Hong Kong

Skyline of Hong Kong from Kowloon where our hotel was.

We took the Star Ferry across the bay and a bus up to Victoria Peak one evening. The view from there is pretty spectacular. And if that wasn't enough, there's a Hagan Daz Ice Cream store right there.

As we discovered, the observation park at the peak is a tourist destination. We saw hundreds and hundreds of tourists seeking the same view we'd come for. This group of Japanese girls was hilarious. They were talking a mile a minute, laughing, clearly enjoying themselves and trying to memorialize their visit with photos. What a hoot!

I like cities at night. I like the buildings with their lights and the way they turn a city into a light sculpture. Around the harbor, the tallest office buildings put on a light show each evening.

Coming back down from Victoria Peak, we rode a double decker tram. Ensconced in the upper deck, I had a chance to observe Hong Kong night life from a higher perspective. This was fun.

Even by day, the architecture here is impressive. I was in Hong Kong in the early 80's, before it was returned by the British to China. At the time of the handover, there was great fear that the change would damage or destroy Hong Kong's place in Asian business as a center of finance and trade. Seeing it now, it feels like little has actually changed. I am sure the subtext is different, but to outward appearances, it feels the same to me.

This is a photo of a shop window reflecting the busy street behind me. It is a reminder to me of the layers Chinese society we mingled with, of the vibrant culture we experienced, of the furious activity of a country and a people trying to survive and prosper in a rapidly changing world.

And everywhere tourists with (increasingly digital) cameras. Where do all the images go? I took over 2,000 photos during our month long trip, of which, maybe 150 will see the light of day. And yet, I can't quite throw away 1,850 poorer photos. There must be billions of photos taken each year. Pretty soon, this is going to add up.