Apr 30: A Pair of Chinese Opera Birds
A field report from L-G, newly self-appointed Ornithological Correspondent for the Lamma Birdlovers Society (Lamma-BS):
"This world-exclusive photo
of a most unusual pair of birds (see photo Illustration #1, right) -
imaged on Lamma yesterday, Apr 29, 2005 - has been submitted anonymously to
our esteemed society today, Apr 30, 2005. It shows a bird species rarely
ever observed or photographed in its natural habitat. Their diminutive size
of typically less than 2.5 inches in height might be a main reason for the
serious scarcity of observational data.
This
exotic-looking bird seems to be beloved by local children and bird fanciers
alike, even though their song has never been heard or recorded. They're
rumoured to be song-less, or they could be restricting their singing solely
for their secretive, still undocumented mating ritual. But this is at best
pure, unscientific speculation at this early stage of research and we can't
indulge in this here at all. Let's now look at their behavioural
characteristics:
Surprisingly
not shy at all, these birds seem to like the often disharmonic and
high-pitched sounds of a typical Chinese opera orchestra, congregating in
little flocks close to the football pitch in YSW right now. They seem
attracted by the availability of many local foods in the little carnival
outside the bamboo arena (see photo illustrations #2, #3). They can
only be observed at dusk and at night, but only during the amazing 5-day Tin
Hau festival opera performances here every year:
April 29 - May 3, 2005, 8pm.
Afterwards,
they migrate to other parts of the Hong Kong area. It's been speculated that
they follow the opera troupe around, but this hasn't been empirically
confirmed yet. But there seem to be quite a few superficial similarities to
the enthusiastic, starry-eyed, giggly flock of Chinese opera groupies - all
young local Chinese girls - who follow their idols from performance to
performance (photo illustration #4). But these possible correlations
can't be proven yet, so please ignore these somewhat flippant & unscientific
remarks.
Hearing the Chinese opera singers
(photo illustration #5, #6), especially the serenely lovely voices of
the female roles, seems to calm & cheer these lucky birds. Lulled by all the
beautiful singing, they get so tame that they allow themselves to be touched
by locals, off-islanders & even tourists! Very 
surprisingly
& strangely, these birds feel very sticky & soft to the touch. They've also
been known to be highly averse to water, even staying out of the rain
wherever possible. It's even believed that splashing in a bird bath might do
them serious harm, even though this hasn't been experimentally tested yet,
for fear of harming these precious & rare creatures.
They
like to perch on little wooden branches in a most unusual manner, the branch
almost seeming to penetrate their back orifice, but this might be an optical
illusion and should be disregarded.
The birds also appear to be flightless, as nobody has ever observed them airborne. Each bird seems to possess uniquely different colouring, even though red, green & yellow are the dominant plumage colours (photo illustration #7: opera acrobat trying to imitate these birds).
Because of their frequent geographical proximity to Chinese opera performances, this species has been colloquially dubbed "Chinese Opera Bird", The proper Latin name, subgenus & nomenclature hasn't been officially attributed yet."
Any additional information and observations
from the readers are highly encouraged, even non-academic ones! Help to
describe this ornithological treasure better, one more precious & most
welcome addition to the amazing wealth of bio-diversity on our fair isle!
Apr 29: 'The Legend of the White Hare'
From a HK travel guide (title unknown):
"Lamma Island hosts annual five-day operas in
celebration of the goddess Tin Hau. Elaborate bamboo arenas are constructed,
and illuminate by impressive lighting effects, with the villagers attending
nightly amid an atmosphere of carnival and fun."
The first opera by the Hing Fung Ming Opera Troupe is opening at 7:45pm tonight in the YSW football pitch: the ever-popular "The Legend of the White Hare". It's a regular festival opener, an epic family drama over three generations, kind of a very emotional soap opera, featuring a precious sword, a heavenly book and a poor "boy whose navel cord was bitten off". Click on the cover on the right to see the entire colourful brochure.
Giving you a good idea of the shows, here's my photo gallery
of last year's Chinese operas, including a behind-the scenes look:
Tin Hau Festival 2004 - Chinese Opera
Coming Soon: Interview & photo shoot with the famous hero & heroine of all the shows: Lam Kam Tong (Tong-Gor) & Mui Suet See (Ah-Dair), two of the most popular and enduring stars of the Chinese opera scene in HK. They've even got a devoted fan club of young local girls following their performances around HK!
Their own most impressive websites (click on their names above) are highly recommended viewing as well, even containing forums similar to the ones here on Lamma.com.hk. Check out the operas! Watching from the sidelines is free!
Apr 28: Dancing Around the May Pole
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Bluelotus - May Day celebrations - Sun, May 1, 3:45pm-late, Power Station Beach. More info: Tel 2982 6123, email. |
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Please come, bring friends and family, join in the fun, relax on the beach, eat in the village (only 10-15 minutes walk from the beach), enjoy a different kind of day out! Where: Power Station Beach, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island. Keep walking out of the village, following signs to Hung Shing Yeh (the main beach, further on from Power Station Beach) and Sok Kwu Wan (a 40-minute walk to the other side of the island). After the tennis courts, you will cross a large path, keep going straight, then a small bridge, then take the right-hand fork at the Dou Fu stand along the nullah. This brings you to Power Station Beach. When: The plan is for the May Pole to be brought through the village at about 3.45 pm from where it will have been dressed and bedecked earlier. To arrive at the beach about 4.15ish. Then we need to dig a hole and erect the pole. Dancing around the pole will start at approximately 5pm. What we need: Open-hearted people to come along and enjoy the spirit of Beltane and Spring energies!
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Apr 27: 'The Only Day Out'
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Mr C Ashman - frequent Lamma visitor, doing his tourism-promo thing: |
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The
Strong Contender for the only day out It's just a straight ride from the Central Outlying Islands ferry piers, over the clear blue waters, onto Lamma's landing pier.
After that, it's up to you. I always walk right across the top and end up at the other ferry pier in Sok Kwu Wan, where it's just as easy to catch a boat back to Hong Kong Island. The Tin Hau temple there is great - currently being rebuilt - and you can walk around the bay finding many places of interest. If you can wait for the sun to go down and take a leisurely boat back, this can be the only day out you need to take - especially good if you're on one of your flying visits to Hong Kong.
©
Copyright Mr C Ashman, London |
Immediately, you are met with a row of interesting
restaurants and shops. Go past them, if you like, and head into the
countryside, up onto the all-surveying hills of Lamma-Doh. The vistas
from the little pavilion amaze you, all across the bay.
Apr 26: 'Dreams,
Images & Reflections'
Dreams, Images & Reflections: May 14-16, GreenHouse, Luk Chau, Lamma:
A 3-Day Workshop with David O’ Rose and Deirdre Butler: Cost & Registration $3,700/person, includes light lunch, coffee/teas, transport to/from Aberdeen each day: Tel 2982 6936, email.
"Please join David and Deirdre for a long weekend at Lamma Island, a place of retreat and renewal. Dreams provide access into the unconscious areas of life. They give specific and appropriately timed messages which can assist us with problem-solving, psychological development and spiritual deepening. Image making, artwork, is also a way of knowing the life of the soul.
The art process carries us free of conscious thinking and judging. This workshop will focus on the interpretation of dream images from a psycho-spiritual perspective. Making images will help deepen the process of reflection."
Apr
25: BBQ with Sarah & Skippy - Lamma Newbies
A local couple has been showing up on the Lamma.com.hk forums, just a few weeks before getting married and moving to Lamma end of last December. Sarah was such a cute and giggly presence in her messages that many cynical long-time forum members believed her to be an impostor, maybe a guy pretending to be a young Chinese girl writing in Chinglish. And then there was this famous drawing (see right)...
I defended them, believing them to be genuine.
Finally, months later, we finally all got together at their new home in the
valley and they invited their school friends from town as well. They joined
us on one of those popular "BBQ on Lamma" Sunday trips, when the fashionable
city dwellers like to visit us "drop-outs" out here on "Hippie Island", part
of HK's countryside full of "green stuff" and mozzies. All of this is often
perceived as kind of an exotic zoo by many 
visitors... "Woaah, look at all the long-haired, unkempt
foreigners!" you can see them whispering to their friends when strolling
through the village on Sundays, marveling about "hippie laundry day" at
Diesel's...
Well, it was a fun & tasty BBQ in great company, probably my only
party ever where I was the most senior Lammaite - after only 3+ years living
here - answering loads of touristy Lamma questions, and promoting this blog
to the tourists, of course... Thanks, Sarah & Skippy & friends!
Apr 24: Karaoke with Lammadonna & Friends
Did
you know that the local Chinese movers & shakers and their
spouses are getting together regularly for dinner & Karaoke in an each time
different local restaurant? For some friendly reason Lammadonna invited me &
Lamma-Por last Tuesday to a party in Ah-Hay's Lung Wah restaurant. About 30
of her "closest friends" joined in, mostly local business people, shop
owners, 
property agents, politicians and local "celebrities"
from the Chow, Chan and other influential clans. After a surprisingly
fabulous 8-course banquet and a few beers, people let their hair down,
indulging in Karaoke and even dancing, having a fun and sometimes raucous
good time! Beware of Jackson in party mood!
As
the only Gwailo at the event (the only one in a long time, I think), they
made me say a few words and wanted their pictures taken for this Lamma-zine
Blog, especially the not-publicity-shy ones, like Jackson, Lammadonna and
Lamma's very own next Cantopop star... See my photos, but I can't show some
of the too candid, non-flattering shots. I wouldn't want to 
upset any of these powerful, local movers & shakers,
hehehe.
It was a fascinating and really interesting insider experience, showing me a very different, friendly, cheerful, helping-each-other side of local village life that Gwailos rarely ever have the opportunity to experience.
Thank you, Ms Yu! I'm eagerly looking forward to the next party, not even
afraid of their dire threat 
that they'll
make me sing next time...
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Apr 23: 'Chinese Forum Moderator Spiel'
The "Discussions in
Chinese" forum of Lamma.com.hk has become very popular in recent
weeks, often generating more messages than all the English forums together.
This is great and definitely most welcome! As the sole remaining site
administrator & webmaster, I felt it necessary to appoint a forum moderator.
A longtime, very active forum member (529 messages posted!), Samson has
agreed to take on this honourary role, active today!
Welcome, mighty & sometimes naughty Samson the Tai-Penguin! I've asked him to write his own bilingual announcement in his own typical, inimitable style. The "Avatars" below belong to members who are active in Samson's forum, they all know how to read and even type in Chinese, a most difficult skill.
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P.S. Okay Gung, I’ve written my spiel now. Give me those magic buttons NOW! Arrrgh! |
We still need more moderators! Looking for virtual superpowers to abuse, a place to shape in your own image where you can be the undisputed head honcho? Well, then being a moderator isn't really for you! Do you have a friendly, helpful personality, a thick skin, like answering questions - especially from Lamma newbies - and don't mind a bit of online community service for your fellow islanders? Then becoming a moderator in our free, free-speech, non-commercial, open-to-all forums might appeal to you! Contact me right away!
It's usually a very small commitment and you can put in as little or as much work as you like. As a minimum, you'd check in occasionally, read the messages in your forum, and occasionally step in and answer an enquiry or even start a new discussion topic yourself. There are several currently unmoderated forums still available, or you can always become a co-moderator of any forum to try on the role first. Have a look at the forums and if you can't find a suitable one, suggest a new one and I can set it up for you! No qualifications needed, besides a passion for Lamma and a bit of knowledge and experience in your chosen forum topic.
Benefits - besides a warm, fuzzy feeling, my eternal gratitude and occasional troll bites - include occasional free dinners with your fellow moderators, paid for by myself. Currently, there are ten of us, all current or former Lammaites, all unpaid volunteers: Alan, Samson, Granola Eater, zep, Guy Miller, k@, La Miglione, e, bbchris and myself. Most of us are pretty active in our forums and try to make them friendly and interesting for members interested in the forum topics.
Apr
22: Free Web Pages & Web Addresses!
Attention, house ad! To skip this ad,
click here!
Special offer for new Lamma-zine advertisers!
In addition to getting free design and a photo shoot for their banner ad, they'll also receive a free web page, set up and linked from their banner ad, including a web address, for example something like www.Lamma.com.hk/emilys; for at least a 3-month commitment (plus 1 month free). Up to 50% discount for long-term commitments (1 year)!
You'll earn a full third of the total ad income (in cash!) for simply introducing any new advertiser to me. I'll do all the rest. Want to make some quick money? Have got a friend or acquaintance on or off Lamma who *might* be interested in promoting their products or services in the ONLY "media" on Lamma Island, the largest local website with more than 1 million hits/month, 2,000+ weekly blog readers and 2,000+ Lamma-zine subscribers?
Almost anything (except tobacco and a few other
controversial products) is welcome to be advertised: sales, flats, food,
facials, massage, classes, services, bars, brands, shops, even weddings &
birthdays. Barter is acceptable in some cases. Charities and "worthy causes"
can get free ads, of course. Sponsorships range from $50/line classifieds,
$100/month for personal good-will sponsors (YOU?), up to
$1,000/month ads banners at the top of this home page and $2,000 to
brand an entire Lamma-zine issue as a title sponsor. Help this site to
survive, as, frankly, it desperately depends on the still very small ad
income and my own support.
Here's the
Lamma-zine ad flyer, being printed & distributed along Main & Back
Street, the ferry pier and local bars & 
restaurants
occasionally, to locals & tourists alike. Plus the detailed
ad rate card, of course. A
complete "media kit" for potential new advertisers is available. Try
it, there's nothing to lose, just a quick buck to be made! The best and
highest-impact ads are at the top of this home page, of course!
Email me for details.
Here are a few ad examples & free web pages, mostly designed by myself, including the photos. Click on the ad banners for the free linked web pages I set up.
Apr 21: 'Name the Bikini Shop' Contest
Jackster will be opening a "bikinis & other stuff" shop beginning of May in YSW. She needs a suitable and fun name for it! So she asked to run a little contest together with this blog, with some nice prizes for the best shop names! You can win:
1st
prize: Brazilian bikini; 2nd: Brazilian flipflops; 3rd:
suede handbag from Peru;
10 consolation prizes of finger-woven, hand-knitted finger puppets from
Peru.
The shop will sell bikinis from Brazil, meaning really quality & nice & sexy ones (see photos). Plus swim shorts & Hawaiian shirts for guys, sandals, Havainas flipflops, leather stuff from Peru & South America, photo exhibition, crystals, jewelry, etc.
Contest
deadline: April 30.
The "opening piss-up" and nomination of the winners will be announced end of
this month in this blog.
10 entries/person only, no very offensive names, please.
Jackster will be the sole judge of the contest, her decision will be final
and it's optional for her to actually use one of the winning names for her
new shop. Got it?
Submit your names via this forum:
Lamma waits for its first Bikini Shop!Names submitted so far in the forum, listed alphabetically by participant:
Alan:
Brazil Bikini,
Brazil Beachwear.
Birdface: Soutien-Gorgeous,
We've got you covered (just).
chuckm: Cover Your Butt, Ye Olde Over-The-Shoulder Boulder Holder
Shoppe, Splash'n'Fashion.
daffyd: Lamborkini, LammBikini.
Ed Banger: The Brazilian Landing Strip, Trimmed Minges,
Cameltoes'r'us.
Goat Maison: Jax Beach Shack, Calmer Lamma Banana, Kiss My Bum...
Nun, TITS R US, Jack Flash, Jumping Jack Flash, Lamma Rama, LarmaRarma.
Granola Eater: You Wish, Dream On, Get Real (inspired by the photo on
the right).
Hapifiou: Jax Corner.
headroom: aloha republic, ball of confusion, extra !! please !,
tricky pony, touch me u fool, bra bra ma ma i love u, sell bra for food.
Ingmar: Ipanema's Dreamers, Tanlines,
Fanny Hammocks, Lambikini.
Lamma-Por: 36-24-36.
Lam Ma Ma's friends: Lamma Jack, Llamma Jack, Lamma Jax, Jackflash,
Jax, Llamma, Drop by, The Island Bra.
pommeyanyan: Ooh La Lamma!.
Sickboy_Luigi: Kecks on the Beach.
soundbydesign2: Bumps on Babes,
BootyFull, UnderCover.
volley: Bra'z & Bottoms.
zep: Stuffing not included.
plus our most prolific-by-far, fertile-imagination,
hyper-ultra-over-the-top name generator:
Guy Miller:
Sun Sea Sand & Sex, Dare to Wear, Who Dares Swims, The
Lamma Triangle, Bare Wear, Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny, The Bikini Line, Tease to
Please, Flash n' Splash, Lamma Splashion
Studio.
For your inspiration, above are photos of the bikinis & other products that will be available in the shop, all submitted by Jackster. Plus a "Studs of Lamma" photo (by bbChris).
Apr 20: Looking for Computer Classes?
To attract more content contributions to this blog, I frequently offer small return favours. Sleiman contributed the enthusiastic life cafe anniversary review below and took me up on my offer! He writes:
"I am teaching evening computer classes since a few months back. It started with the Island School Evening Institute, but now I run them on my own since the Evening Institute has closed after 24 years of service. You may have seen my ads on the wall. Can you put up an ad about my courses on the Lamma e-magazine?"
Yes, can do! Here it is, a favour for a friend who's a very experienced teacher:
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COMPUTER CLASSES
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Apr 19: 'I'm a Total Life Addict & Dedicated Groupie'
Life Organic Health Cafe
has just celebrated its first anniversary yesterday, opening its doors on
April 19, 2004. My little contest on April 9
didn't receive any entries, despite the prizes of a free dinner and $200
food vouchers. 
So I
invited "FairyWitch of Shadows" to come along - her first time in life - and
she wrote a fantastic review today (see below).
There were so many current and former Lammaites at this happy celebration party, I've asked some of them for feedback and got several great & entertaining comments. So, no need for me this time to add any of my own lame comments, besides "Happy Birthday, life cafe!" Let life's customers speak for themselves, freely & honestly:
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Sleiman - www.LighthouseResources.net: From attending Life's first anniversary I can tell you that Life
is joyful, playful and… sexy! Healthy food seems to be in fashion and to
go hand in hand with gorgeousness.
Here's a toast to Life, for the good energy pouring in the place from Bobsy, Marian and the rest of the team.
My first time to Life. An invitation from Lamma-Gung (thank you!) to accompany him for the evening enticed me away from my reclusive lifestyle and quiet haven on Lamma Island. I wasn't sure what to expect, something perhaps like its prototype, the Bookworm Cafe, funky and friendly and (sometimes rather too) laid-back. It was that indeed, but it was much, much more - a living, breathing evolution into a totally new universe. The first thing I noticed, as I had expected, was all the 'beautiful people' there to celebrate the first anniversary of Hong Kong’s one-and-only (?) Western organic cafe. However, I hadn't expected quite so many people, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see so many people I already knew. The energy was beautiful: joyous, festive, relaxed and unselfconscious. Happy people celebrating a happy event.
All in all a great evening, certainly worth leaving home for, and now that I have been deflowered and made the transition from Lamma to Life, I will be back again, and I look forward to it. Thanks again to Lamma-Gung for the opportunity, and to Bobsy, Marian and all the Life Team for the evening. kinzie - heartbeat, natural life directory, magical mondays @ life: www.kinzie.com:
with places like life and new magazines like
urban soul, fit and positive news joining peter's holistic hong kong and
my heartbeat, it's becoming easier to navigate hong kong's alleys and
high-rises in search the many natural options.
finding them is the tricky part and now that we're meeting each other
marian and bobsy and their team have created a truly nourishing space in the heart of the hong kong crazies. we're all off to a great start this month ... 2 magic mondays in a row ... life's like that.
Life café celebrated its first anniversary on April 18 with a touch of soul, a dash of heart felt compassion, a spread of physical delights and a gift of grace. The soul came from a trio of African musicians, the compassion from the Life fund gift of $22,000 to the International Social Service charity which helps migrant workers. The physical delights were the tasty food bites and drinks of course and the grace was the pleasure of meeting and talking to some funky folks. Madame Shutterfly - photo blogger: www.madameshutterfly.com:
I'm thrilled to see the place so successful after only one year. I wish Marian and Bobsy many, many more happy anniversaries! Life... where the hip and healthy meet and eat... AMEN! |
Disclaimer: Life cafe is a Lamma-zine & Blog advertiser.
Apr 18: Breakfast Takeaways & Best Coffee?
Remember the story on breakfast takeaways in this blog on Mar 13? No? Oh well, it was all about the six places in YSW that offer tea/coffee/juices & baked goods to the huge early morning crowd rushing to the ferry for work in town. It's another Monday morning and this topic could do with an update, especially as HALF of the places have changed their offerings since Mar 13!
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Aroy Thai has stopped their recently introduced takeaway service completely due to lack of demand. Early-morning customers seem to be VERY loyal and stick to the places they know.
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New
offerings at the new Kiwi Cafe
(up from Thai Thai, opposite Honey Bee).
Similar presentation & same price, but less choices than
Tropicana
($20 for tea/coffee & sandwich) a few houses down the road.
Ah-Can isn't worried about the new competition. His clients are loyal to the Happiest Man on Lamma (as a customer called him and many would agree); a smiling face and cheerful, friendly greeting are just priceless so early in the morning. His 5-star hotel training serves him well... -
The Village Bakery
has started offering takeaway tea & coffee together with their tasty but
pricey sandwiches/submarines, from 6-10am only.
The vibrant local
coffee culture is developing fast and is getting increasingly
sophisticated all the time. It's not just us weird gwailos anymore who can
tell the difference between Green Cottage's
Organic Soya-ccino and French Press, Tropicana's
Mochaccino (my personal favourite) and Lily Garden's
"waking up the dead" house brew.
Click on the coffee photos above to find out where they
are being served!
And let us know YOUR favourites in the forums: Best Coffee on
Lamma?
Apr 18: Jesus Loves You, Mr Mojo!
The Democracy Wall seems to develop into an open,
free-speech forum for occasional dialogues via stickers and graffiti,
commenting on existing posters. Check it out!
For example, the sexy & ubiquitous mojo posters (mojo. Light up. Get laid.) have attracted another ubiquitous sticker - from somebody offended by the poster? - promoting a Jesuslovesyou.ch website (.ch is Swiss), containing nothing but an animated, slowly beating, ominous, almost catatonic heart...
Then this Jesus sticker attracted some rather rude
graffiti. You'll have to click on the poster to read it...
Typically Lamma!
Follow-up
on April 22:
I just go these two posters from mojo, responding to the Jesus sticker above. Danny, the owner, came up with two responses, sticking them on the Wall, just below his own sticker-defaced posters.
An on-going dialogue on the Democracy Wall? Well, that's a first, I think. Let's keep watching, if this will continue!
Only on Lamma!
Apr 17: Lamma Property: a Good Investment?
Tonight,11:15pm,
Financial Review on TVB Jade:
Interview with the manager of Jackson's property agency about Lamma property and investment opportunities!
TVB filmed this a few weeks ago while alert reader and longtime (2.5 years!) contributor bbChris walked by, took a quick snapshot and emailed the photo to me right away, not knowing who the guy was! I love the background of the sign of a competing leading property agent! Thanks, Roving Reporter & Music Correspondent of the Lamma-zine!
After
the rents have been dropping for several years in a row - my own rent
dropped by 25% in the last three years since moving here - it's holding
stable now. There's still a big oversupply of new and almost-new flats,
making it a buyer's market where rents can usually be negotiated down
considerably and agency commissions for renting a flat have almost vanished.
A bit of advice if you're new to Lamma and are considering to
hunt for a
flat:
Looking for a flat on Lamma is still a show-up-in-person affair, as none of the local property agents has a website listing properties and not even active email addresses. None of the off-Lamma property agents know the place, so cannot be recommended to find a flat.
You simply walk along Yung Shue Wan's Main Street and compare the window notices of the many property agencies describing the many flats for rent or sale. You can then go in and look at the flats usually right away, seven days a week. Expect a friendly, bilingual, but often not very professional standard of service. Be very specific in what you're looking for and don't let them waste your time in showing you too expensive or unsuitable flats, as the agents are quite likely to do.
If you find one, grab it as soon as possible, you pay
one single month deposit plus one month rent in advance. You can usually
move in right away or at the end of the month. None or up to $1,000 agency
commission, free moving-in grace period till the end of the month. Contracts
duration 1 year, but it can be terminated earlier, especially if you're nice
to the landlord and maybe even help to find a successor.
If you're asked to pay more than $4,500 - $6,000 for the usual size of 700sqft in a standard 3-storey "village house" - even the most popular 2/F flats (inclusive of rooftop) - then you might be taken for a ride by the agent and/or landlord. 1/F flats are cheapest at around $4,500; about $3,500 for half the size of 350sqft (great for singles); about $1+ million to purchase a 700sqft flat. Larger places or entire houses are a rare find.
It would
have to be exceptional - open harbour view or Jacuzzi or fully furnished or
less than 5 minutes from the ferry - to warrant any higher rent or sales
price. These infos are just an indication, for your reference
only and may vary - especially the prices may increase a bit later this
year.
For my own tale of flat hunting woes, click here.
Apr 16: Sign! Sell! Raft! Roast! Chill Out! Tell a Story!
All of the above Lamma-related activities are available this weekend, as the social calendar is heating up again, filled with more and more exciting activities, all listed and daily updated in the Lamma-zine Events Calendar:
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Book-signing
by Lamma writer Jay Scott Kanes of his new book "Dog-Gone Cat Chase",
Emily's Ice-Cream Parlor, today 3-5pm.
More info... -
Chill Out Lounge, life cafe, Soho, today 7pm-midnight: More info...
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Raft for a Laugh, Stanley Main Beach, Sun, 9:30am: More info...
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Sunday Roast, Diesel's, Sun, from 3pm: More info...
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Square Earth Storytelling, life cafe, Soho, Sun, 4pm: More info...
Apr 16: Kiwis in My Coffee?
There have been strong rumours for more than a year now of a fish'n'chips takeaway place opening on Main Street.
Well, in the meantime, another
fish'n'chips place has openend last Saturday, but on Back Street (up from
Thai Thai). This Western-style cafe is run by two Chinese couples, one of
them recently returned from New Zealand (thus: Kiwi Cafe). It serves the
very best crispy-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside fish'n'chips in the
village right now, IMHO!
This place - formerly known as the luckless Offtime Cafe and then My Cafe - seems to be finally getting it right under the new, eager-to-please management of Henry & Mee Wah Wong and their friends, some of them with decades of experience in running fast-food places. Henry is definitely the most affable, friendly & chatty KBC (Kiwi-Born Chinese) I've met in a long time ("I'm built for comfort, not for speed, ya knowww!"). Checking the place out twice already, we've enjoyed the very fast & friendly service, comfy, soft chairs, free tea/coffee refills and all the free smiles & banter. We'll be back very soon!
Sandwiches,
toasties, burgers, snacks, pancakes, muffins, juices... everything seems to
range in price between $10 and $34 - $25 for each of the dishes above left -
very reasonably priced and very tasty. But the new, hand-written, quite
extensive menu still needs a bit of revision in the English section: "Hash
Browns" are actually waffle chips and "Hot Dogs" come fried in batter, to
our amusement.
After an enjoyable meal, give them some improvement suggestions (the coffee will change soon, I hope) and leave your own graffiti on the freshly painted walls!
Apr 15: Tin Hau Festival: Dragonboats, Sampans & Canto Opera!
The
bamboo tent is being erected once again in the football pitch. An artwork of
intricate, traditional craftsmanship in itself, it'll house the
"Hongkong-renowned Hing Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe", Apr 29
- May 3.
This is such a major local event that there'll even be additional late ferries on these days at 12:30am transporting the opera-loving crowds back to Central and Aberdeen. I'd strongly recommend you to stop by one of these nights. Watching it is free from the sidelines; modestly-priced tickets are available at the show.
Here are a few of my photo galleries to give you
an idea of the Cantonese Opera performances, including the construction of
the bamboo tent, the performances themselves and a fascinating look behind
the scenes:
Tin Hau
Festival 2003, 2004.
Have a look at the opera brochure, also available in our "City Hall", G/F, besides the "Policebox".
This is probably the most colourful, exciting and
fun festival of the calendar year on Lamma Island, IMHO (In My Humble
Opinion).
Reserve Sun, May 1st for the dragonboat races (10am & 2pm, including
the fishermen's team, the male & a mixed Lamma Dragons teams), the Sampan
races & the fiery Tin Hau temple celebrations. Afterwards, dancing around
the May pole and the Beltane fire on Power Station Beach, plus at least one
fire dancer, we hope.
Apr 15: The Man with the Golden Hammer
Who is this mysterious
Man-In-Black with the smart white gloves swinging a heavy, powerful golden
hammer in public on Lamma? Guess who got a photo taken of himself swinging
this mighty golden hammer, like the mighty Thor, the Nordic god of
thunder... and then sent the photo out to all the media? Who'd be rich &
powerful enough? And why are there all these colourful ribbons???
Yes, none other than Mr Francis Lee, a GM of HK Electric. Their latest intriguing press release informs us mere mortals & voracious consumers of electric power of a major milestone in the mighty multi-billion-$ construction project that is the Power Station Extension: the "Column Lifting Ceremony". To learn how they manage to lift a huge column with a golden hammer, read on! They even managed to mention Lamma's very own little wind turbine-under-construction once again.
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Plant installation work of Hongkong Electric’s first 300-megawatt class combined cycle gas-fired unit at the Lamma Power Station Extension project was officially kicked off today with a “Column Lifting Ceremony” to set in place one of the hot beams for a major facility. This important ceremony – a milestone in the project - was officiated on site by the Director and General Manager (Engineering) of Hongkong Electric Holdings Limited, Mr. Francis Lee...
Following the machinery installation, construction work of the 275kV transmission network will begin in the next few months. Trial run of the new facility is scheduled for early next year while commercial operation is expected in mid-2006. CAPTION: Mr Francis Lee, tightens a bolt into a column with a golden hammer at the ceremony that signifies the commencement of plant installation work of Unit 9 at Lamma Power Station Extension. |
We've appointed a Lamma Tourism Ambassador on March 10, but he hasn't been very active in his new honourary role yet, probably waiting for hotter weather? In the meantime, I've received this nice, touristy invitation from a brand-new Lamma-zine contributor, a reclusive, longtime Lammaite and future "Lamma-zine Artist of the Month". Many thanks to Li for introducing us!
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Bluelotus - Artist & Collector: Enjoy a day out on Lamma Island! |
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Visit my home, immerse yourself in objects of beauty; walk the hills or beaches; eat out in one of our delicious restaurants; visit our fabulous amber shop, organic vegetable and herb farm, and specialist Chinese teashop; admire the Tin Hau temple; or simply soak up the atmosphere of a relaxed, multicultural community not-so-far from the madding crowds of HK! Ferries from Central take only 20-25 minutes, Pier 4, to Yung Shue Wan. You are cordially invited to a private showing of a selection of superb 19th-to-early-20th century Chinese embroideries. Pieces on show include: purses, earmuffs, hats, children’s festival collars, panels, costume and shoes, as well as ethnic weavings, baby carriers and much more:
Why such an eclectic mix of products? Because all these beautiful things are embroidered, woven, painted, made or crafted by hand, with love and personal creativity. Please call 2982-6123 or email me for more info & directions. |
Disclaimer: Bluelotus is not a Lamma-zine advertiser, but this sales promotion is a freebie for her touristy blog contribution above. I've seen her embroideries and her own paintings myself and can warmly recommend them as "objects of beauty".
Apr 13: An Entire Island of Eccentrics?
The "Soon to Become World-Famous Author of THE Definitive Lamma Animal Novel" has bravely ventured out to Discovery Bay, eh, Disco Bay, eh, DB, eh, DbAY (identity crisis, anyone?). He returned home safely with a fun little anecdote:
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Jay Scott Kanes - Author of "Dog-Gone Cat Case": |
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I was talking to a merchant in the Discovery Bay Plaza. We engaged in a little of the old Lamma versus DB thrust and parry. Here's my best stab at recreating the relevant bit of conversation: I mentioned Inside DB magazine. He replied, "On Lamma, you have something called Lamma-zine." "Right, an online magazine," I said. "Reading it gives me the impression of an entire island of eccentrics." "Judging by appearances, maybe Discovery Bay's a saner place." "Debatable." Heads nodded on both sides of the sales desk. That was about all. Then we moved on to other topics. |
Right now, my head is also nodding vigorously up and down, like these annoying nodding doggy figurines atop many a taxi's dashboard...
Wow! That was quite a nice compliment from this "DB Plaza merchant", I think! Besides being surprised that somebody in DbAY is actually reading the Lamma-zine, I'm quite flattered by his "impression". Any more DbAY readers out there?
For sheer amusement, I love reading the
DB
City Rules ("The City Rules shall be
observed and performed by all residents in order to provide a harmonious
living environment.") These 20 (!!!) pages - including 3
pages of golf cart rules & fines - sum up the polar opposites of Lamma vs.
DbAY very nicely. But I couldn't find any rule banning eccentrics in there
yet. Probably soon?
We accept, tolerate or at least ignore most of our own eccentrics here on Lamma, letting them live in peace. One of the many reasons this eccentric "Self-Styled Online Voice of Yung Shue Wan" (quoting Fortune Chan) enjoys living here so much...
Admittedly, eccentrics are more interesting to write about than the vast majority of nice, normal, sane, friendly, helpful people living on Lamma these days, many of them stable pillars of society, upstanding, law-abiding, tax-paying, good citizens!
Thanking Jay for this nice little story, he's getting
another free plug for his book signing event this Saturday! Meet the
Lamma author of a most entertaining book about Lamma
itself!
Send me your little story and I'll give your product, service, scam or money-making scheme a free little plug as well. You could even get a BIG plug (free ad, anyone?) for a longer story & pictures!
Apr 12: Lamma-zine Fan Base in Hawaii
This blog quite frequently receives email from
people wanting to move to Lamma, looking for places to rent or info about TV
and Broadband options, etc. Several very friendly emails arrived
recently from Bud in Hawaii, titled "Thank you, Mr. Lamma.com.hk!"
He revealed that "Here in Honolulu, your website is followed by a whole bunch of people." I was very surprised, always assuming that I publish to an almost exclusively Lamma-based or at least HK-based readership. Well, I was wrong (again)! See below.
But this international exchange of people works both ways: the well-known Jerry the Acupuncturist & Herbalist emigrated to Hawaii with his family just a little while ago. Now we'll have Hawaii-Bud (Bud-Ha-waiiser?) & co. moving to Lamma soon, so the balance has been restored! I'll be meeting up with Bud end of this month, so we'll hopefully hear more from this future Lammaite! Welcome!
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Bud - Honolulu, Hawaii - Lammaite-to-be of the Day:< |