At first glance, the three photos at the top of this week's entry for Sandi's and Gattina's Photo Hunts may not look like they have that much in common. But look closer and you'll notice the multiple appearances in all of them of what may well be my favorite household appliance -- especially during Hong Kong's hot and super humid summer months. Really.
If you haven't guessed by now, I'm referring to air conditioning units! But while there are very few Hong Kong households without at least one of them in their homes, I've really got to realizing while searching through my photo archive that they are in fact hidden from (obvious) view in quite a few residential buildings! That and my really not having that many photos of residential structures -- my own included.
Actually, what it amounts to is that I have greater difficulty dealing with those Photo Hunt themes that work on the assumption that people spend a lot of their waking hours in their homes -- because, in all honesty, I really don't. On a more general note: those folks who look in horror at photos of Hong Kong residences and liken them to rabbit hutches need to bear in mind that many Hong Kongers really often don't spend that much time in their homes!
One reason is that Hong Kongers look to have longer working hours than people living in other parts of the world. On a happier note, it's also that there is so much to do in public spaces here -- not least because, as I've long maintained, Hong Kong really is not a cultural desert in addition to also having a lot more country and, for that matter, urban and marine -- parks than many people realize!
Heck, there are plenty of things to do even when it rains -- and I don't just mean hiking in the rain either! In point of fact, some years back, I was inspired to blog about what to do in Hong Kong when it rains and that post proved so popular (to judge by the number of hits it (still) gets) that I subsequently wrote -- yes, really! -- another post with additional suggestions re what to do in Hong Kong when it rains! ;b
16 comments:
Really! My HK friends seldom stay in their beautiful houses. They work long hours and then they meet their friends for supper and drinks after work. Whenever I am in HK, they would treat me to dimsum early in the mornings. Where do they get their energy from!?
Loved your thoughts!
Loved the birds :) and I could use an A/C unit right now...
Hi EastCoastLife --
I have friends who I've known for years. I hang out regularly with them, have been to at least two of their weddings, etc. -- but I've yet to visit their homes... or they mine! That's really just the way it is in Hong Kong... Also, yes, I socialize a lot over meals here! :)
Hi magiceye --
Thanks!
Hi Mar --
Am glad someone noticed the birds in that third photo -- the real reason why I took that shot! ;b
Hi YTSL, wonderful photo collection. That first photo is awesome. Love the hanging laundry just like in Italy. :)
I found your post interesting about how Hong Kongers don't spend much time at home. I think we are the same here but I have to admit that on a rainy day I really enjoy being indoors with a nice cup of coffee and reading a book. But only if it's raining and cold outside. :)Otherwise, I'd rather be outdoors too.
Have a great weekend.
Good take on the themes and an interesting post. In some ways having a small apartment appeals to me. As I grow older the idea of getting rid of most of my stuff and moving into a small apartment without so many maintenance issues seems very attractive. The big problem I have is that I've lived in the same house for 30 years and the prospect of clearing out my attic and storage building as well as my house is so exhausting I'm not sure I ever will.
Hi Trekcapri --
One thing about the rain here: it often comes and goes quicker than, say, the rain in England or Philly which is more drizzly as well as lasts for days. That's a factor, I think, in making people more likely to go out in rainy weather -- that and the rainy season tending to be during the hotter months of the year too.
Hi Carver --
Wow, 30 years in the same house... The last apartment I lived in in Philadelphia I lived there for around 4 years, I think. And in total, the last stretch I lived in Philadelphia was around 7 years -- and I had problems enough already in terms of packing and otherwise getting ready to move!!!
Really!
Thanks for always playing with us ~Really :-)
I didn't see the aircos immediately and thought your favorite household appliance would be the washing lines, lol !
Same here I did not notice the AC too.
Thanks for dropping by. :)
Hi Sandi --
You're welcome. Really! ;)
Hi Gattina --
Never! I hate doing laundry so much!! ;b
Hi Aiyah Nona --
Teehee -- and welcome to my blog. Don't think I was Photo Hunting when you did so years ago... :)
Lots of air conditioners going in our neck of the woods. It's been 100 degrees F for the past week.
Good choice: air conditioners. We had a few July days where I was wishing I had one. Thankfully, things have cooled.
I liked the funny comment you made on my blog...about the figs. :-)
Hi Cathy Keisha --
Sounds like much of the Earth is experiencing hot weather this month!
Hi Janice --
Alas, I don't think things will cool down here until at least September... and glad you were amused by the comment I left on your blog. ;)
Sounds like a fun and happening city! I should have added A/C to mine too as we just came through a nasty heatwave.
Hi Sue --
I definitely think that Hong Kong is a very 'happening' place -- and yes, it can be fun too. :)
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