Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Catchy display in the foyer of the Heritage Museum.

For a missionary couples' activity we boarded the 170 bus and rode north about 20 minutes, through the tunnel under Victoria Harbor, to Sha Tin (pronounced Saa Teen), somewhat out in the country by Hong Kong standards (we heard birds singing, there were trees, no crowds, and it didn't stink). A magnificent building housing the Hong Kong Heritage Museum was our destination. In addition to an extensive display of traditional Chinese opera, and modern Chinese art, there were relief maps of what Sha Tin used to look like back when it was a mining village. We enjoyed the other couples and their opinions and insight of the displays. 

The Linfords, Pauls, Sackleys, Alleys, and Gibbs posed with us. 

The Other Part of our Missionary Lives

It's really fun to share our discoveries of Hong Kong with you, but lest this blog makes it appear that we go from one interesting place to another, we have to admit there's a lot of other stuff going on which doesn't make it on here! The reasons range from not being interesting enough to write about ("today I printed 52 tab dividers,") to being somewhat sensitive--though sharing how the Holy Ghost helps us would be uplifting--to the nature of the work the area presidency does and our need to respect their privacy. The best way to put it may be that this is the Lord's work and it moves forward with great effort on the part of many contributors, one of which will be highlighted soon. So now it's back to touristy photos! 

The Golden Dragon

Just a few blocks from Harmony Mansion is a 5-way intersection, and in the middle of this confluence stands a huge dragon statue, at least 30 feet tall. It's a landmark for us because we pass it on our way to the walking track at Happy Valley, and we see it as we get off the bus from Ho Man Tin. We have read at Geocaching.com that there's even a micro (tiny!) geocache hidden somewhere near, but we haven't taken the time to search for it, yet. The dragon is one of the most revered symbols of Hong Kong, with a long history of importance. When Craig served as a missionary here as a young man, because it was difficult for the Chinese to say "Norman," he was given the surname of "Long," meaning dragon, so it has special meaning to our family. 

The Ding-Ding

The first word of Chinese most of us learn is "ding-ding." That's right: the electric trolley cars are called that by locals and tourists alike, because their bells make a distinctive "ding-ding" sound as they approach (if you're standing too close to their railway, they have a loud horn that honks as well). These metal and wood double-decker trolleys have been operating on Hong Kong island since 1904. You can't get cheaper transportation: it costs HK$2 (US 26 cents) no matter how far you ride on it. Find out more about them by going to: DiscoverHongKong.com   

There are 163 cars in the ding-ding fleet!

The Newest Flying Normano!

It's hard to believe that our grandson Lucas Paul Norman is 9 months old now! Thanks to our great daughter-in-law Stephanie, we get to view through photos how he is growing and developing. He's even learning, with the help of Aunt Kelly, to be a Flying Normano!

The Wet Market

A couple of days ago a new missionary sister asked me why I thought the open market was called "wet"--and I replied that I thought it was because they hose the sidewalks down to wash the meat stand "drippings" into the drains. . . . Fortunately, in addition to the less-attractive meat and fish stalls (with fish still flopping and gasping, guaranteeing the freshness) there are inviting open-air shops with bounteous piles of every sort of fruit and vegetable, as well as flowers and houseplants. This market is a one-minute walk from our flat, making it convenient (I still prefer buying meat in styrofoam containers with plastic wrap at the grocery store, however). There are numerous street markets in Hong Kong, some of which have grown to sizable shopping destinations which offer clothing, jewelry, you-name-it; I like the one close to us for its earthy, down-home, local feel.

Scaffolding

Recall how there have been illustrations here about the juxtaposition of modern and primitive practices in Hong Kong? In a city which is home to some of the world's tallest buildings (International Commerce Center, Two International Finance Center, and the one across the street from the Church's Administration building, Central Plaza), the scaffolding is one of the most striking examples: BAMBOO is used! A fascinating exhibition is to watch men with zip-ties, constructing the scaffolding by building it as they go, climbing up tenuous 'ladders' with no protection from falling. Seeing dozens of stories of this scaffolding defies logic--it just looks too flimsy, but it obviously works! 

We're watching this building take shape from
our flat window!

Happy Birthday, Bryce!

Bryce with Craig and Gentry

What an honor to have Bryce as our son; he is making it possible for us to serve a mission by taking care of our house, cars, and Cricket the dog. He is an amazing person: his quick thinking, and quick wit, are legendary, as are his navigational abilities! He is highly valued at work. Taking college classes in addition to working full-time and caring for our house and dog, he is somehow able to juggle all of his responsibilities. We miss being able to celebrate his birthday, January 6th, in person, but send 
the warmest wishes
 for a wonderful year!

Showing Drew something
entertaining on his computer

31-derful Years

January 3, 2011, marks our 31st anniversary! This photo was taken with Tussy's daddy, L.Z. Hallmark, the day before our sealing in the Provo temple. Craig had recently turned 24 and Tussy was 21. How very blessed we have been to share our lives together and to continue our adventures in Hong Kong!

1/1/11

Happy New Year! We welcomed in 2011 up on the roof of Harmony Mansion (well, we didn't exactly wait all the way until midnight). We watched as dozens of buses dropped people off just a few blocks away, in Causeway Bay's Times Square--it is traditionally a place like New York City's area of the same name. Someone in the office told us that eager people begin lining up early New Year's Eve so that by the time we finished up for the day Friday (after once again speaking in sacrament meeting on the 6th floor) there was no way we could even get close to Times Square--which suited us just fine, as we celebrated the way we most enjoy, up on a roof.