Even before I arrived in Malaysia, I knew I wanted to visit Hong Kong. So when my old University friend, Brian, invited me to stay at his place I jumped at the chance. If I had to describe Hong Kong in a single phrase it would probably be, Organized Chaos. In many ways it is the perfect Asian Metropolis, bridging its Historical past with the Unknown future in a mix that often caught me by complete surprise. I stayed there for an intense rain soaked week where I found myself walking the many winding roads that cut through towering corporate skyscrapers and even taller residential towers. Having finally managed to sift through all the photos, I’ll be posting the images and videos through the rest of the week together with my journal. But first let me regale you with stories of my visit to HK…
As soon as I was off the flight and on the train headed to HK Island, the density of the buildings immediately took me by surprise. As my friend put it, the towers were built in such large quantities that they had the affect of Venetian Screens hiding another part of the city behind them. Brian effectively lived in the suburbs of HK Island, away from the hustle and bustle of the main CBD. However, this was still a HK suburb, so it was still high rises – just much more spacious rooms.
After dropping off my bags, we headed out to another district to the south of the Island called, Stanley. Famous for its still functioning Maximum-security prison, Stanley was a picturesque bay with European style al-fresco dining and outdoor markets. The Island’s British past was in full swing here, as we walked through several pubs and restaurants.
That evening, we headed to catch the view from the ICC (The tallest Tower in HK), which was located on the mainland district of Kowloon. The view, when it had stopped raining, was phenomenal. Giving a great vantage point to look out onto HK Island and the harbour.
The next day we headed out to meet some friends and to have lunch in another swanky part of HK Island, before leaving to head up north to the Mainland. At the northern part of HK, in the New Territories district that bordered China, we stopped to see a Wetland Park. It was here that I managed to catch a glimpse of China from across the bay and experience a tranquil part of HK that I would not have been able to witness, had I come alone.
That night, I was treated to some local HK food at the Hawker Centre and got a taste of the chaotic side that until now, I was shielded from. I had planned for the next two days to be spent in Macau, which worked well for my friend as he was rushing for a deadline. And so, just like that, my first weekend in HK was over.
