Duddell street stairs and gas lamps

[Ernstblofeld]

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Hello everybody,

 

I did not post anything for the past 9 months after a serious ski injury. I am still on crutches but at least I can take photos now!

This is a photo of granite stairs built at the end of 19th century with two gas lamps (there are two others at the foot of the stairs). They are the only gas lamps in Hong Kong. Before WWII they worked on kerosene and needed to be refuelled and lighted manually. After the war they were connected to the city gas pipe but were lighted (and extinguished) manually every day. Since 1967 they are the only gas operated lamps in Hong Kong, kept as a historical monument. An automatic switch has been installed.

Many thanks for your comments.

Ernstblofeld

[stuny]

Welcome back and I hope you continue to recover quickly. This is a lovely shot which reminds me of the town in which I grew up. There were gas street lamps with clock timers to turn on and off the gas throughout the town. One man would ride his bicyle around a set route all week to rewind the eight-day clocks. He would carry a shot step ladder with him to reach the clock mechanism.

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[pauledell]

I echo Stuart's remarks about your recovery and hope you continue to improve. An excellent picture and narrative.

 

Paul

[Ernstblofeld]

Stuart and Paul,

 

Thanks for your comments and wishes. I hope I'll be able to walk (limp?) without crutches end of december exactly one year after the accident. I'll be at the same spot where it happened (Lech, Austria) but certainly won't be skiing!

 

Cheers

Ernstblofeld

[Ivan Muller]

What!!! and you use being on crutches as an excuse not to take photographs?

 

Just joking....

 

I don't know what it is but there is something about this image.......that I like a lot......

[Ernstblofeld]

Thanks Ivan for your interest.

 

I'll post an x-ray of my leg soon (photo taken with a Leica). You'll understand my achievement!

 

Ernsblofeld