One of the noticeable differences between Hong Kong and mainland China, is religious freedom. The laws here remain very different to those in China.
I have seen Hare Khishnas, Toaists, Hinduis and even Mormans out on the streets. These are all religions that cannot be openly practiced in China.
Today, I also saw a huge demonstration parading down Nathan Road. I have no idea what they were demonstrating for or against because I can't read or speak Cantonese. They were all dressed in yellow and were playing drums and waving flags. The police seemed to be very helpful and walked with them the whole way, making sure they didn't get hit by any cars or busses. The funniest part was watching them stop at red lights, just as the traffic did. This is a sight you would never seen in China. I just wish I knew what it was all about. I will post photos/videos when I get a USB cord for my camera.
I didn't do too much today, I figured that as long as I'm here for another four days, I might as well take it easy. I slept until 10am and when I got up I basically just walked around the city streets. Kowloon is just a really interesting place to wander around.
Last night I visited the famous night markets on The Golden Mile. Stalls and people litter the tiny streets. There are people trying to sell you things everywhere. I don't hate these people like I hate the hawkers. If you don't want to buy something, then don't walk down The Golden Mile. But to be hasseled in the street when you're minding your own business...well, those guys are just horrible.
One thing that is common in any of the markets in Hong Kong is haggling. And I LOVE haggling!! I know its stupid, but I get a huge sense of accomplishment after I've haggled price of something down. I feel almost smug, like I've won or something.
The truth is, that most of the time you get cheated anyway and the things you buy aren't worth the plastic bag they come in - but SOMETIMES you can be lucky and find something you really want for very cheap. I bought a little sterling silver star fish necklace and I paid HKD45 (AUD9.20) for it, which isn't too bad. I felt even better because the price started at HKD98! I did some good haggling! Yeah! ;)
I'm at an internet cafe by the harbour at the moment. The net access here is about half as expensive as the hotels, so I'll probably just come down here from now on.
Not far from here is a little underground Irish pub called Murphys. Tonight I shall go there for a pint of Guinness. That's my evening planned.
