ENG-1969 — Page 48

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berdeen the very name must be high on anyone's list of the intriguing contrasts with which Hong Kong abounds. However, this former haunt of China Sea pirates was named, not for the staid Scottish city but for a British Peer, Lord Aberdeen, who was Foreign Secretary during the early days of the Colony. The Chinese name for the original village on the site was (and is still) Heung Kong Tsai, which translates roughly as 'fragrant small harbour'; and it is this village which gave Hong Kong its name. Historians still argue about whether the name refers to the incense makers who used to inhabit the area or to the fact that ships used to call there to stock up on fresh water from its clear streams. But whatever the truth, one thing certain is that Aberdeen, while retaining much of its original character, has progressed a long way since then. It is still the home of the hardy and independent boat people; and their unique way of life (though increasing numbers are now choosing to live ashore) helps make Aberdeen one of Hong Kong's leading tourist attrac- tions. The huge floating restaurants moored among the sam- pans and junks (see picture previous page) are also a magnet for visitors. Lately, however, Aberdeen's traditional outlines have been changing. Modern housing developments and factories are springing up beside the old street markets and temples in a unique blend of old and new that could only happen in Hong Kong.