I am sure that I already mentioned that Hong Kong is great for shopping. From clothes, to great food, markets and of course -- Electronics.
Let me be clear, the electronics are not really much cheaper than in many countries. You could get the same deal if the price was on sale in some European countries. However what is great and exciting is that you have such a huge variety to of choice right in front you in one store! From colours, to very specific speccifications on the hardware. It is crazy fun!
I loved shopping here and would love to come with real money - unlike now where we are travelling backpacker and basically don't have the money to enjoy what this city has to offer.
If you like places like New York, Sydney, London you will likely love this place also. It is all of these cities with an Asian flare that you can really feel the character distinction.
From food, fashion, flare and spending big - Hong Kong is all that an so much more.
I read that since being turned over to mainland China, Hong Kong has been given another 50 years to run itself without mainland China interupting its established flow. It will be interesting to see this city to compare to Beijing and Shanghai in a few more years time as the other cities continue to grow and prosper.
All in all China and Hong Kong were a wonderous experience. Difficult, interesting, crazy and fun all rolled into a very gorgeous landscape and intricate history.
I adored the locals while at the same time being stunned by them.
The advantage that Hong Kong has over the rest of the main cities of China is that language is less of an issue here. The signs, menus are also in english or at least pin yin. People are not shy to speak English with you. Which I found was more often the case in Mainland China - they can speak English and often very well! They are just shy about it, which is a charm also.
I would remember times when language was a BIG problem but the people would have a great time trying to talk with us anyway. It was a country where many a local person would allow you a closer look at really how they live, work and love. I didn't get that in other countries. Maybe that is the downside of a country being used to tourists - they know how to distance themself also.
If you love a challenge and adventure, China is great for that and more.
For now it is off home and a time to end this amazing honeymoon we have had. I will miss the adventure of being on the road and seeing something different every few days. However it will be fun to breathe home, family and friends again. Who knows what the next step is...
ciao for now...
