The Star Ferry By Kei Ma
 

In the ever-changing Hong Kong, one thing seems to stand still, the Star Ferry. It had been serving Hong Kong for over 100 years. Overtime, at an undefined time, in a decision-less unconscious process, the Star Ferry became the symbol of Hong Kong. In an age before the cross-harbour tunnel, it was the primary means of connecting Hong Kong island with its mainland cousin Kowloon; an umbilical chord of life and commerce. Now however, like in its other transitions, the Ferry has become more of a tourist attraction more than the necessary mean of transportation that it once was. To me, the Star Ferry is an escape from of our agitated Hong Kong life. Disconnecting myself from the cubicles, the crowded streets and ever-present neon lights, on the Ferry I can be relaxed on the 5-minute journey. On it I can take a deep breath and cool my head with the blowing sea breeze. On board, I can forget about being squeezed inside the small compartment of subway train next to people that did not choose to have contact with me nor I with them. The Star Ferry is a relic that has been frozen in time. Everything around the harbour has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. The Ferry however, is still kept it the same way since the 1960’s.

Tao says that change is the only constant and changes are inevitable in Hong Kong. There are plans to tear down the pier and move it; a new pier is going to be built in its place. For many years, people in Hong Kong had gotten used to the changes. Changes have become a way of life here in Hong Kong. The Star Ferry cannot escape this fate. The pier is being renovated and will move to another place soon.
 
 
 
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