Background first, Ha Pak Lai is a small village in the new territories, Yuen Long to be exact. Apart from the common pressure from the government for them to relocate in order to redevelop the area, they are actually staying a mere 100 metres (or less) away from the landfill. The largest landfill in Hong Kong, out of the available three... It's almost common sense what the villagers are experiencing daily =(
& so, we met at Tin Shui Wai station to take a minibus ride into the village. After a long journey, we reach this small little village which my first impression was: That's it???
First thing we see after alighting from the minibus
Looking at the road which we came from. Yes, that's it =O
Joking, there's more hidden behind the houses.
The "town hall".
Farm opposite the town hall. Apparently new visitors need to go into the goat pen so here I am, standing rooted to the ground while the goats minded their own business.
Unwilling goat + unwilling human
勉强是没有幸福的 (;-_-)
Lunch!
The one and only restaurant in the village. The food's delicious =)
The village chief bringing us around and explaining the village's situation to us.
Creative yes?
See the landfill?
Shed
Delta or estuary? (oops all my geography knowledge returned to Mdm Sim already)
The landfill just across the edge of the village.
Crossing over muddy patches to get to the other parts of the village.
So we came to visit one of the villager's farm. & then help her weed her garden (free labour) in exchange for materials for dinner. It's fulfilling though =)
The road separating Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.
So we walked a big round to the back of the villager's farm and discovered this abandoned spot which features a demolished shed. What's there to see? Ehhhhh actually nothing much (-_-)
Old kiln
Run-down church building which in hopes could be revitalised as a tourist attraction in the future.
Hehe snack time featuring the restaurant's self-made siew mai. Really made with ample pork filling and the best snack for such a cold day!
On our way to trespass onto the beach.
Papaya
Another shed
The group's observation of the beach area reminds me of Kim Jong-il. lol!
My point of view
Run-down school, which is where my classmates would be staying for the night. Looks creepy and all, especially the "dry-toilet", which is just a door-less stall with a hole in the ground.
Tree house at the village head's garden. It's almost like the ones featured in romantic drama scenes!
Dinner
Home bound
Dessert at B仔凉粉
My classmates' project objective is to promote public awareness regarding the current waste handling methods in Hong Kong.
While I am not part of the project group, I felt sorry for all those staying around the landfill. With much honesty, I will admit that I may never go there again, as there is really nothing much to see. Rumour has it that the sunset is breathtaking and photo-worthy there though...
Nevertheless, it may take years before the Village Head's visions for the village materialise. Whether his visions are achievable and relevant will be another matter for discussion. In the meanwhile, the Hong Kong Government may want to ponder on other solutions which may be more beneficial to the residents yet environmentally friendly and cost effective at the same time?
While I am not part of the project group, I felt sorry for all those staying around the landfill. With much honesty, I will admit that I may never go there again, as there is really nothing much to see. Rumour has it that the sunset is breathtaking and photo-worthy there though...
Nevertheless, it may take years before the Village Head's visions for the village materialise. Whether his visions are achievable and relevant will be another matter for discussion. In the meanwhile, the Hong Kong Government may want to ponder on other solutions which may be more beneficial to the residents yet environmentally friendly and cost effective at the same time?