Cooling mango desserts that are ideal to consume during the hot summer months

Doesn't this Taiwanese shaved ice dessert look awesome? ;b

 

And trust me when I say that this other icy 

mango flavored dessert is pretty awesome too! ;b 

 

Decades ago when I lived in Tanzania, I became acquainted with a season of the year in that East African country known as the Mango Rains.  Usually running from around late October to late December, this (relatively) short rainy season was so-called because, as local lore would have it, "the mangos need it" (i.e., the precipitation helps the fruit to ripen).  

The way I remember it, this was a time of the year when the pre-monsoon precipitation that came down from the skies would help cool things, including mangos that we'd leave outdoors to be rained upon and consequently naturally chilled to an ideal temperature to consume!  This was something that was very much welcomed; since not every abode that I lived it in Tanzania had a fridge in it, and even those that did were subject to regular electricity rationing (due to electricity being considered a luxury rather than a 'given' in what was then a far poorer country than it is now -- which is still not all that very rich!).

Perhaps because I've come to associate mangos with cool times, I find that I tend to crave them when it gets really hot in Hong Kong.  More specifically, I reckon that my icy mango drinks and desserts intake substantially increases in the summer.  So it's a good measure of how high the temperature has risen in recent days that I've gone and had mango desserts twice in the past three days!

Early on, I tended to make straight for mango dessert specialist Hui Lau Shan when it's gotten so hot that some days, I can't bear to eat anything hot for lunch or dinner, never mind at tea-time!  But in recent years, I've become more adventurous and discovered that many other local dessert places in Hong Kong have their own great mango(-flavored) concoctions!

For example, mango-flavored Taiwanese shaved ice dishes that look beautiful as well as really are refreshingly delicious can be found at Tin Hau Desserts and Yuen Long's iconic Kai Kee Dessert.  Then there was the cold dish consisting of mango ice cream, chunks of the fruit and lots of sago that I had at Noble Dessert Shop which effectively was the second course of a wonderful dinner I had in Cheung Sha Wan that had also included a wonderful bowl of uni tsukemen at the nearby Ebina Tsukemen!

When I think some more of those mango desserts, I get to reckoning that mangos are my favorite fruit for desserts to be made from -- if not my favorite fruits, period.  So it's really quite the pleasure to be in a part of the world once more where these nutritious "superfruits" are pretty readily available -- rather than be something exotic that aren't always to be found in your local supermarket, never mind dessert shop! ;b    

Multiple large and small critter spottings on a hike from The Peak down to Aberdeen!

An actual wild boar spotted at the tail end of today's hike!

 

Can you see the rather well camouflaged tropical swallowtail moth

hanging upside down on the tree trunk in the above photo? ;b

 

There are a few spiders in the picture but 

does that dessicated looking creature count as one? :O

Early on during my latest hike from Victoria Gap down to Aberdeen, I remarked to the friend I was with that I've found The Peak -- that part of Hong Kong associated with incredibly expensive homes and their super rich residents that's a major tourist destination -- to be home to a surprisingly interesting and diverse as well as rich amount of wildlife.  Some four or so hours and an unexpectedly large number of critter spottings later, both my friend and I were agreed that the sections of Pok Fu Lam and Aberdeen Country Parks we had traipsed through this afternoon look to be home to far more creatures big and small than we had hitherto realized! 

Perhaps it was a factor that this afternoon turned out to have lower visibility than I had thought would be the case and, consequently, we tended to focus on looking about the area immediately around us.  Ditto re today's high heat and humidity causing our walking pace to be slower than might otherwise be the case (as well as leading to our sweating so much that it looked like I, for one, had been gone for a bath in a stream with all my clothes on at some point during our outdoor excursion!).

 

In any event, the critter spotting began up on Victoria Gap, where a swarm of dragonflies buzzed about in the air near the entrance to Pok Fu Lam Country Park closest to The Peak Galleria.  Minutes later, when walking down along the steep -- and closed-to-traffic -- Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, I spotted the first of three butterfly species I hitherto had never seen before (something that's still very possible after some nine years of hiking in Hong Kong on since the Big Lychee's home to around 240 different butterfly species)!  

 

But even though we did catch sight of a large number of dragonflies and butterflies this afternoon, I got the distinct feeling that my friend will forever remember today's hike as "the big spiders and waterfalls hike" because we sure did come across a lot of arachnids and vertical water flows today.  All in all, it's entirely possible that we saw some 100 different spiders (many of them pretty large ones like those I saw on the southeastern Lamma hike that I will forever think of as the big spiders hike!) and passed by perhaps up to 10 different waterfalls, many of which would be mere trickles of water -- if that -- in drier times of the year.

For my part, this hike was really memorable for my spotting three types of critters for the very first time out in the wild along with those three previously mentioned species of butterflies. The first of these was a tiny bug which, like with a similar tiny critter I spotted atop a railing on the way to Sham Chung, I wouldn't have realized was a living creature until I saw it actually move!  The second was a Lyssa zampa (i.e., swallowtail moth) -- that my friend thought was bat-like and which I initially mistakenly assumed was a swallowtail butterfly (since I had not realized until I did some research post-hike that there actually were such distinct entities as swallowtail moths!).

 

But even though I had previously seen a representative of its species in a fenced enclosure at Kadoorie Farm, I must admit to getting the most excited at beholding not just one but two wild boar near the entrance of Aberdeen Country Park that lies closest to Aberdeen town!  Something else that I must admit to is my not having done the safe thing and steered clear of them.  Instead, I obeyed an urge to get closer to get some photographic evidence of my Hong Kong wild boar sighting and encounter!

 

In retrospect, that really was not the smartest thing to do in the situation.  But, well, the wild boar actually seemed smaller and way more placid than I had imagined that they would look and be.  And, actually, I give those wild animals a lot of credit for not freaking out at the sight and sound of humans, many of them excited and a few given to exclaiming more loudly when about large wild creatures than even I know should be the case!  Instead, they appeared content to root around for food within the country park -- rather than venture beyond, where not that far away lay lots of edible offerings laid out for the hungry ghosts thought to be roaming around at this time of the year!!      

Musings about our impact on the environment in the wake of a visit to Nam Sang Wai

The skyscrapers of Shenzhen are visible from 

the Hong Kong wetland area known as Nam Sang Wai

In contrast, trees are the tallest sights

to be found at Nam Sang Wai itself

This egret seemed intent on making itself appear taller

both by stretching its neck up and perching atop a tree ;b

Years before I set foot in Nam Sang Wai (and onto its river sampan), I was treated to images of this photogenic locale by local filmmakers such as Johnnie To and Wilson Yip.  And on the two previous occasions that I visited this part of the Big Lychee that lies close to the Hong Kong-Mainland Chinese border, I was much taken by its river red gum trees as well as the variety of critters (including a mongoose that darted too quickly across the path for me to snap a shot of) I caught sight of there. 

Consequently, I was pretty horrified to read a news report a few months back about massive tree cutting having taken place in that wetland area.  And for some time, I didn't want to return to Nam Sang Wai for fear of seeing terrible devastation in yet another part of Hong Kong which has been reclaimed by nature, only to be latterly threatened by "development".  But after curiosity finally got the better of me, I went with a friend to check things out this afternoon.

On the walk from Yuen Long MTR station to the section of the nearby river traversed by a sampan, I noticed that more buildings -- mainly residences but also one housing a new restaurant -- had come into being than the last time I visited, just a couple of years ago.  But after we got off the sampan on the other side of the river, things actually looked pretty much like I remembered -- with just one pretty basic eatery (serving such as tofu pudding and bottled drinks) in the area, and many trees still about the place.

Despite the temperature being in the hot 30s (degrees Celsius, not Fahrenheit!) out there this afternoon, there still were quite a few people out and about at Nam Sang Wai.  Not only were there leisure walkers and bicyclists around but also -- like was the case during previous visits -- wedding photographers and their clients, and also those who still prefer to fly model aircraft rather than the drones that a number of people now own and operate.  

In contrast, there seemed to not as many signs of non-human life at Nam Sang Wai today than when I previously had been there.  Yes, there were a few butterflies, bees and birds about.  But, if truth be told, I got to wondering and worrying whether the area's become more ecologically "dead" than would be ideal.  And while it doesn't help that many of the people out there today seemed to be on the noisy side while out enjoying themselves in the area, even more disturbing was the amount of trash (including plastic bottles and bits of styrofoam) I saw scattered about the place, and particularly close to and among the weeds at the edge of the often rather ugly -- and actually quite smelly -- brown water.   

This time last month, Hong Kong was hit by a veritable "garbage tsunami" which largely originated from Mainland China.  And last Saturday, after spending time doing beach clean-up at Lantau's Chi Ma Wan peninsula, the crew I was with walked over to Pui O and were shocked to see that the normally clean -- and popular -- beach there had even more rubbish strewn on it than the isolated beach at Chi Ma Wan where we have focused our clean-up efforts in recent months. 

As another news report today showed, Hong Kong's beaches still have a major garbage problem.  And I think what I saw at Nam Sang Wai confirmed that some locals -- not just people on the other side of the Hong Kong-Mainland Chinese border -- need to do better when it comes to better taking care of the environment in general and disposing of their rubbish in particular.  

Alternatively put: while it's fine and well that there looks to have been a growth in the appreciation of nature, particularly the great outdoors, in Hong Kong in recent years, it seems that there is not yet a strong enough realization and understanding of how much human actions can (negatively) impact the natural environment.  For if that were so, surely Hong Kong wouldn't generate so much waste as well as have so much of it ending up polluting our land, waters and air?!  

Critter spottings on a hike from Braemar Hill to the Tai Tam Reservoirs (Photo-essay)

Years ago, when I lived more or less on the other side of the globe, I viewed Herman Yau's From the Queen to the Chief Executive and learnt, among other things, about one of the most notorious homicides that took place in Hong Kong.  Since then -- morbid I know! -- I can't help thinking about the Braemar Hill murders whenever I venture into that often pretty quiet section of Tai Tam Country Park.  

Still, it's not as though I've shied away from hiking in that part of the Big Lychee.  After all, Tai Tam Country Park (especially if you include its Quarry Bay Extension) is my favorite of the country parks on Hong Kong Island; what with such as Siu Ma Shan, Mount Butler and the Tai Tam Reservoirs -- all of which I've been known to make a point to pass by or through over the course of a single hike -- being located within its boundaries.  Then there's the matter of this part of Hong Kong being a place where interesting critter spottings can be made most times of the year... ;) 

When starting a hike on Braemar Hill, one will find 

oneself in green space above the city even before 

officially stepping into Tai Tam Country Park :)

My countryside map shows a number of trails in the area of 

the wireless station near Siu Ma Shan Bridge but I'm still

not that sure that they're actually accessible to the public

 So, as I've done before on more than one occasion

when in this area, I made for Mount Butler instead 

 And, like on a previous occasion, I found the top of Mount Butler

to be a place which pretty butterflies appear to enjoy being on :b

On this hike, I found the water levels of the Tai Tam Reservoirs

to be a good deal lower than I'm used to seeing

Is it just me or does this actually pretty small butterfly 

look like it's got bee relatives? ;b

 I wonder what kind of butterfly this caterpillar turns into?

 Anyone know what kind of bug this is?

Where I go to drink alcohol in Penang :)

A lovely gin named after the Straits of Malacca!

An atmospheric bar located just a stone's throw away 

from that same body of water! ;b

After learning about my feasting on durian and other yummy fare on my recent Penang trip, various friends have told me they'd like to go with me on my next trip back to my home state.  But while he seems pretty sure that he'll enjoy whatever food he'll get to sample in what I honestly reckon is a veritable foodie paradise, my South African drinking buddy felt a need to ask me if there are any good watering holes in Penang.

I realize it can shock those folks who have come to know me in Hong Kong and the other parts of the world where I've lived besides Malaysia but: firstly, I actually don't spend that much time in bars -- or, for that matter, pubs -- when I'm in Penang; and secondly, don't tend to drink that much alcohol in Penang since I tend to like to eat when I drink, and prefer to non-alcoholic drinks when eating Malaysian food!  (Also, in the case of durian, there's a widely-held belief in Malaysia that a combination of durian and alcohol in your stomach may cause it to explode and/or you to die!)

For all this though, there actually is a bar in Penang that I like to go to -- because its bartenders are among the rare ones in Malaysia who know how to make good martinis and also because it's the kind of place where one's unlikely to encounter rowdy crowds.  Located in the historic E&O Hotel, Farquhar's Bar is named after an early 19th century British Lieutanant-Governor of what was then known as Prince of Wales' Island.  But in all honesty, I reckon that this atmospheric venue is far less "colonial" and hoity-toity than it may seem, and look at first glance!

Among other things, children are welcome into the bar along with mature females and males (though the legal drinking age in Malaysia is now 21).  Perhaps even more surprising is that the prices of the drinks at Farquhar's Bar aren't ones that will make you choke.  Indeed, back when I was still living in Penang, I discovered that the price of its pints of Tetley's were lower than at the Soho Free House nearby on Penang Road which looks more "pubby" and -- consequently, for a lot of people -- less "intimidating".

On my recent visits to Farquhar's Bar, I also noticed that it looks to have improved as well as broadened its range of alcoholic offerings.  To be sure, it may not (yet) stock the rare Tanqueray Malacca Gin which I love for the taste as well as name.  But they do have such as the very palatable Hendrick's Gin -- which I proceeded to enjoy as an ingredient in martinis (which the Farquhar's Bar folks tend to make in a more "old school" style that favors enough vermouth in the drink to make it slightly yellow) as well as gin & tonics! ;b

Cold War 2 is cinematically ambitious but plays safe politically (film review)

Blockbuster movie advertising, Hong Kong style!

Cold War 2 (Hong Kong-Mainland China, 2016)
- Sunny Luk and Longman Leung, co-directors (and co-scriptwriters along with Jack Ng)
- Starring: Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Chow Yun Fat, Chang Kuo Chu, Eddie Peng

Back in 2012, long-time assistant director Sunny Luk and scriptwriter-turned-helmer Longman Leung made history when the first film they directed (singly as well as together), a star-studded blockbuster crime drama, went on to become that year's highest grossing local film at the Hong Kong box office year.  Cold War also went on to win nine Hong Kong Film Awards (including for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Tony Leung Ka-fai) and Best Screenplay) and you knew it'd be just a matter of time before a sequel was made.

Rather surprisingly, however, it wasn't until four years later that Cold War 2 appeared on Hong Kong cinema screens.  In between these two films, Sunny Luk and Longman Leung also made Helios, another star-studded blockbuster crime drama which saw that which has been regularly touted as "Asia's safest city" (not just "Asia's world city") come under major threat.  And I have to admit that I found myself mixing up some of what went on in this 2015 film with the 2012 movie; with the result that it took me a while to recall and connect the pertinent details in the first Cold War with what takes place early on in Cold War 2, whose proceedings are supposed to follow not long after the final moments of the 2012 film.

Like with the earlier box office mega hit, this follow-up film has two senior police officers struggling for power and control over professional affairs that spill into the realm of the personal.  Early on in Cold War 2, police commissioner Sean Lau (Aaron Kwok) has his wife kidnapped by people who want him to set free the convicted renegade son (Eddie Peng) of Lau's (erstwhile) professional rival, M.B. Lee (Tony Leung Ka Fai, who's just been getting better and better over the years).  

After an emotionally compromised Lau botches up the ensuing police operation, the officially retired M.B. Lee is approached by former police commissioner Peter Choi (Chang Kuo Chu) -- who's part of a cabal of powerful plotters, including government officials and lawmakers -- to consider returning to active duty and taking over as police chief.  For his part, Lau smells a rat (or more) at work in the upper echelons of the police force once more -- and determines to hunt down the miscreant(s) even while facing a major battle to save his professional status and reputation.

Given what appears to be a considerably larger budget than for their first feature film, Sunny Luk and Longman Leung pull out the stops in both the sight and sound departments.  It's not just that there are plenty of spectacular action set pieces in this very good-looking movie but there also being lots of expensive looking clothing sported in it by males and females alike, and a musical score that seems to never let up on the eternally swelling bombast.

Almost needless to say, the directorial duo additionally ambitiously up the ante in terms of Cold War 2 having a considerably larger cast along with more complex and convoluted plot than even its already pretty blockbusterish predecessor.  Unfortunately, however, as many a Hong Kong filmmakers doesn't seem to have learnt, big really isn't necessarily better.  And in the case of this particular production, what often results is screen appearances by a number of star names that, at best, are the cinematic equivalent of window dressing (including that of the criminally under-utilized Charlie Yeung) or worse, come across as parodically showy but ultimately inconsequential grandstanding (I'm looking at you, Chow Yun Fat). 

Even more problematic for me is that Cold War 2 presupposes that the reputation of the Hong Kong Police Force remains as exalted in 2016 as it was four years ago.  Put another way: as much as the first Cold War gained from its makers' decision to mix in commentary on Hong Kong's socio-political state of affairs 15 years after the 1997 Handover, this new film suffers from the same folks electing to act like the Umbrella Movement didn't take place and/or had little effect on the lowered perceptions of the local police force in its aftermath.

Last but not least, it seems laughable to me given developments in recent years that political intrigues and shennanigans in Hong Kong could be portrayed as being entirely minus the involvement of powerful individuals residing on the other side of the Hong Kong-Mainland China border.  But perhaps local viewers prefer flashy escapist fantasy to dark fiction that cleaves to reality.  Otherwise, how does one account for Cold War 2 having become the highest grossing Chinese language film of all time in Hong Kong?!

My rating for the film: 6.0

On foot from The Peak down to Wan Chai (Photo-essay)

How does one get from The Peak down to Wan Chai?  Most people would opt to do by road on a bus or taxi.  But if you like to get some exercise in along the way, there is the option to hike down via a number of routes, including the circuitous one that a friend and I took us through Pok Fu Lam Country Park and Aberdeen Country Park to Wan Chai Gap before going straight down to Wan Chai via the ultra steep Wan Chai Gap Road.

After I got back home later that day, I found that my pedometer had recorded my having taken over 20,000 steps!  Also pleasing to me was that along with the workout, I had managed to see some cool and/or interesting sights along the hike; and this even though the afternoon was far from being as high visibility as other ones spent out hiking in Hong Kong have been...

Pok Fu Lam Country Park has an entrance 

on Victoria Gap, close to the Peak Galleria

 

What this means is that just meters away from 

the touristy shopping mall can be found beautiful 

wild flowers and other wonders of nature!

 

Look closely about you when out hiking in Hong Kong and you're 

likely to spot critters like this butterfly/moth around too! 

 

Pok Fu Lam is home to a riding school but 

I have to say that I've yet to see anyone riding 

a horse on a country path in Hong Kong!

 

Our destination that afternoon wasn't Aberdeen but we did

get to within sight of that southern Hong Kong Island town

 

It never ceases to amuse me how stick insects don't seem

to realize that they're pretty easy to spot when strolling along

-- or just plain hanging (out) on -- a metal railing ;b

 

Something else I've definitely noticed is how caterpillars

seem partial to using railings as their version of highways! ;) 

 

Hike's end close to the Old Wan Chai Post Office building 

which now is home to an environmental resource center :)