HK News and views
Published by jakeallen June 15th, 2006 in Hong Kong 2006, travel, Jake's Musings, Cultural Commentary
The above view is from my hotel. I got turn-down service. Very Nice.
I went to Victoria Peak, but it turned out a bad day to do that, because there was cloud cover. By cloud cover, I mean that there was a cloud all over the mountain.
The good part, however, is that I got to go through the jungle on the mountain in true fog.
Jackie Chan says hello:
I visited a McDonalds:
After the Peak, I went back to Central, then to Admirality. I visited Hong Kong Park, and wanted to go to the Aviary, but it was closed. The park was cool (pics later). I went down to the Harbour, and to the ferry across (pics later). I took the Tsim Sha Tsui ferry, rather than the usual Star Ferry. Pics later. I walked along the lower peninsula, visiting various malls/sights there.
I saw some famous stuff that I am too lazy to look up right now. I went to the New World Centre and the Sheraton Hotel Shopping Centre.
But you must be very careful in Hong Kong. Do not get Bird Flu or Dengue Fever, or fall down.
There are giant TVs everywhere. The second one above is in the weird mall next to my hotel.
In many ways, Hong Kong is easier to traverse than European or American cities. The MTR, or subway system, is very good, and the “Mind the Gap” warning is very familiar from another Tube. Everything has gone great.
The newspaper I read (South China Morning Post) can’t seem to make up its mind about the Bush aministration. It likes Karl Rove, slams Bush, but has flattering photographs of both. It seems more critical of the Blair cabinet.
While I was on the harbor, two American kids (there were more caucasians at tourist spots, of course) were complaining about almost everything. One of them said, “Hong Kong would be a lot better without all these f***ing Chinese people!” Exact quote. I considered kicking him into the harbor, but not wanting to go to jail in China, I continued on my way in silent shame. Should I even say the obvious? Madness!
Except for the above incident, and a few pushy salesmen of Indian descent (not too bad), things have been great since arriving in Hong Kong. Customs wasn’t even all that bad, considering. I have not seen any soldiers in the familiar Beijing uniforms since the airport. I wish I had a picture of them, but wasn’t going to snap any before I got into the country!!! Police stand around in crowded areas, but things are pretty clean and safe-looking. This is especially true if you consider the population density.
I’m about to eat in the hotel restaurant. I made an effort to wear myself out, so that I could sleep better tonight.
Cheers!
