2024 Favourite Pics → Capturing Language and Photos

Alright, it’s the end of one year and the beginning of another. It’s time to reflect on favourite memories from 2024. Tracy and I did a lot this year. Honestly, it’s been hard for me to limit myself. There are so many pictures that I’m proud of and want to share. You will find links to blogs that go into more detail but to start off with just enjoy the pictures. I have been doing this for several years now. Feel free to check out favourite pics from 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020.

A New Camera

In March of this year, I made the decision to go full frame. The camera you see on the left is my new Panasonic S1 (2019) and the one on the right is my old Panasonic GX85 (2016). Some of you might be saying but Ken that’s not new. It’s already 5 years old. True, but it shoots 6K and has 10 bit video and a very bright EVF. If you can live with Panasonic’s DFD auto focus, it offers a lot of bang for the buck. Here is my unboxing of the S1. It is a monster compared to my old one. The size and weight of it remind me a little bit of my Nikon D700. Of course, a lot of years have passed since the D700. Both cameras were underdogs when I bought them. To get the Canon equivalent of the S1 used, the R5, I would have had to spend an extra 5000 HKD at the time of purchase. Panasonic has a good selection of lens. But they tend to be more expensive than brands like Canon and Sony. One alternative to buying Panasonic lens to keep the price down is to buy manual lens from the film camera days. Here are two Nikon lens. I especially like the Nikon 50mm f1.4 lens. It offers a super shallow depth of field on both the M43 and the full frame cameras.

GamZhou, China

The next set of pictures comes from GamZhou, China. We got to go on a tour with Big Line in April. (picture 1) You can always spot Big Line tour guides by the flags they carry. In this picture, our guide is directing our attention towards the exhibit on the wall. (picture 2) One of the hotels we stayed in had this colorful wall hanging. It still stands out to me for its random design, depth and colorful nature. Many times it feels like our lives are like this. Still in the midst of our chaos God offers rainbows. It’s a little bit rainbow like. There are lots of places to visit in GamZhou. Our guide took us through this park area. (picture 3) This picture mixes the past with the present. In the foreground, there is a statue to honor a famous person. In the background to the left, there is a young lady with long black hair. She is wearing a long pink skirt. I think it is fitting that the skirt is long as tradition would have it this way. Maybe it’s also fitting that we don’t see her face. Her pink skirt seems to represent some contrast to the old dead and greenish gray statue. There is sense of vibrence and life. (Picture 4) The suspended glass bridge was one of the selling points for this trip that caught our attention. Big Line goes out of there way, to provide their customers with a good experience – nice accommodations, a well thought out itinerary, and of course delicious food are included. If you would like to see more from GamZhou, click here.

TinLiu Village

As nice as it is to get out of Hong Kong and travel around. Let’s not forget that there are many note worthy pictures waiting to be taken all around us. I shot this picture right at home, from our balcony. If Thomas Kinkade came to Hong Kong, I think he might paint something that looks like this. Hong Kong is known for being crowded. Deciding Where to Live in Hong Kong isn’t easy. I feel privileged to live in the countryside. Unlike a lot of other villages here in Hong Kong, there is actually space for us to enjoy nature. However, our area is changing. The City is Taking Over the Countryside.

Construction at sunset taken from our balcony

Island Road

Island road sounds inviting, right? I shot this picture right in the summer time right next to Repulse Bay beach? It stands out. First off there is the title, Island Road. Second there is the perspective, looking up. Third, I purposefully overexposed this a bit. It’s supposed to feel bright. I guess if I were to throw in a fourth unique element it would be the scribbling that someone did near the left side of the sign.

Tin Hau Luminous Eggs

Want to attract some attention? Why not make huge luminous eggs and invite everyone to come see them. That’s what Hong Kong did back in May of 2024 – Luminous Eggs and it was free for those who booked their visits to come and enjoy. I loved the colors and different sizes also added interest.

The waterfront

Summer Camp

TWGH’s English Summer Camps remain one of the highlights of the year for me. Yes, it helps that the students can communicate pretty well in English, but that’s only a part of the reason. At summer camp everyone is new. We don’t know each other. We all start at ground zero. At my school, church and so many other familiar places it feels like people have formed labels of themselves and others that keep them from actually getting to know new people. If you teach as NET here in Hong Kong, this might resonate with you. You might appreciate this article – Choosing What to Care About. Another aspect that I really appreciate about the camps is it feels like many of the students have a broader perspective on life. They seem more self aware. No, I don’t think learning English necessarily brings self awareness, but learning in general, generally has the effect of making us more aware and I would also say more humble.

Wong Fung Ling College

Thankfully we do break out of our boxes and have fun. Here are some pictures from one of our activity days.

Our vise principle chatting with some alumni

The Yuen Long Vine

The Yuen Long Vine is different than the Hong Kong churches I have been to. Yes, being Spirit Filled makes it different, but The Wan Chai Vine is also Spirit Filled. Yes, it is English speaking, but so is Island ECC and others. The Yuen Long Vine is not only English, it is also Cantonese. There are a number of locals that come. Another thing I like about is that once a week we have bring your own lunch Sunday. People actually stay after service and chat with each other in both English and Cantonese. It’s a pretty refreshing combination. On this particular Sunday we went out to a beach for baptisms.

China

On the second day of Chinese New Year we went to Silver Crystal Beach Resort with Big Line. It was nice. Here are some of the highlight pictures. I recommend Big Line. How much money will you save with them? Well, that depends on when you go and what you are comparing to. They plan a lot of their trips around holidays to attract more people, but they are a Cantonese based tour service. More people means more money for companies and cheaper prices for customers. Check out Yes, It is Crowded But It Could Be The Best Option.

Maesot, Thailand

We also visited a refugee camp in Thailand. Here are some highlight pictures. Want to see more check out the blog – An Insiders Look at a Thai Refugee Camp.