Send your imagination to infinity and beyond
Have you got your ticket to tomorrow's welcoming reception for the newest Chinese hero, Yang Liwei, and the team of mainland space scientists?
If you are one of the 40,000 people expected at the Hong Kong Stadium for the 90-minute evening show, don't fantasise about having any close encounters with the colonel. It will not be much different from watching a live TV broadcast.
But there are many other ways to celebrate the six-day visit of China's first astronaut. Some are as innovative as the idea of space travel half a century ago.
A four-day exhibition at the Science Museum features the Shenzhou V rocket's re-entry capsule, the landing parachute, Colonel Yang's spacesuit and other items. The spaceman himself will attend the opening tomorrow.
If you are planning to go at a later date to avoid crowds, bring along today's Young Post poster (featuring Colonel Yang). While you stroll around, take a look at the poster. Paint your own picture of China's first astronaut in full uniform with Hong Kong in the background - in your mind.
The Space Museum's exhibition traces the history of the mainland's manned space programme, and will include the Shenzhou V mission. Admission is free.
The Church of Christ In China Tam Lee Lai Fun Memorial Secondary School celebrated Colonel Yang's visit in a distinctive way. The school's four overseas delegations raised welcoming banners in Guangdong, Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul this week.
Pictures of the ceremonies were transmitted to the school's athletics meeting on Wednesday through the internet. Fourteen relays around the school ground symbolised Colonel Yang's 14 orbits of Earth.
It may not be worth waiting for the team at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. Colonel Yang's schedule is probably too tight to attend the flag-raising ceremony tomorrow, but he will go sightseeing on Sunday. Besides the Peak, where do you think he would like to visit?
Do not be disappointed if you are not selected for next week's student meeting with the colonel. Think about something fun. For example, how many people can cram into the tiny space capsule? Remember, space projects started with wild imagination.
