A city laden with rich cultural contrasts, a fascinating history, and an international flair that can be rivaled by only a few cities worldwide..... this is Hong Kong. It's one of the easiest places to get around and had more variety in terms of people, cuisine, and culture than other Asian city we've experienced.
Each metropolis has its own personality, its own customs, its own eccentricities. Hong Kong's were all intriguing, teasing our curiosities to look a little further, take one more photo, look out over the bay a bit longer... and soak up all that this beautiful city embodies.
The highlights of our trip were the view and experience of visiting Victoria Peak. We took the old school, original tram up the steep mountains to the top. The view is absolutely stunning. Arriving to the vista in the early afternoon is key to enjoying both the day and breathtaking night views. Another highlight was the Hong Kong Museum of History. Fantastic. We also stumbled upon a beautiful old church that happened to be having a service, so we popped in.
We were in Hong Kong just before two big events: the Chinese New Year and the United States presidential inauguration. Chatting with store owners and local business people from all over the world, the buzz was very much about the economy, the inauguration, and how the new year decorations were much more discreet this year since money everywhere is tight. And despite everyone saying the holiday wasn't as elaborate as it usually is, it was still ridiculously festive and tastefully done for the most part. Reds and golds, lanterns, paper decorations, lucky money envelopes, and kumquat bushes everywhere with red ribbons reminding you of the celebrations.
Shopping in Hong Kong was among the best in Asia. They have created an environment that fosters business with low taxes and as a shopper you get the benefits of no sales or import taxes. There was an interesting juxtaposition between the western style business districts and the traditional crowded Chinese street markets. Both are cool. Totally different.
Since it's a business center of the world, there is a lot of evidence of wealth. And with that comes need and desire for more high end design. Annie was in heaven. Some of the world's premier architects and designers have influenced the city's image and put their mark on life in Hong Kong. It's beautiful. Hong Kong is different than most cities over here in that they have had a history of embracing and merging different ways of thinking and doing life. And the genius of that is that the best of both cultures has survived. Their government is much more stable and people-centered than that of China. The British influence is evident in the freedoms that people enjoy there, and the city planning that makes for a beautiful urban area sprinkled with parks and fountains, tons of places to sit and enjoy a nice day. But it also has maintained the charm of old China with its festivals, it's polite customs, and hospitality. Very cool place, we loved it!
