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Rumour has it there is a new cable car that runs from Tung Chung upto Ngong Ping on Lantau, not sure on the snow conditions up there, but expect strong gusty winds. And don’t worry about everyone staring at you.
On a more serious note, friends of mine ski at the brand new resorts 3 hrs out of Beijing;they say the runs are excellent, all equipment brand new and prices are super cheap, and not too crowded yet…..Nemo,
You might even try some flyfishing on the reservoirs (permit required) or even off some of the public piers in estuarine areas.So far, after only one day, over 400 students have signed a petition against Disney’s decision to serve shark fin soup. In signing the petition they have pledged not to go to Disney Land until they stop serving shark fin. There are [were] some hi res pictures here:
It has all been organised by the students (of all nationalities). They will be avialable for interviews tomorrow lunchtime, if you are available. Paul
Dear Mr. Robinson,
It has come to my attention that the Disneyland Hong Kong is offering shark fin as part of its Fary Tale Wedding banquet promotion.
Your effort to offer shark fin to the local Chinese is certainly understandable, but I would like to query the image you are portraying to patrons visiting your theme park from overseas, and also those westerners residing in Hong Kong SAR and Asia Pacific.
Please let me respectfully suggest that offering shark fin may actually be counterproductive to the long-term image of Disney – locally, regionally and more importantly internationally. Recent campaigns against MasterCard, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Citibank and Singapore Airlines have all resulted in them retracting any shark fin promotional advertising or consumption offers, with global responsive pressure being an incredible persuasive factor.
In recent years, the scientific and conservation communities have come to understand that the shark fin trade is a major contributor to an unsustainable decline in many of the world’s shark populations. The explosion of the Asian shark fin trade, particularly in countries with Chinese cultures, is promoting a worldwide gold rush to cash in on the high price for shark fins.
Unfortunately, the result is quite clear: Sharply decreased shark populations, with knock on detrimental effects to entire ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishermen and tour operators worldwide.
Sharks are unlike most fish, in that there are not too many to begin with (since they are top predators just like people), they reproduce very slowly (tens of years before most sharks are sexually mature and can begin to reproduce), and they have very few offspring (a few each birth cycle at most, unlike other fish which may spawn by the millions).
As a result, people all over the world have come to realise that the demand for shark fin needs to be brought under control. Moreover, there is no nutritional value in shark fin, and there is also a high incidence of mercury and accumulation of other toxins in shark fin samples. The concern over this issue is growing rapidly and is spread equally among Asian, western and other nations.
As a global icon to many children and adults, Disney has the opportunity to set an example for other corporations. By selecting shark fin as a means of $$ attraction, you are conveying the message that Disney endorses ecologically unsound practices and unsustainable industries. While this is most probably not the case, it is certainly the understanding that will spread rapidly around the world via email and the internet – under the voice of shark conservation.
As a potential future visitor to Disneyland Hong Kong, I ask that you revisit this topic, and reconsider alternative, less harmful, ingredients for wedding banquets at Disney; ordinary soup will suffice. I would also ask that you consider responding soon to those already concerned by your wedding banquet display and constructive people from around the world who have attempted to explain the issue and offer you more substantive data to support the statements above.
On another note I have just finished presenting a talk at David Li Ka Shing HKMA School where 100+ students listened to a compelling lecture and watched a shark finning film; If you would like detailed information or more material to explain to staff & guests the reason for removing shark fin from the wedding menu then please let me know. I assure you my patronage (and many others) will change should Disney act decisively over this sensitive issue.
Thank you for your attention, and I hope that you will take this correspondence in the constructive manner that it is intended.
With regards,
Charles Frew, MSc[Don Robinson is HK Disneyland group managing director – Martin]
Post edited by: Martin, at: 2005/05/24 22:27
There is a great spot on top of Sunset Peak (nevermind the hike up there) amongst all the old cattle sheds. Other spots you might consider are: Hoi Ha Wan and even Sham Chung. Great weather for it.
Jason,
Of course you are more than welcome…the weather usually dictates our filming schedule! Maybe whilst we are over on Lantau we can meet up. Merry Xmas from The Explore Wild Hong Kong Team.Due to the heavy surf etc most shells get smashed quite quickly. Better of looking in secluded bays if interested. If you wantto catch fish now is the time with the mackerel running – you need to head out to Ninepins, Po Toi etc where the current is running. Keep those lines tight.
