After the busy pace of the workshop, we figured a week relaxing in Hong Kong would be a good idea. The idea of relaxing in a city that only seems to run at full speed, was probably misguided. So, rather than relax, we went for the full on shopping, galleries, bars, tours type of recreation.
Hong Kong seems to run full paced 24 hours a day.
The Harbour is spectacular, serving as a transport route and recreation area at the same time.
The citys heart is buzzing with lights and color, while above street level is the patchwork of balconys, windows and washing that make up the high rise appartments of the inner city dwellers.
The shops are interesting but some of the names don’t translate too well to English.
Across the boarder into Shenzhen, pressure from street vendors increases as does the number of taxis waiting at the local rank.
The Rickshaw may have disappeared, but the chicken delivery cycle has sure taken off.
The humble push bike in China has resisted the temptation to switch to light weight aluminium and carbon fibre construction. Instead, preferring the solid reliability of braced and reinforced steel.
For me, the most fascinating area of the city is the food markets, which in the Mon Kok district seem to blend with the bird, goldfish and pet markets. These live sea snakes fall into the food category.
This bag of tasty live toads are also classed as food (and delicious according to the store owner).
These weird, distorted goldfish are from the pet market…
…as is this strange little kitten.
Strangely distorted rabbits are also available from the pet market
At the bird markets you can pick up birds from all over the world. There are bags of live grass hoppers and packets of writhing grubs available to keep your bird in top condition.
The food markets not only sell live produce, but will chop up almost anything for you to take home and barbecue.
Store holders engaged in a game of some kind of checkers.
This man, sitting on a tiny stool with a handful of tools, will fix up your worn out shoes in next to no time for a couple of dollars.
In the half light through our hotel window, primitive bamboo scaffolding contrasts starkly with the modern high rise construction. It seems to sum up the strange, diverse character of Hong Kong.
Splashing Paint 
I have loved Hong Kong since my first time there in 1982 when there were no cell phones in sight. Now I understand people walk around with not one but two cell phones, conducting their business anywhere. I used to take tours of people to HK for the shopping, back when there were still bargains to be had.
But I didn’t have a developed artist’s eye then and my pictures aren’t much good for art, though after reading your post I think I’ll dig out my HK albums and see what I can find that’s of use. I even wrote a book on shopping in HK.. now out of print.
Have you gone to the Jade Market? Star Ferry.Cloth Alley (was in Wing On Street).
When we went north into Guangzhou (Canton) in the 80s there were few private auto, mostly bicycles used for delivery. Strange seeing a full sized mattress or small refrigerator being delivered by bicycle. Such a contrast to HK.
Have a great time. A week isn’t too long… maybe not long enough.
Hi Jo,
Hong Kong must have been fantastic back then. My father used to go there in the late 60, early 70 to paint. He says it doesn’t fascinate him as much now. He describes the communities of sampan dwellers living on boats in the harbor, rickshaws everywhere rather than taxis and a more traditional, less technological atmosphere. I would have loved to have seen it. For me though, what remains is still quite amazing. A week is no where near long enough. I’m sure you’ll have some great material in your old albums. My father showed me a series of photos taken from the peak over a period of 30 years. The change in the city is incredible.
Cheers
John
Lots of interesting things to see but the food markets would make me cringe and cry i think.
Hi Linda,
Yes – the food markets require a strong stomach – and a good imagination. A lot of the goods on display really don’t appear at all edible!
Cheers
John