Hong Kong - First Impressions
I am in Hong Kong, mixing business with pleasure, like water
with whisky. First impression is one of
clinical efficiency. It took me less than a minute to get the visa on arrival;
not a single question asked. 50 minutes to reach the city centre in a
wide-bodied Toyota red (Urban) taxi that can officially accommodate 5 persons.
The Chinese cabbie was extremely chatty and kept up a steady commentary
pointing out the various landmarks and answering every question thrown at him.
The hills progressively gave way to hideous concrete and glass skyscrapers. However,
the suspension bridges that interconnected the islands were a visual treat. Plenty
of double-decker buses, though not red, reminded me of London and the Bombay of
yesteryears. The traffic is disciplined and the cabbie explained how penalty
points are levied for traffic offences that can lead to temporary suspension of
the license. Though perceptibly cooler than Mumbai, Hong Kong feels more humid
because the sea is omnipresent. But from the air-conditioned comfort of the
room on the 41st floor of the posh hotel the city appeared to
glitter. You will hear more about Hong Kong and Macau in the coming 7 days. I
leave you now with some images.
Comments
Post a Comment