Hong Kong

Hong Kong was tossed into the trip almost as way point rather than a destination. Anthony had been there before and loves the city so he was willing to return, and I didn’t really have any unique interest, but was up to visit.  So we hopped on an overnight train and nearly 24 hours later, we were in Hong Kong.

Darin in his Bunk on the Overnight Train to HK

Trying to Walk Through the Cars; One of the Many Looks Anthony Got For His Mohawk

In no time, I started to like the city as well. There is something familiar about Hong Kong, which probably has something to do with the 130 years of British rule. Because of this, there is less of a language barrier and it makes traveling that much easier. I would guess that around one third of the menus are written in both English and Chinese, with almost all expensive restaurants having both languages. The cross walks have beeping noises, subways remind you to "mind the gap", and double decked buses swarm the streets. Although the city has over 7 million inhabitants it never felt that crowded.

Tall, Skinny Trolleys of Hong Kong

There is a good big city/small city balance that seems to have been struck. Also, the people of Hong Kong are friendly, polite, and considerate. It could have been because we had just come from mainland China where there exists a different set of social norms to Hong Kong but it seemed to have a much more laid back feel.

Overlooking the Hong Kong Skyline from Victoria's Peak

One day as Anthony was resting from traveling, or resting from me, I went out and explored Hong Kong. I visited a park called Nan Lian Garden in the center of the city. The garden is located next to Diamond Hill subway stop and is surrounded by a shopping complex, schools, and some high rise apartment buildings. Outside the garden you can feel the full force of modern Hong Kong, but inside is an oasis. The garden is one of the meticulously maintained gardens that I have ever seen, so much so that many of the plants look plastic. While walking around the inside of the garden you can't hear the traffic and no one is in a rush to get by, the air almost feels cleaner. The juxtaposition of the calm garden against the big city is as bright as the sun and I tried to capture that contrast in these photos.

Shopping, Hong Kong Style

Shopping is one of the biggest attractions of Hong Kong. When Anthony posted on Facebook that we would be visiting the city, most of the comments included "I just love the shopping in Hong Kong". Even though neither of us are big shoppers we went out and explored this highly diverse shopping. Like most big cities, Hong Kong has all the big name luxury brands: Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Coach, and whole host of stores with names I could not pronounce and store fronts too expensive for me to walk into. It also offers Chinese made shirts for a few dollars and Louis Vuitton (or Luis Vitton) for a few dollars as well.  You can get a good quality tailored suit for only 100 USD. Not needing suits, and having only one set of clothes to wear since we were having our laundry being washed, we ended up in what we think to be a local Hong Kong brand store, Samuel & Kevin.  There, we bought two shirts, a belt, and six pairs of underwear for 425 Hong Kong dollars (55USD). Hardly a bargain but we look great!

Showing off our Snazzy New Outfits at "Dialogue In The Dark"

Dialogue in the Dark

Speaking of "Dialogue in the Dark," its not the best place to show off cloths because the entire exhibit is in complete darkness. Coming highly recommended on Tripadvisor and Wikitravel for activities in Hong Kong I booked us an English tour and we set off. Dialogue in the Dark has nothing to do with Hong Kong per se, since there are exhibitions all over the world.  It's an exhibit/activity that helps you understand, through experience, what it is like to be blind. You are given sticks and explained how to properly maneuver them side to side and then led into complete darkness where you meet your tour guide. Our guide walked us through different recreated urban environments and would ask us questions like, "When can we cross the street?" and "Are there any men's adult magazines on the newsrack?" At the end of the tour, still in the dark, we ordered some drinks, sat down and talked with our guide who informed us that she is in fact blind. Paying for drinks in the dark in Hong Kong is easy because all the bills are different sizes and have various textures that are easly recognizable. I asked our guide if it is hard to tell the money apart in the United States and she responded that its hard because to her they all feel the same, so she separates the bills in her purse and places different denominations in different parts of her purse. 

This was a wonderful experience that we both recommend. It not only helps you understand some of the daily challenges of being blind but it provides a new way on "seeing" the world. On our trip we are constantly running around when sightseeing and to look at one building or another. This exhibit reminded us to listen, taste, touch, and smell the sites as well.