5 Feb 2005

Perfect day to go out today. The sky was cloudy and temp. was around 18-20℃. Took bus no. 48X (KMB) to Shatin New Town Plaza, then took taxi to Che Kung Temple. The ride was about $20.00. An alternative would be taking the KCR East Rail ( there are 2 lines- East and West) to Tai Wai KCR station. Then just follow signs to the temple. Of course, this alternative would mean that you’ll have to WALK!!  Che Kung was a Sung dynasty general deified for his devotion to the people. So, in the temple, you’ll be able to see his statue which is gold in colour, and there are weapons around him, which I presume are his weapons. The temple is well know for the brass windmills in the courtyard, which you can turn to create good luck. You can even buy paper windmills from the temple which also has the same meaning. The turning of the windmills actually signifies a change of luck. After that, walked to the Tai Wai KCR station and took the train to Shatin Racecourse station. The train service is only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays ( when there are actually horse racing going on) from 11.45am onwards. The train heads toward Tai Po Market, which means it stops for only 4 stations. The frequency would be like 20 minutes for a train. Relatively there aren’t that much people going to the racecourse, but still it’s quite a lot, especially on Saturdays. I was considered lucky because I only waited for like around 8 minutes for the train. Admission to the Shatin Racecourse is $10. And again, Octopus cards are used! Can you believe it? Octopus cards are used everywhere!! There wasn’t much people when I got there. Had brunch at the food court. There’s something funny about the seating—there are no seats!! Everyone stands while eating. There are only tables, no chairs! Well, there are a few table which has, well, it’s not actually chairs, but a very narrow strip of support, and believe me, it’s not very comfortable. Rather stand than “sit”. The whole atmosphere in the racecourse was so exciting! Everyone was cheering. Even I was cheering. Tried my first luck on betting. Didn’t win any money . After a few races, decided to leave. It was getting kinda boring. It’s the same thing over and over again. First the horses and the riders are paraded at an area then, they get ready for the race, race starts, crowd cheers, press take photos……. This goes on again and again. Of course there’s the short hustle and bustle before the beginning of the race when everyone places their bets. Took the KCR East Rail to Mong Kong Staion. Asked for directions to the Mong Kok flower market. This is the centre for wholesale and retail floral business in Hong Kong. It’s actually a whole row of shops along Flower Market Road. As Chinese New Year is just round the corner, there was a lot of people there!! I was practically being pushed around. It was certainly a different kind of experience.