gw manis: Tsim Sha Tsui

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Centenary of China's 1911 Revolution Exhibition

This actually sounds really fun. If you register in time, you can join ten people in learning how to make your own wooden historic plaque! So exciting!

Centenary of China’s 1911 Revolution

2 March – 16 May 2011

Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays)
Special Exhibition Gallery
Admission Fee (including "The Hong Kong Story" permanent exhibition):
Standard：HK$10
Group of 20 or more：HK$7
Full-time students / senior citizens / people with disabilities：HK$5
Free Admission on Wednesdays

Free Admission for holders of Museum Pass and Weekly Pass

Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Hubei Provincial Museum
Organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History

This year marks the centenary of the 1911 Revolution, the epoch-making event that had far-reaching consequences for the fate of the Chinese people. It brought an end to imperial rule in China and also represented the birth of Asia’s first republic. A hugely important milestone on China’s road to modernisation, it is also of remarkable significance for the development of global politics.

The first decade of the 20th century was a time of great upheaval in China. Revolutionary currents were never far from the surface, while reformists and reactionaries struggled to gain the upper hand in the Qing government. After the war with the Eight-Nation Alliance, the Empress Dowager Cixi was finally persuaded to launch a series of political, economic, military and educational reforms. However, two policies announced by the Qing court in May 1911 – the formation of a new “imperial cabinet” and the nationalisation of the railways – caused huge public resentment and drove many people into the revolutionary camp. The success of the Wuchang Uprising on 10 October 1911 then started a chain reaction, and in less than two months 14 out of the 18 provinces within China’s main borders had declared independence. The imperial regime had been overthrown and replaced by a republican system, signifying a new era of modern China.

Celebrating the centenary of the 1911 Revolution, this exhibition showcases over 150 exhibits from Hubei Provincial Museum and other collections as well as historical images, videos and maps to illustrate this milestone in China's modern history and also highlight the immense contribution that Hong Kong made to this revolution.

The Museum offers public guided tours and pre-booked group visit with docent services from 9 March 2011 (Wed) onwards.

Group Visits

Public Guided Tours (in Cantonese)
Each tour lasts for about 1 hour and admits 30 persons on a first come, first served basis. Please gather at the “Docent Stop” at the entrance of the Special Exhibition Gallery according to the following schedule：

Session 1：11:30 am daily
Session 2：3 pm daily

The Hong Kong Museum of History
100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong (next to the Hong Kong Science Museum)
Tel. : (852) 2724 9042
Fax. : (852) 2724 9090

Sorry for the tiny pictures, but they were the only ones I could find on the Website. Most of these paintings and posters have been spirited away to other countries, so this is a rare chance to see them all in one location.

廣東燒味餐廳 Guang Dong Barbecue Restaurant

I'm probably going to have a part two to this entry because when I went to Guang Dong, I was so tired that I could barely talk. Not that it stopped me from eating, though.

Guang Dong Barbecue Restaurant has a lot of branches all over Hong Kong now, but I feel like the Tsim Sha Tsui one is still the best out of all them. I started coming here when I was working in the music industry, and the office was in Tsim Sha Tsui. My super cool boss and I used to have lunch here. I was kind of skeptical at first because he's an ABC, but he was right about Guang Dong being awesome.

As you can see, my friend and I already started eating before I remembered to whip out my camera. We had char siu (barbecued pork) and siu ngaa (roast duck). I love Guang Dong Barbecue Restaurant because their meat is always so fatty and juicy.

It was quiet when we first arrived, but by the time we were finishing our meal, the place had filled up.

Their milk tea isn't hard on the stomach, in case my fellow lactose-intolerant cousins want to know.

Food is cheap. They also do takeaway.

I don't know about you, but the thought bubble over the duck's head really amuses me.

This branch is on Hankow Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, the same street that the Nike shop is on. You can call them at 2735-5151. Their steamed pork with salty egg rice is really good, too. I think I might eat that in my next entry about this place.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips, Part II

Ah crap, I totally left out the streetcar and the Star Ferry! Shame on me!

Streetcars (or trams) first. I actually enjoy taking the streetcar and choose it over the bus or MTR whenever I'm not in a rush. If you're heading towards the Hong Kong Jockey Club race course in Happy Valley, it's the best alternative, as well. (By the way, there are races in Happy Valley every Wednesday night and in Sha Tin every Saturday afternoon until July. I've never been to Sha Tin race course, but I've been to Happy Valley a couple of times, and I thought it was fun. I think I only won HKD10, but that wasn't the point. You can buy alcohol and food on the premises and watch the horses pretty much up close. Worth a visit, especially if you just want to drink and be entertained by the people around you, not to mention the horses.)

Streetcars are quite clean, and it costs HKD2 (yes, super cheap). They accept coins and Octopus cards, and you pay as you exit. Streetcars are not airconditioned, by the way. I like them because the passengers are usually quite interesting, and you get to see a lot of Hong Kong.

However, my caveats are: when it's crowded, streetcars are horrible. They're really not comfortable to stand in. The other caveat is the second floor of the streetcar. I used to love sitting at the back of the second floor and resting my head on the window sill and gazing up at the sky. Then, one day, some homeless dude peed himself a few seats away from me, and I've never gone back. Of course, that's my experience. If it doesn't smell like pee or look wet, by all means, go ahead and sit. I just feel like it's safer on the bottom. I know for sure no one wearing pee-soaked trousers has put his ass on the benches there.

Now, for the Star Ferry. The Star Ferry goes from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central and back. There are other ferries (to Hung Hom and Wan Chai), but the TST and Central one is the most popular route. I love the Star Ferry, and I usually take it whenever I'm going to TST. The fare is HKD2.5, also very cheap.

It affords you a wonderful view of the Central skyline, as well. I suggest taking the Star Ferry in the evening for maximum prettiness. I believe the last ferry is at 11 at night, though.

The Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry pier is outside of Harbour City, and the Central Star Ferry pier is about 10 minutes away from IFC Mall. You'll have to exit the mall where the CitySuper supermarket is, take the escalator down to street level and keep walking towards the piers. There are a bunch of them for different ferries for different islands. Keep going till you see the Star Ferry one, I believe it's number 7.

I miss the old Star Ferry pier in all its ghettoness, although I always feel itchy whenever I reach that part of Central.

Now, some other notes:

A few people have asked about the "Hop On, Hop Off" open-air bus tours in Hong Kong. Honestly, I think they're not worth it. If you really want to be a tourist and just spend a few minutes at random places, then I guess you could take it and be a lazy piece of shit.

The Peak: even though this is such a touristy place, I think it's really worth visiting, but ONLY AT NIGHT. What's the point of going up there to look at Hong Kong during the day? Also, take the Peak Tram up there rather than a bus or a taxi. The experience is so much more enjoyable, and you will have extra sights to see, such as the interiors of some of the most expensive real estate in the world. I once saw a really hot guy watching television, which was nice. As you're going up the mountain in the tram, sit on the right. When you're heading back down, sit on the left.

I know some people like to go up the Peak during the day so that they can go hiking. That is so weird to me, but here's information for those of you who want to try this type of shenanigan.

By the way, don't eat at the Peak. Overpriced. However, if you're willing to spend the money, I'd suggest the Peak Lookout simply because of the view (again, go at night). The Peak Lookout is where the Peak Cafe, known for shitty food but a spectacular wine list and view, used to be. If you'll allow me to reminisce: a long time ago, my siblings and I went to the Peak Cafe when it was still on the Peak for a nice winter dinner. We managed to witness a couple on a romantic date and nearly fell off the mountain laughing our asses off because the dude was eating his salad like a donkey. I'd have to demonstrate in person, but it was damn funny.

Ace Dragon and Shitoujii

I'm going to admit from the start that I don't have any pictures of my own to show because I haven't gotten any tattoos from Gabe (from Ace Dragon) or Leon (Shitoujii). I like going to this dude, Ricky, in the Philippines, because he's fantastic at the type of tattoos that I like (ornamental, traditional Chinese designs), and he's relatively inexpensive. Check out his work here!

Anyway, I did get a tattoo above my diaphragm in Hong Kong a few years back, but the dude who did it for me has disappeared. Plus, he does triad tattoos so I'm not sure if he tattoos civilians. I only got a booking with him because a girl friend of mine was dating some gangster-type, and she strong-armed him into tattooing me. He did a really great job although he kept telling me to hold my breath. I'm not a deep breather (long story), and I tend to take in quick, short breaths, and the rise and fall of my ribs was jostling his arm.

Anyway, I still thought I should mention Gabe and Leon even though I don't have any pictures. Gabe is quite famous, and he got a lot of attention when he inked David Beckham. I don't really know much about Beckham, nor do I actually know what Gabe did for him, but I guess it's a good endorsement of Gabe's skills.

Gabe did tattoo a friend of mine, and her tattoo (an ornate design of vines and flowers) looks really pretty, so that much I can say. You can find out more from his Web site here, although he hasn't really updated or done much with his gallery. His studio is in Tsim Sha Tsui, and the full address should be in the site somewhere.

Leon, on the other hand, is a friendly acquaintance of mine. I met him through a friend who was his client, and I have to say, Leon's work on my friend was breathtaking. He seems to really excel in big pieces, as well as delicate lines, plus he seems like he would be a really comfortable tattoo artist to hire. He's not an incessant chatterbox at all. Don't you hate tattoo artists (and dentists!) who won't shut up? I really much prefer the ones who stoically mind their own business. I went to this dude in London once, and while he was really talented, he talked so damn much! I just wanted to read my book in peace but he kept talking about the Eurostar and Ryanair.

Anyway, Leon's work can be viewed on his site here. His gallery is fairly comprehensive, although it doesn't seem like he's added any new work on.

He has a studio out in Mong Kok, just so you know. As far as I know, he charges around HKD1,000 per hour.

I Got Colors

Hong Kong is just so damn photogenic. This is just some random picture I snapped on the way home from Tsim Sha Tsui.

Tsim Sha Tsui Stationery

Another spot where you can buy gifts for people at really cheap prices. This is a popular tourist and middle schooler destination for little trinkets.

To be honest, the prices here are a wee bit higher than in areas that aren't as convenient. But if you don't mind spending about HKD5 or so more in exchange for wandering around town looking for these things, then consider it a worthwhile expenditure.

My attention was caught by the latest cute keychain and/or dangling accessory. SO FUCKING CUTE. They look like real bread, and are really soft and spongy, too.

Pineapple bun!

Donuts!

Saucy toast!

All of the buns are HKD15 each. While I was browsing, a Japanese tourist family stopped by to look, and the little girl started freaking out over the buns. Her mom said no and moved on, and the little girl started pleading really loudly and looked like she was about to start crying. Her mom then just cut that nonsense short with a look.

Now that is good parenting!

Pink Pet

Pink Pet products are sold in DNA Galleria, but I just adore pet outfits so I thought they deserved their own entry. I really want to dress Chabi up but I think she would poo on my face while I'm sleeping.

Here she is with her "Whatchu say, betch?" face when I asked her if she wanted to wear a qipao.

I used to dress up my dearest departed cat, Ellis (RIP, baby) in a North Face jacket and backpack back in the early 2000s. He used to look so miserable and would either fall to one side and give up on life or run around trying to get the backpack and jacket off. He did look super cute, though.

Anyway, if your pets aren't committed nudists like mine, look at the extremely cute options you have!

You can check out more Pink Pet outfits on their Web site here or just head over to DNA Galleria.

Fiona's Prince

Well, isn't this just adorable! From afar, the colour scheme made me think at first that Fiona's Prince was a cake shop.

I saw these shoes in the shop window, and I just had to go in and take a look at their selection. I don't have kids (thank God), but I have a lot of friends who have somehow collaborated in popping out kids for the Tiger year. As a Tiger, I feel sorry for these unsuspecting parents who will be dealing with some of the most willful, curious-to-the-point-of-self-destruction and judgmental children out there.

Anyway, the price range is about HKD500, which I think is kind of expensive for kids' shoes, but they are so well made.

This Fiona's Prince is on Cameron Road, across the street from Charlie Brown Cafe. They also have two other shops in Tsim Sha Tsui: one on Peking Road and the other on Chatham Road, one in Causeway Bay at Lee Gardens and one at the Peak.

Those panda shoes!!! And check out those trendy furry booties.

I wish they made high-heeled adult sizes of those mary janes.

Charlie Brown Cafe

What in the world? Or should I be tacky and say, "Good grief!"

Look at what sprouted on Cameron Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. A Charlie (fucking) Brown Cafe! Did you know these things even existed? How can life be so unfair that the Hello Kitty Cafe in Causeway Bay has to be shut down but Charlie Brown gets a cafe??

As I was taking this picture, some horrible European tourist (possibly German) jumped in front of me and shouted, "SMILE!" I told him to fuck off, and he trotted off fairly quickly. Loser.

A couple came out after I photographed the menu. The chick wasn't impressed by the meal, but she reasoned that you didn't go to the cafe for the food but for the ambience. I see. HKD39 for a fucking hotdog, though...!

You know, I thought the Great Pumpkin cake would be a lot bigger.

Instead, it's dwarfed by the Charlie Brown cake, which looks a bit terrifying. But I don't like chocolate, so what do I know.

The Snoopy one sounds more delicious. I don't drink coffee because it makes me sick, but I like the flavour and smell. I wonder if I could eat this. Mind you, this cake is TINY. It's about the size of my palm. HKD35 wor!

Woodstock sounds like the most delicious flavour of all. I love mango!

DNA Galleria

This is going to be a picture-heavy entry! To be honest, I should have probably done an entry on each shop in DNA Galleria in Tsim Sha Tsui, but I'm feeling too lazy to do so.

DNA Galleria is a shopping arcade on Granville Circuit, pretty much right beside Rise Commercial Building (which I shall have to devote a few entries to). It's quite new, and I stumbled on it with my brother while he was visiting in early October.

There are dozens of shops in there selling all kinds of stuff from Japan, Korea and local brands. The prices vary from shop to shop, with some places very reasonable and some just completely outrageous numbers at others.

My tips for making the most out of your trip to DNA Galleria are:
1) Look around the entire arcade (yes, all of the floors) before buying anything. You might see the same thing for a cheaper price.
2) Don't bow to sales pressure.
3) The higher you go, the less people there are (also because it's men's stuff mostly on the third floor).
4) Always ask if you can get some kind of promotional price. You might not get what you ask, but you never know what the staff might throw in.

They're kind of trying really hard to make it look trendy and fun, like an amusement park or something.

The first shop you see as you enter from Granville Circuit.

This is what it looks like as you enter the arcade proper. It's kind of like a marche system, where each shop has to process the payments at a cashier on each floor.

See what I mean? The high schooler working that desk looked a bit disgruntled to be stuck in Cinderella's coach.

I ended up hitting it off with the chick working this shop, and we exchanged numbers. Like her a lot. The shop mostly sells Japanese stuff.

I was drawn in by this display. It's Nobuaki Kaneko (badass and fellow leopard print lover) on the cover on some magazine! And, note the leopard print boots.

I ended up buying a couple of things at this shop, which you'll see in a future entry. They were two sale items, and I asked if I could get a further discount, which they did give me. It wasn't much but better than nothing.

Cute necklace!

Leopard print and studded leather were big motifs. Dig those spectators!

Love those low ankle boots on the left.

They also have clothes and accessories for kids. Lovely detail on the top of that dress.

The cashier on the second floor. I guess this is where Ravage ended up when cassette tapes became obsolete. I feel sad that he has been reduced to this because he was always my favourite mini-cassette.