...Hello Hong Kong
Trip Start
Dec 30, 2007
1
6
28
Trip End
Jul 12, 2008
Hong Kong, China
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Hong Kong is a city. An obvious statement I know, but one that has to be made. We arrived suffering from severe jet lag, and having only seen 10 people in the past two weeks. We had been surrounded by open spaces, and the occasional lion or elephant, and were to be confronted by tarmac and concrete. In Africa planning the day was dependent on animal movements and the heat of the sun. In Hong Kong, everyone's in a hurry. To top it off, we came from the African sunshine, and it's winter here. To be fair, Hong Kong never had a chance.
Hong Kong is similar to London. Tiffany's sits next to Prada, Gucci and Yves St Laurent, everyone is incredibly well attired and sophisticated in their dress sense (Moi and I look like we've been sleeping in a tent for the last 2 weeks, which, obviously, we have been), the city is centered around it's financial district, Hong Kong Island (cue lots of men in a hurry)
another view from the peak - smoggy eh?
. However, personal space is an academic concept to some, and completely mythical to most, the tube is incredible (on time and air conditioned... Ken Livingstone, take note), the children and teenagers have tremendous respect for their elders (a massive cultural plus), and it is very very safe. We've been staying with Ellie, such a superstar, in her wonderful apartment in Kowloon. She's given us great local knowledge on what to see and where to go. We've done 'the peak', the avenue of stars, seen the lights at night (which rival New York and Las Vegas - stunning), we've walked around Kowloon (where Eastern culture meets Western influence, a fascinating mix) and haggled in the shops. But there's something missing.... and it's spelt A-F-R-I-C-A.We're missing Africa massively. We're craving hearing birdsong... any bird... just one would do. What we'd give to hear an elephant fart in close proximity, or scrape giraffe poo of our shoes. We're even missing checking ourselves for ticks and walking into spiderwebs. So today we went to the botanical gardens to see the animals and the birds. On seeing the 'Jaguar enclosure' (of the feline variety, not an XK8), we thought we'd feel better, but instead, it made us really emotional seeing the animal all cooped up and not running about in the wild. We had to make an abrupt exit before we drew too much attention to ourselves, while wailing 'but he should be freeeeeeee'. We sounded like we were murdering a Celine Dion record (although it probably would have been an improvement...)
So tomorrow? Singapore. Let's hope it looks a bit like Africa... xx
Comments
Onwards....
The world is a big place so hopefully you will both find a rival to Africa? Think it may be difficult though... At least you can appreciate the cold, rain, hustle and bustle that we continue to live in. Why do we??????? Helen xxx
A city is a city!!!!
Yep a city is a city and can relate to everything you are saying and I've not even been to Africa (yet)!!! Maybe when you reach the Aussie outback you'll feel differently :) So look forward to these blogs - it really does take us off to a different place (and start to really evaluate what we're doing!)
Woo!
Hey girlies! I finally managed to work out the login on this site so can keep in touch now, yeah! There have been so many things I've thought and wanted to tell you while you've been away, but by now it all seems a bit irrelevant. I've loved reading about your adventures and can't believe how much you've managed to squeeze in so far. I also love that you are in Hong Kong - I actually lived up on The Peak from the age of about 2 months until just before I was 5. I wish I could remember it! Take lots of pics for me xx Well I won't write too much now - stay safe, stay happy and keep up the good work. Thinking of you both lots xx PS. Chris's Rose still looks lovely and is very much alive despite the nasty weather we've had here. No flowers for a while though. Bring on the springtime, hey! Tons of love Sarah xx
Dear Jen & Moi
Hi girls! I feel the same way as I prepare to leave Africa to go home. I miss our early morning breakfasts, the smell, sights and sounds of the african bush and our shared dinners under the stars. It was great....we were very lucky, and it was a pleasure to meet you both.
Enjoy your day and I look forward to your news! Hug & Kiss. Jeff.
wide open spaces
hold on till you get to Oz... plenty of wide open space here ready and waiting... promise.
Hey Moi!
Looking a bit rosy in that there russian bar, had a few vodkas had we!!! Good to hear you two are still having fun, take care xxx