The happiest valley

This is Happy Valley racecourse. It's ironically named because during the colonial years it was more or less a malaria ridden swamp. The infected were taken here to die. As a result, hospices and sanitariums were founded here and it remains the home of many of Hong Kong's hospitals. This photo was taken inside the race track. On Wednesdays it's the place to be if you like horse racing, sweaty fisted gambling and exceptional drinking. The rest of the week it's precious green space, a kilometer running track, and pitches for football, rugby and hockey. We come every Tuesday - and the occasional Wednesday - for a beasting with the dragon boat team. There, in the corner, is one lovely beast.