Bun Derrick Tower
Talk on Cheung Chau is focused on the government monstrosity designed to usher in the return of the traditional Bun Festival climb.
Some have described it as looking like a Long March rocket. Being from Alberta, I think it looks like a drilling derrick.
Even with the outer layer of bamboo covering the steel framework, it lacks the grace of the conical towers constructed by Chan Lam, Cheung Chau's octogenarian bun tower expert.
I spoke with Mr. Chan while he was working on one of the smaller towers and complimented him on his handiwork, I also informed him the government version was ugly. He smiled and nodded in agreement.
It's a shame bureaucrats have appropriated and sterilised this event. Mr. Chan's towers are as strong as steel; with proper foundations, they'd do the job and recapture the feel of the custom with great fanfare. All climbers would have to do is sign waivers.
The government tower is an insult to Mr. Chan and all Cheung Chau residents.
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