Welcome to the A-Z Guidebook Link Up. If you would like to join, read the A-Z Guidebook tab at the top of the blog and write a travel post relating to the letter of the month.
*Here we are at our penultimate letter in the guidebook. When you have a moment, grab a cup of coffee and take some time to revisit some of the earlier stories in the guidebook. There’s a vast array of contributors and stories This month:
Y or Youth
Hong Kong has two distinct personalities. There’s flashy, upmarket Hong Kong Island full of money and international business deals. Then there’s Kowloon and the New Territories. A little more frayed around the edges, this is where the day to day business of the Territory is done.
On the edge of the fragrant wholesale flower district in Kowloon is an elevated park that runs alongside a rail line. This narrow tract of land is Yuen Po Bird Garden, a park where the local menfolk exercise their songbirds. It’s a convenient excuse for groups of generally older men to come together and talk, smoke and while away a few hours whilst their birds sing and sun themselves. Plain Jane local pigeons also benefit, visiting to peck at spilled seed.
It’s a little sad to see so many birds in small cages but they are certainly well loved. Each cage is spotless with beautiful porcelain water and food bowls attached. Their owners dote on their birds, feeding them crickets and taking the cages for turns around the park. A collection of bird and accessory shops have sprung up in the Yuen Po Bird Garden so proud owners can buy the latest cage styles for their tiny pets.
A little piece of old world Hong Kong in this busy metropolis.
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We happened on this street by accident last time I was in Hong Kong. I loved the birds and their owners. So very proud. But I especially loved all the flower and plant shops, in particular, those that sold plants in beautiful ceramic planters/pots. Some of the bonsai plants were amazing. And many were very, very old. A very interesting visit.
it is a bit sad that the birds are in tiny cages but clearly they are well loved. we were in hong kong years ago but didnt come across this intriguing garden. we found many other intriguing and amazing things tho as you do!
Very interesting! There’s actually an old bird pazar in Istanbul that I’ve written about before. What is it with older men and their birds? 😉 Some of the pretty birds sold for a pretty penny too!
Another interesting corner of Hong Kong that contrasts with the glitzy side.