Hong Kong

which is where I have been spending some of time since my last post. If anyone reads my mymiyel blog, you will know it was because my grandad passed away so the whole family went over to attend the funeral. Very sad occasion, but being back in the city does make me remember why I love it so.

Hong Kong is a very unique place. I think it has two very different sides: one which tourists know and which it is famous for - the skyline, the harbour, the lights, Mong Kok, cheap shopping and tailors and throngs of people. Then there is the other side as seen by those who are not high-flying business folk and still call Hong Kong their home. This Hong Kong is not nearly as cosmopolitan and rich as the guide books would have you believe. But I enjoy both whenever I go back.

I am fortunate enough to have family and citizenship in HK which means that I can go back quite regularly and spend relatively little...theory goes anyway. I love that over there you can go out at 10pm and still go clothes shopping and be surrounded by families. Things are so cheap and there is so much different food available. Sushi is amazing!

Another thing I love about going back is the anonymity. It's nice to blend in sometimes and be part of the norm (I'm Chinese for those that don't know). Strange some might say, but I suppose it is something that people take for granted.

How HK looks in the guide books:
(photo from crunchgear.com)

How it usually looks (unless I'm just really bad at photography, but even without a camera it does look really hazy most of the time):

The famous Star Ferry:


Ladies Market:


Festival Walk, one of HK's many many malls: