Weather Observation Course by Hong Kong Observatory - Lesson 2

Some weather information, such as temperature is not possible to be observed by our eyes. Thus, meteorological instruments are required.

This is thermometer shed. The open design allows better air circulation and can lead to more accurate temperature measurement in the air. The slanting roof prevents sunlight to affect the temperature inside the shed. This shed is a major source of our daily weather information.



Thermometer screen box is another instrument to measure temperature. Yet, the thermometer shed is better because of better air circulation.


This small bucket collects raindrop if any. With a cylinder, we can know rainfall information in Hong Kong. The instrument is called ordinary raingauge.


For heavy rain, more accurate information is needed. Show time for this drop counting rainfall recorder.


Apart from understanding the instruments, students also learnt about weather report and weather related proverbs. The former is very useful because we can now decode a lot of information from a simple symbol. The latter is more of fun. But it's good to know different season or geographical location may affect the accuracy of the proverbs.

The course combines only 2 lessons. Nevetherless, it's a serious course. We had lots of notes, including a CD version. We had a weather observation exercise to pracise what we had learnt in lesson 1. We had class graduation photos. The most important point is we are awarded a certificate. It really suprised me.

Moreover, we have a pen and a keyring. The yellow figure is Break representing Lightening in the "Weather Family" cartoon. Other members can be found at here.


Lastly, thanks for all earnest instructors' effort.

Weather Observation Course by Hong Kong Observatory - Lesson 1

Weather Observation Course
Organizer: Hong Kong Observatory
Date: Oct 11 and 25, 2008
Venue: Hong Kong Observatory Headquarter (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong)

The 1883 Building is a heritage which was built in 1883. Now, it serves as the main office for the government department.


Practice is the best way of learning how to observe weather. This fish scale like clouds are altocumulus, Ac in short (高積雲). A member of middle cloud (中雲族) with a bottom height between 8,000 - 15,000 feet. Weather is usually good if only they are in sky alone.

Another practice is visibility. It's measured by distance between the farthest and visibly clear object from the standpoint. This information is useful for all types of transport.


Satellites for collecting weather information from observatories of other countries / cities. They are located on the roof of another building at the headquarter.



HK typhoon warnig signals displayed in the exhibition hall. Signal 8 is probably the most welcome by the majoriy of workforce / students as they can have day off.


Damage by the nature.


Meteorological instruments are also availiable in the exhibition hall.

Luxurious Dubai - Lunch at The Four Seasons Golf Resort, Dubai

The Four Seasons Golf Resort is considered as one of the top 10 golf clubs in Dubai. Though I am not a golf-player, I do enjoy the greenery of the 18-hole golf course, especially it's built on a dessert.


































In addition, it's restaurant is very appealing as well. First it comes with elegant yet chic interior design,



and tableware, such as this pair of horns.

















More importantly, it provides outstanding food, such as this fillet steak which I still remember its tenderness.






















Not sure why it followed up with a few dessert dishes. Luckily, all of them are delicious.

The first representative is passion fruit cheesecake, then the chocolate mousse at the bottom and ends with petit four. 

Luxurious Dubai - Gold Souk and Spice Souk

Both Gold Souk and Spice Souk are traditional markets in Dubai which are interesting to visit.

The gold jewelry making skill in Middle East is truly spectacular as the people cherish gold so much. Yet, note that the gold is karat gold rather than solid gold.

















Hundreds of jewel stores at your choice.
















 
Despite of the dominance of gold, jewelry made in other materials is also available.

















Spice Souk is on the other side where you can find numerous types of spices or herbs. Ask a local expert to check out which types can meet your needs.

















Provided that there are numbers of tourists visit the market every day, why not sell some Arabic souvenirs, say hookah instead of joining the highly competitive gold and spice markets.

Luxurious Dubai - Abra (Water Taxi)

Tourist: Why so many people? What's happening?
Local: Don't you know it is a taxi stand?
Tourist: How can a taxi drive in water?
Local: Abra or water taxi can sail on the water.
















 

A water taxi on the way to the gold souk.


















Boat has played a key role in transportation  since the ancient time.

Luxurious Dubai - Play with Sand in Desert Safari

Dubai is a desert city. To experience its local natural landscape, one way is to visit Desert Safari.

Firstly, a 4x4 car team picked up us from the hotel we stayed.

















Here we were. We tried dune driving on 4x4. The up and down sand slopes made the drive as exciting as roller-coaster. The driver could adjust the excitement upon request.

















How about to take a rest and appreciate the desert after 20-min dune driving?


Had a cold rink at a desert camp would be better.

















Want to check out more about desert activities? You can try sand skiing.

















Or camel riding.

Luxurious Dubai - Bait Al Naboodah (The house of Al Naboodah)

The Al Naboodah House was established by a renowned pearl merchant and had been home for his children and grandchildren. The house is built in traditional Gulf shape. Now, this historical building is transformed to a museum showcasing the life and the culture of Middle East.


The Exterior of this 2-story building is full of Arabic elements.
 












There are 16 rooms in the building.















This design probably help to improve the air circulation inside the building.



















Private boat for traveling around? Yet, it seems too small.

Luxurious Dubai - Exotic Madinant Jumeirah

Madinant Jumeirah housed several hotels on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. With traditional Arabian settings, visitors can experience more about the unique culture.

Mina A' Salam, a grand boutique hotel according to the official website.


















It would be wonderful to have a function in this cosy area.

















A guest room in the hotel. It's more interesting to stay at a place with a touch of local culture rather those with standard settings.



Walk in the water of Arabic Gulf, a natural way to cool down the heat and appreciate the beautiful scene around.

















Al Qasr, another hotel at Madinant Jumeirah which replicates the traditional royal architecture.

A handsome horse statute. Horse had a prominent role as a transportation device in the past.

Fantastic mosaic art represents part of the traditional Arabic culture.