The International Finance Centre was completed and became operational in the year 2003. However, it is still the epicenter of all talks related to international business and investment. It has become one of the landmarks of the Hong King Islands that are known worldwide.It is situated in the midst of a jungle of skyscrapers that have dominated every corner of the island. It seems to command a sense of respect from all those tall buildings. It is one of the most gruesome battle sites in the recent history of international corporations. At the time of writing this, the International Finance Centre is the 8th tallest office building in the entire world. It is often compared to the former World Trade Center in New York. It is a symbol of strength and potential of the new and emerging Asian markets.The tallest building in Hong Kong, it also has an international symbol of prestige for companies that have their offices in it. It stands out from the crowd and is one of the most recognized modern structures in entire Asia, outside the continent. To the modern world, the International Finance Centre is what the Great Wall used to be to China, a few centuries ago.The IFC is divided into two main buildings. They are called Tower One and Tower Two. Tower One is known for its signature shopping mall, while the other for its 88 storey’s.Tower One was completed and started prior to the second one going operational. It has around 40 floors and is no less magnificent than its taller counterpart. It is divided into 4 zones, and is built up on a total area of approximately 800,000 square feet. More than 5,000 people can occupy the building at an instance.The International Finance Centre was developed under a joint venture of Sun Hung Kai Properties and MTR Corporation. The IFC was created with the aim of exhibiting the financial prowess of Asia to the rest of the world. It is strategically placed; very close to the airport, to make it better accessible for international business tycoons.Tower Two of the IFC is as appealing as it is magnificent. It is the tallest feature of the complex and was designed by the world renowned architect Cesar Pelli. It was completed only in 2003; years after Tower One became operational. It has 88 floors, as the number 88 is considered to be very lucky in Chinese mythology.However, it is interesting to note that Tower Two does not have exactly 88 floors. This is due to some other superstitions in the local culture. A number of floors have been omitted while numbering. This is because many numbers, such as 14 and 24 are considered taboo, because they sound very much like some expressions related to death.The Tower Two of the International Finance Centre is known for its excellent and modern telecommunications facilities. A number of floors have been reserved for the use of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The floors of the building are designed in such an amazing manner that the columns are not visible at all. This tower is designed to accommodate three times more people than its counterpart. Together, both the towers can accommodate 20,000 people at one go.
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Shoe Repairs And Several Other Things When I Was 7
Shoe Repairs And Several Other Things When I Was 7
My Dad repaired most of our shoes believe it or not, I can hardly believe it myself now. With 7 pairs of shoes always needing repairs I think he was quite clever to learn how to “Keep us in shoe Leather” to coin a phrase!
He bought several different sizes of cast iron cobbler’s “lasts”. Last, the old English “Laest” meaning footprint. Lasts were holding devices shaped like a human foot. I have no idea where he would have bought the shoe leather. Only that it was a beautiful creamy, shiny colour and the smell was lovely.
But I do remember our shoes turned upside down on and fitted into these lasts, my Dad cutting the leather around the shape of the shoe, and then hammering nails, into the leather shape. Sometimes we’d feel one or 2 of those nails poking through the insides of our shoes, but our dad always fixed it.
Hiking and Swimming Galas
Dad was a very outdoorsy type, unlike my mother, who was probably too busy indoors. She also enjoyed the peace and quiet when he took us off for the day!
Anyway, he often took us hiking in the mountains where we’d have a picnic of sandwiches and flasks of tea. And more often than not we went by steam train.
We loved poking our heads out of the window until our eyes hurt like mad from a blast of soot blowing back from the engine. But sore, bloodshot eyes never dampened our enthusiasm.
Dad was an avid swimmer and water polo player, and he used to take us to swimming galas, as they were called back then. He often took part in these galas. And again we always travelled by steam train.
Rowing Over To Ireland’s Eye
That’s what we did back then, we had to go by rowboat, the only way to get to Ireland’s eye, which is 15 minutes from mainland Howth. From there we could see Malahide, Lambay Island and Howth Head of course. These days you can take a Round Trip Cruise on a small cruise ship!
But we thoroughly enjoyed rowing and once there we couldn’t wait to climb the rocks, and have a swim. We picnicked and watched the friendly seals doing their thing and showing off.
Not to mention all kinds of birdlife including the Puffin.The Martello Tower was also interesting but a bit dangerous to attempt entering. I’m getting lost in the past as I write, and have to drag myself back to the present.
Fun Outings with The camera Club
Dad was also a very keen amateur photographer, and was a member of a camera Club. There were many Sunday photography outings and along with us came other kids of the members of the club.
And we always had great fun while the adults busied themselves taking photos of everything and anything, it seemed to us. Dad was so serious about his photography that he set up a dark room where he developed and printed his photographs.
All black and white at the time. He and his camera club entered many of their favourites in exhibitions throughout Europe. I’m quite proud to say that many cups and medals were won by Dad. They have been shared amongst all his grandchildren which I find quite special.
He liked taking portraits of us kids too, mostly when we were in a state of untidiness, usually during play. Dad always preferred the natural look of messy hair and clothes in the photos of his children.