Your Man in Hong Kong :: Wessex Scene Online

Your Man in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's distinctive Central district skyline

10th October 2008
Gareth Brading

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Hong Kong Island with its modern architecture set against the peaceful backdrop of Victoria Peak is where Western meets Eastern flair.

When you arrive in Hong Kong, it is almost like walking onto a gigantic film set. For miles around vast skyscrapers just seem to stretch off into the distance. The drive from the airport across huge, majestic bridges and past the international port with its enormous container ships is frankly awe-inspiring. Then, as Hong Kong Island comes into view with its bevy of modern architecture set against the peaceful backdrop of Victoria Peak, you begin to realise why Hong Kong holds such great appeal.

Since the handover in 1997, there have been relatively few changes to Hong Kong. Citizens still enjoy greater freedoms and civil rights than their counterparts across the border in mainland China. It remains a powerhouse of industry, business and of course tourism, attracting millions each year. It is the quintessential East meets West city. For example, wandering down any street in the city you will often find the chains of Prada, Harvey Nichols and Calvin Klein situated next door to a traditional herbal medicine shop, an authentic restaurant or sidewalk flower stall.

Hong Kong’s ‘must visit’ attraction is Victoria Peak. This is the extremely famous mountain situated behind the Central financial and Admiralty districts (where it is believed that the Headquarters of HSBC have apparently such good ‘feng shui’ that just standing in the Atrium is supposed to bring good luck), and getting to the top involves either a long car journey up through the posh suburban tranquillity of the Mid-Levels, or a quick journey on the extremely steep Peak Tram service. Upon arriving at the top of the mountain you are greeted by the Peak Tower, a building which kind of looks like a giant bird dish. The view from the top out across the bay is so mesmerising, it simply takes your breath away.

However, what will stay with me most concerning my trip is one man; our taxi driver Mr. Hu. He was utterly obsessed with money. He made incredibly misogynistic jokes. Worst of all, his impossibly high-pitched laugh sounded like the Bee Gees on helium and sped up by 500%. Where else in the world can you listen to someone telling you how expensive petrol is whilst laughing like a hyperactive hyena?