Penang Hill dates back to the British colonial times. I like to hang around the Victoria Peak lookouts.
WEll it is a beautiful spot if a tad inconvenient to get to. Have a great weekend YTSL
I'll take the room with a view every time!
You know, I am still going to say it:
"how great it must be to live in a place -- high up on a hill -- with that view"!
Lovely perspective in any case, public transport issues notwithstanding.
Have a great weekend.
I can certainly understand your point of view, Ytsl! Thanks for visiting me! :D
That's a great photo! Have a good weekend. :)
Wow, I'd love that HUGE window and view!
Hi Deb --
Wonder whether I should have mentioned in the post that I LOATHE driving. (It stresses me out so!) Hence my preferring to rely on public transportation... ;S
Hi Dragonheart & Merlin --
Agree with everything you wrote! :)
Hi Jenny --
Thanks for reading as well as visiting and looking! :)
Hi Liz --
Yes, one can appreciate the view without wanting to live in that house! ;b
Hi Genny --
Thanks!
Hi JC --
Yeah, car needs do vary from place to place. The sad thing is that I've not needed to own and drive a car anywhere but my home country... :S
Hi Expat Traveler --
So... that house you went to last night had a nice view too?
Hi Marcia --
Good point!
Hi a. --
Know what you mean and yes, indeedy!
Hi JesieBlogJourney --
Yes, convenience is good, if not great! ;b
Hi jmb --
Yeah, which is why it's nice to visit (once) but less so to live! :)
Hi WillThink4Wine --
Seems like we're complete opposites then!
Hi SnoopytheGoon --
Teeheehee, thanks for making me laugh on this blog and your own! :)
Hi teach --
Thanks and you're welcome! :)
Hi Leslie --
Thanks and you too! :)
Hi TNchick --
Like I wrote above, was happy to visit but, view and all, still wouldn't want to live there! ;b
That is a terrific shot and I really enjoyed your thoughts on the house. It was very interesting reading about the public transportation being very important!
Hi Sammawow --
Thanks for taking the time to do some reading as part of your photo hunting! :)
Hi. Nice pic. Reminds me too of Penang hill when I use to go there and stay overnight..so cold. BUt as u say, its true, public transport is so important. BUt I think with the current situation back home, kinda glad we r out of it, huh. Btw, I am Ipoh born but now working in Bangkok. Feel free to visit my site..:)
Hi CY --
Nice to meet another Malaysian exile... even if "only" in cyberspace. Hope you like living and working in Bangkok. BTW, would like to visit your site but don't know how -- when I tried to access it via the link to your name, was told that I didn't have access to it! :S
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