Remembering the Osprey

Not so long ago someone started posting pictures on Gwulo.com of the after effects of Typhoon Ellen in 1983. Out of this interesting discussion came the mention of a boat that became an unfortunate victim of the typhoon when it sank several miles south of the territory.

A link to a photograph of the boat on FLICKR led me to a rather interesting coincidence because I was sure I had seen this boat before, I just couldn’t remember where and it certainly couldn’t have been when it was around because I was a mere 11 or so years old when it met its doom.

Revisiting Jackie Chan’s old HQ in Kowloon Tong

A few years ago whilst zooming down Waterloo Road on the number 271 bus, I happened to catch sight of what was then Jackie Chan’s business HQ at #145. If you can’t remember that far back here is the post.

Jackie Chan’s “The Protector”, HK filming locations

I feel it’s time for another film post, the last one of 2010. So I will leave you for Xmas with this location post for Jackie Chan’s “The Protector”. This one is a bit of a trip into my teenage years because it was the first Jackie Chan film I owned on VHS (and so got watched over and over again) and despite its overall poor show relative to his HK-produced films, there are lots of shots of a mid-80′s HK that I used to love watching.

Another Film Location Post: Project A Part 2

Following a brief exchange of comments with Yvonne over at Webs of Significance a few weeks ago, I thought I would retread some of my teen years by purchasing Jackie Chan’s Project A: Part 2 and reminisce about what great films he used to make. Of course, this being a location/historical snippet kind of blog I thought I would try and identify the various locations also used in this film. However…

Praia Avenue, Taipa

Another of the sites worth taking in when you are in Taipa village. Located around the same hillock that houses the Carmel Church and Camoes Park. Praia Avenue is a fine example of how to do heritage conservation, something that Macau just does better than Hong Kong, period.

Another Camoes Park, Taipa

I have to hand it to Luis Vaz De Camoes, not only was he a national hero in Portugal, he also managed to get not just one but, two parks dedicated to him in Macau.

Jackie Chan’s Kowloon HQ, Kowloon Tong

When I first wrote this blog entry, JC was still well and truly based in HK and this place was his business HQ (and had been for many many years). Unfortunately times change and JC has moved to pastures new. His wife has taken over the running of his business and film empire and given the boot to several of his long-term cohorts including Ken Lo – JC’s long-serving and trusty bodyguard, the details of which you can read in the comments below.

Former Marine Police HQ

Officially now known as Heritage 1881…oh dear! That’s what happens when you put heritage conservation into the hands of a private and very powerful developer: Cheung Kong Holdings aka Li Ka Shing.