Many years ago, Hong Kong was often referred to as the “Crown Colony.” It was a a colony of the United Kingdom for almost 150 years, beginning with the British occupation in 1841. This colonial period saw Hong Kong’s progress in its economic and political systems.
The British monarch was its head of state until the transfer of sovereignty back to the People’s Republic of China in 1997, when it became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China.
But the name “Hong Kong” is the anglicized version of the Cantonese “Heung Gong,” which means “Fragrant Harbor.” It was named so because the boats in the harbor always carried the aroma of the goods they transported: opium, spices, incense, agarwood, and the fragrance of warm silk. These days, such aroma no longer exists, but Hong Kong still banners its unique charm. No matter how many times I have visited, I am still captivated by its appeal.
A business trip brought me back to the city once again, and when I was free from my corporate chores, I found myself meandering through the city, covering as much area as I could and checking out what new things there were.
A few steps out of my hotel brought me to Times Square, which was filled with families as the huge space fronting the building was converted into a Zootopia Kingdom. You can imagine the young ones, including the young once, swarming the place and taking selfies with the various fantasy structures. What I found beautiful was the dense row of attractive poinsettias that lined the borders of the square.
Also across from my hotel was Lane Crawford, one of my favorite “money magnets,” which had something I found unique. It is the first and only curved escalator that I have ever seen in my life. Amazed by such a discovery, I had to chat with the store manager to get more details about this unique engineering marvel.
I found out that this visually striking flagship feature was developed by Mitsubishi Electric and is found in all Lane Crawford stores in the city and in Singapore. These escalators have been produced in limited numbers, making them really special and a conversation piece among the stores’ customers. It certainly is a design statement that blends engineering and a unique artistic concept.
One thing that has never changed about Hong Kong, in my opinion, is how busy the city looks. Cars and buses always fill up the roads, people walking the streets are always in a hurry, and vehicles always run fast. Being downtown gives me the feeling that everything around me is whirling so fast that I have to keep up or be lost in the maelstrom. In fact, any pedestrian crossing in the city is always crowded, almost like the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing in Tokyo.
I also passed by another building in the downtown area and was stunned by the number of people I saw on its escalators. This building had four, and all of them were full. I was so transfixed by the volume of guests on them that I forgot to take note of the building’s name.
At another building, I almost stumbled over a two-foot-high robot that was polishing the floor. I did not see it right away, as it was covered by pedestrians in the lobby. I hit it lightly with the tip of my shoe, and it scuttled away. When I realized what it was, I ran after it and took the photo you see on this page.
After meeting with some friends at the top floor of the Park Lane Hotel, I took time to marvel at the breathtaking view it has of Victoria Park, the largest in Hong Kong and similar to New York’s Central Park. It is named after Queen Victoria and offers many wellness and fitness facilities, including a massive swimming pool. It is also the venue for the city’s main celebration of the Chinese New Year.
I am sure there are more interesting things to see in Hong Kong, but that will have to wait for the next visit. Meantime, I am looking forward to a couple more domestic trips before I finally settle down for the “Happiest Day of the Year!”
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE
Did you know that on the Canary Islands, there is not one canary?
And on the Virgin Islands, same thing.
Not one canary there either!
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
