janvier 2019

Version Française The history of Hong Kong has for centuries been linked to that of piracy. Indeed, the proximity of the Pearl River and trade along the coasts of southern China combined with the many bays and islands which offer natural shelters and hideouts for pirates, have favored its growth. It reached a peak rather recently, however, with the emergence of some exceptional and colorful characters, probably due to the the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English merchants in the region, which has further increased the... [Lire la suite]

Version Française  The old Star Ferry offers a travel option favoured by over 70,000 people who cross Hong Kong Victoria Harbour every day. Yet very few people know its actual story. Before the first tunnel was built, it was the only way to cross the two kilometers (today barely one) of the "Fragrant Harbour". Joseph Kessel, the French reporter and novelist who visited Hong Kong in 1955, was particularly touched by the charm of the old ferry which took some of the passengers who had landed in Kai Tak Airport or were staying... [Lire la suite]

English version L’histoire de Hong Kong est depuis des siècles liée à celle de la piraterie. En effet depuis toujours, la proximité de la Rivière des Perles et des échanges commerciaux le long des côtes du Sud de la Chine combinée aux nombreuses baies et îles constituant des abris naturels et cachettes pour les pirates, ont favorisé son essor. Son apogée est, somme toute, assez récente avec l’émergence de personnages aussi exceptionnels que hauts en couleurs, sans doute dû au fait que les présences portugaise, hollandaise puis... [Lire la suite]