The Sights and Sounds of Hong Kong
The first time visitor’s view of Hong Kong or “Fragrant Harbour,” would be from several hundred feet high above it from the plane. The first impression is one of shock – is this China or is it some lost European city somehow getting lost in a green island? If the visitor comes in at night, the first impression would be lights, lights and more beautiful lights that dot the island and shore. This is not what it was supposed to be, this was supposed to be some oriental adventure, not getting lost in a twilight zone.
Hong Kong from above and street level is a beautiful blend of the European and Chinese cultures that could be seen in its very foundation. From the way the buildings are constructed to the paved streets, the signature boutiques set between Chinese antique and furniture shops, the French restaurants side by side with Chinese ones, and the street stalls filled with all sorts of goodies to whet the palate.
The smells coming from the steady mix of different types of foods sold on the streets and the gas fumes from the thousands of cars on the roads is overwhelming as well. It does not really matter that no matter where one walks, people will always bump shoulder to shoulder with others. Hong Kong is very densely populated, and with the millions of visitors coming in no matter the season, the crowds can confuse.
But strangely, it does not upset the visitor, instead the heady mix of sights, sounds and smells excite and there is a rush felt. What will surprise that visitor when they turn to the corner? Almost expectedly, the unexpected will delight anyone.
From the streets of Hong Kong, one would be expected to walk and experience what the inhabitants have to offer. Missing out on the shopping in this city would be almost like committing a heinous crime. The shop owners peg their wares with charm and elegance that one can never be quite imitated anywhere else. And tourists and visitors are expected to haggle for the prices of items they are interested in, it would not be right if one were just to inquire about a price and pay the first one quoted – it would almost be sort of insulting.