News 24. Translated by Michel Aronssohn.
Finally !
We are tearing away out of Phnom Penh, more precisely, I managed to uproot Avy
and her sister out of this town which is becoming to me hard to endure.
Dirtiness and pollution, even if the latter is present in many other towns, are
the main reasons.
Arrival in Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau island on October 24th 2008. We buy the amazing “Octopus” Card which is a credit card and a travel card valid throughout HK territory.
By chance I was seated, during the flight,
near two charming ladies, one residing in Hong Kong allowed me to get firsthand
information especially about accomodation.
Our first try was the good one. Our hotel, located in Cameron street, adjacent
to the famous Nathan road,
is in the centre of Kowloon, Hong Kong busiest
place.
History
At the beginning of the XIX century, opium business was
establishing between China and Great Britain. In 1839 a conflict erupted when
China burned opium stocks in Canton. State of war stayed three years long.
Eventually China left Hong Kong. The town rapidly expanded. A treaty was signed
for a 99 years lease which ended on July 1st 1997. Now Hong Kong is a
special Popular Republic of China administrative region (RAS) ruled by a
fundamental law supposed to guarantee the upholding of its economic, judiciary
an social system during a fifty years period.
The population was not so happy to come back
into the Chinese Empire administration, however there is no peculiar pressure.
According to my own opinion we still feel in Hong Kong, not in China.
It is 5 p.m.
and the night is already falling offering us our first
show. Hardly out of the hotel we are splashed with light. Vichanel is lost,
colorful light is flashing everywhere. You add the noise, the traffic, the crowd
pacing up and down the avenue, the show is total and give us a certain
dizziness.
Walking down Nathan road add a tremendous further experience : magnificent,
amazing, the magic Hong Kong Bay.
.jpg)
One night rest then direction
the MTR (subway), a simple Octopus card shot and we reach Hong Kong island.
Hardly out of the MTR, the strolling Franco-Cambodian are becoming ants among
the surrounding giant buildings.
We reached Victory Peak by mean of a cable tram
.
From its 554 meters height Victory Peak is
towering over Kowloon and the Bay of Hong Kong, from the other hillside over the
South China Sea.
We keep on discovering Hong Kong, with so many beaches. We spent an afternoon on
Repulse Bay the most appreciated one. Stroll in Aberdeen, an evening on board of
the Jumbo floating restaurant, 85 meters length, is a must.
Departure soon in the next morning to Lantau's island. The ferry boat is landing
on the east coast.
The monastery with his
wisdom path and a giant Buddha statue, the biggest in the world in its
category (bronze, seated, located outside) are the main touristic features. Few
are Buddha's statues with the left hand palm oriented toward the sky.
Return to Kowloon with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, 5.7 km long, this
spectacular aerial stroll hanging in the void in a comfortable cabin with huge
glasses delighted Vichanel.
Impossible to leave Hong Kong without hanging about in Wan Chai where rogue bars
are nearing stylish buildings. In the shopping centers the greatest brands in
the world are crowding.
Will Hong end its growth ? After all it measures only 1104 square kilometers.
Projects :
In 2010 the International Commerce Centre building in Kowloon will be, with 490
meters, the tallest Hong Kong skyscraper and the third in the world.
Soon a huge cruise harbour will sprout while the ambitious sea front project
between Central and Causeway Bay is in progress.
Hong Kong, litterally perfumes harbour
amazed and delighted us. One regret : the sampan have vanished, chased out of
their favorite places by the concrete laid by urbanists who were not able to
preserve this typical neighbourhood with a distinctive Asian flair.
Despite that, people is at fashion and way of life top. Paris may well become
jealous, and Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur who are competing in high
architectural structures may well be outrun.
Don't forget to see the photo albums by clicking Here