Here are some photos I wanted to share with you, but don’t know how to organize them yet. Photos here are not necessarily appearing in chronological order (or any order at all). I also try to include a google street view link to the each place as well. Hope you enjoy.
Lake or sea? / 湖海莫辨
Posted on Dec. 18, 2024
推荐阅读中文: 湖海莫辨
Last weekend, I returned to Lausanne, had lunch with a friend, and strolled leisurely in the light rain, chatting as we wandered toward the lake. Starting from Renens, we walked down through the campus of the University of Lausanne, crossed the busy road near the sports center, and found ourselves in the tranquility of this little path.
In December, the trees had long shed their leaves, but their sturdy trunks and branches, standing like the pillars and dome ceilings of a cathedral, still shaded the path leading to the lakeshore.
In the distance, two ladies were approaching us, umbrellas in hand for the drizzling rain. Their fluffy white dog bounced along ahead of them, happy and lively, catching our attention. We couldn’t take our eyes off it, smiling as the puppy hopped around. As we passed by, the two women greeted us warmly, their faces full of smiles. They were telling us how much we adored their little dog, I guessed.
At the end of the path, it was Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), the largest lake in Western Europe. On clear days, you can see the town of Evian on the opposite shore and layers of snow-capped mountains. But in winter, clouds and mist often stand in the way. Just like that day, the lake was shrouded in a white haze. The view was limited – only the endless expanse of water and waves, carried by the cold wind, rippling toward the shore.
For a moment, as I stood there, gazing into the faraway of nothingness, I thought I was looking at the sea.
I grew up by the sea. As a child, my parents often took me to the shore to feel the cool breeze or swim. That is, until one day, I almost drowned in the ocean. After that, we mostly only did biking along the coast. Even in university, I studied by the sea. Just a few steps from the dorms, and I can see the sea. It is always in my sight. Back then, the sea felt like an inexhaustible, ever-present part of my life. It’s simply always there. But after graduating and moving away, I haven’t lived by the coast again.
That day, standing by Lac Léman, which seemed as vast as the ocean, I felt a enjoyable moment of quiet peace, but also a sudden wave of sense of loss. Without much thinking, I said, “Looking at this lake makes me feel a little sad.” My friend asked why, but I didn’t quite know what to say.
How this place looks like in summer can be found on google streetview. Shoutout to google user Mister PAD for uploading their images of this small pathway.
Near sunset time
Posted on Dec. 10, 2024
Just an enjoyable moment from last year. Taken at this location in September 2023.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
Graduation day (near the end of)
Posted on Dec. 04, 2024
This photo was taken on Nov. 11, 2023, back to CUHK for a friend’s graduation ceremony. After the ceremony, the chairs were being stacked up for later removal. Above the blue chairs were pieces of decorative fabric of purple and yellow, the symbolic colors of the Uni. The way the fabric being hung reminds me of the waves on the sea, but upside down.
In front of University Library, CUHK
I walked around the campus that day, and took many photos. Maybe it’s a good idea to put them on the website as well, if I ever find time.
Also, until I searched for it, I didn’t realize CUHK gets official google street view coverage. I found the location of the photo. It looks very different from the photo, but you can probably tell its the same place by looking at the tiles on the ground.
Look up for a new year
Posted on Nov. 29, 2024
It was a few days before Chinese new year, and of course the peak season for new year shopping. Many shop fronts would be filled with red laterns, red banners, and many more new year decorations, including this one I passed by on my way to have dinner with a friend. The two ladies siting/standing on the sidewalk, looking up, probably hoping the new year to be looking up as they are right now.
Queen's Road West, Sheung Wan
Taken near January 2024. It’s on Queen’s Road West, but don’t recall the exact location. If you happen to know, let me know please.
Mirror
Posted on Nov. 28, 2024
A giant mirror box was placed on the plaza in front of the entrance to Louvre, bringing an artificial mirage. See the street view to see this scene from a wider angle.
Louvre, Paris
Taken near the end of April, 2023.
Reflection and refraction
Posted on Nov. 25, 2024
This is a pretty typical down-to-earth restaurant near your small apartment that you will get takeaway from, featuring Hongkonger’s all time favoriates: round tables and chairs. Through the glass, you can also see cups, chopsticks and laminated single-pager menu standing on the tables. After wine and dine, when walking out of the restaurant, don’t forget to look right.
Cross Lane, Wan Chai
Taken in September 2024; check where it was on google street view here.
A camera shop in Hong Kong
Posted on Nov. 24, 2024
A second-hand camera shop I ran into while I was strolling around Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. I was totally impressed by their huge display of their lenses. I wish I could have just maybe 1% of those…
Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Taken in September 2024; check out where it was on google street view here.