Hong Kong; Tai O

One of the things that really surprised me about Hong Kong was just how big it is. I had always thought it was a big city on an island. However it is that and much more. There are many islands that make up Hong Kong and there are also the New Territories. Actually when you land in Hong Kong you land on Lantau Island not Hong Kong. We were fortunate to stay at Lynda's place at Tung Chung also on Lantau. As is typical of us when we are staying in new places, Ruth and I went walkabout. First of all we found the bus that takes you to Tai O. This is a magical little fishing village,it was like stepping back in time, was fun to wander around with its narrow streets and friendly local. Fishing and fish products were on sale throughout. We enjoyed being away from the rush and bustle for a while.

The production of the fish fish products happen throughout the town. This factory was producing prawn paste concentrate. The liquid form was prepared in the drums. The street passed up through the middle of them.
There were also rows and rows of small baskets with the prawn paste drying. These were out in the sun using natural heat to dry them. The lady in this picture was using a trowel and turning the mixture over. She was working all of the baskets in the picture.
Much of Tai O is buitl over the water on stilts. It was a very clean village without the strong fishy smells of the Malaysian villages we have visited.
The main mode of transport to and from work for most of the village people appeared to be boat. Or if they were on land bicycle. It was a relaxing place to spend a few hours and to partake in a feast of seafood.
The fishing boat says it all. I am sure that it is not an easy life for these people but it was a fine place to explore.