April, 2001
On this journey to South East Asia the first stop from Anchorage Alaska, is Hong Kong. A bustling city of six million people busily going about their business of living. On any given day there are 8 million people in Hong Kong, with an additional 2 million coming in to work from the adjoining territories and mainland China.
This journey was made before Hong Kong became part of China.
It's amazing to note that the moment you land in Hong Kong you feel quite at home, especially if you are traveling from North America. Virtually nothing appears to have changed.
Hong Kong boasts one of the finest airports in Asia, which is user friendly and managed by a team of young people who are helpful and move swiftly to control the traffic. Communication is in English, which makes it easier for the incoming traveller. The airport is built in the middle of the sea, on reclaimed land and expansion is taking place for further reclamation by filling the Bay. This has been questioned by many environmentalists, but was put to rest simply in the name of progress.
As soon as you step out of the airport you will find clean taxis in attractive colors, ready and waiting to take you to your destination, at very reasonable rates. Taxi owners are knowledgeable, polite and helpful in getting you to your intended place of abode.
Hotel accommodation can be considered somewhat high priced. The medium priced rooms are very small in size, and it is not uncommon to find bath tubs which are exactly half the size of the one back home. Other accommodations, such as hostels, guest houses and private homes are available. Space is at premium all over the island which is full of apartment buildings, some of which do not exceed the total area of 300 square feet. A word of caution.... it is advisable to look after the accommodation aspect of tour before the beginning of the journey. That should be the norm in most of South East Asia, excluding Indonesia.
Since Hong Kong's economy is capitalistic in its all virtues and vices, the Tourist traffic is considered good because it is a foreign exchange earner. Well oiled and organized tours to the many places of interest are available for sightseeing. It may be more exciting to visit some of the outlying areas and islands . A visit to the mainland should also be considered, provided one has had a chance to acquirie a visa before departure. If not, all is not lost, you will find that visiting the border is just as interesting and fascinating.
Means of transportation are quite widely spread over the island. Underground trains cover a lot of area especially in kowloon . Ferries join the islands separated by the ocean. A network of buses link up the far points on the land. Fares are affordable and hence this moves people around quickly and efficiently.
The economy is vibrant, mainly trading in secondary commodities. It may not have any major industries but certainly boasts of active trading on the stock market. Ups and downs in the stock exchange activities may send tremors across the world economies. It serves as one of the largest capital markets in the world. This has afforded people a reasonable standard of living. 'Free enterprise' is the corner stone of the island's economy, and is almost an antithesis of the mainland economy, although Britian's intended to establish a model for China to follow, which is now debatable.
Certain is the freedoms that the people enjoy in day to day life. Taxes are low and flat, employment is at a full level and the luxury of shopping is incredible. Bargaining is not very popular. Prices listed by the Discount stores selling electronic goods are higher than one would expect. But then again, what counts is the tourists' impression, and that is the perception that things are cheap in Hong Kong.
International cuisine is available, but Chinese food in all its tastes and preparations, is predominant and well established. People enjoy going out to eat, sit around the table, order selected foods and socialize in spacious and ornate surroundings with their families. It is wonderful to observe that the main purpose for being in an eating place is to socialize while eating a bowl of soup or sipping a cup of tea. Waiters are ready with fast service while the patrons take their time to enjoy the meal. Of special interest is the cooking which is done in the store fronts, and streets while people enjoy watching and eating.
The spoken language is Chinese, the exception being in areas frequented by Tourists. People are polite and helpful, but generally do not like to involve themselves in visitors' affairs.
If you ever visit Hong Kong tell us of your impression. It could be different, but basics hardly change.
Our next stop: Bali, Indonesia.............
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