Hong Kong Travel Blog: February 2010

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Marathon to Celebrate Lantern Festival in Hong Kong 2010

Today is the first full moon in the Year of Tiger. It is said that today’s full moon is the biggest and brightest in 53 years. It is the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival on the 15th of January, and many even refer it to be the Chinese Valentine’s Day.

To celebrate the Chinese Valentine’s Day, we have the annual grand sports event Marathon 2010 held here in Hong Kong. Up to 60,000 runners from around the world participated. The first group of runners started as early as 5am. Kenyan runner Cyprian Kiogora Mwobi retains his title, but failed to make a new event record due to the hot and humid weather.

Full Moon in Hong Kong - Sai Kung

Travel Hong Kong on Abnormal Routes
If you are physically fit, participating the Marathon is a good way to have close encounters with Hong Kong on some of the places that you would never have a chance to set your footprints. But mind you, there are 50 runners needed to be sent to the hospital under the hot and humid weather today, which is really rare in February in Hong Kong.

While all competitions finish at the Victoria Park, the three routes allow you to run on some of Hong Kong’s most remarkable landmarks. Below are highlights of the routes.

Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

Full Marathon – Nathan Road, Tsing Ma Bridge, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Western Harbour Tunnel
Half Marathon – Eastern Harbour Tunnel
10KM – Island Eastern Corridor

Full Route Map

Hong Kong Marathon 2010 news
Hong Kong Marathon 2010 website

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Marathon 2010

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Lai See Giving Tradition in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year holiday in Hong Kong is just over. The general work force went back to work yesterday. The business flow of lai see giving started. It is a Chinese tradition to give lai see (red pockets) during Chinese New Year. We also give gifts to our relatives and friends during the new-year house warmings. Below are the gifts and red pockets that I received this year.

As a Chinese tradition, senior generations give red pockets to younger generations. In the business world, bosses give red pockets to their subordinates; clients give red pockets to service providers such as the doorman at hotels or waiters at restaurants. Money wise, HK$20 is widely acceptable as a standard. However you can give more as you wish. Again, this is a tradition, not a rule or law. It doesn't matter if you don't want to give lai see in the business world, however it is a must among family members.