The Growth of Wings: Hong Kong

A combination of deep Chinese traditions, new age technologies, millions of hustling and bustling people and soaring towers, Hong Kong is an eccentric and lively city. The city is indeed an island located to the south of mainland China, surrounded by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea and consisting of many districts both within the city itself and smaller surrounding islands. After being colonized by the British first then occupied by the Japanese, China regained sovereignty thereby deeming the island "China's first Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China", giving it political independence from China ("one country, two systems"). This passing back and forth between ruling countries created a unique infusion of cultures and ideals making this where East meets West!

View of skyline from across Victoria Harbor.

It was perplexing to arrive from Bangkok to Hong Kong, step off the plane and be cold. With four seasons in a humid subtropical climate, the transition from winter to spring can sometimes be nasty. A cold front with wind moves in from the north bringing with it brisk winds, low, dense fog and rain. This apparently is one of the coldest transition periods that people can remember with fog so low even the skyline view was hidden in the thick moisture. Never before has Canadian blood flowed so thinly, literally unable to recall what real winters are like with all that snow and wind! Apparently cool temperatures of 17 degrees can feel much colder when compared with the typical daily temperatures in Krabi ranging in the balmy 30-36 degrees! Finally after some preparation and layering of clothes, the distinct districts of the city were ready to be explored.

The ease at which these districts can be reached is unsurpassed by other Asian cities traveled thus far. The density of the land forced a well-planned subway system which now covers nearly the entire island. It is estimated that 90% of the population utilizes this efficient public transport as it travels above land and under the harbor. Yes, the subway goes under the Victoria Harbor creating a smooth but noticeable pressure change as you coast in and out from underwater! From Kowloon to Causeway to Central to Lantau, Hong Kong is brimming with skyscrapers, shopping malls, dim sum (traditional Chinese food), people and culture unlike anywhere else in the world.

Causeway Bay

The most popular night life in Central.

Lantau Island

One particular island district is Lantau which is the largest island belonging to Hong Kong. On Lantau it is possible to take a 5.7 km cable car ride to Ngong Ping Village, located atop a mountain after a 25 minute ride gliding through the sky. The weather may have hindered the views in some sense but it also covered the landscape with a mystical, dense feeling. Atop this mountain rests Tian Tin Buddha Statue which at 34 m tall was the world's largest seated outdoor Buddha until 2007. Sitting atop three layers as well as a lotus flower, this Buddha statue overlooks the entirety of Hong Kong and offers a tranquil place to spend an afternoon.

A visit to Macau, Asia's "Las Vegas" was also made on this trip. You got it; casinos, massive resorts, dancing water shows, flashing lights, all just a short ferry from from Hong Kong. It was quite the experience having been in Vegas before and seeing the similarities. Alas, what an adventure!