May 22, 2009 02:57 PM
8252 Views
I was visiting Hong Kong after almost 20 years. During these twodecades, Hong Kong underwent a change of ownership. One of the finesthotels that I have stayed so far, Hilton was demolished soon after ayear of my last visit. New airport replaced the old one taking away thethrill of watching aircraft navigating through tall buildings - soclose that you could almost see people brushing their teeth - or seeingyour aircraft almost kiss the sea waves only to land on an air strip. Ihad lovely memories of Lama Island, Ocean Park, Stanley Market and openbus tour of Kowloon.
This time, I was aware that I had lot ofnew things to see. Frommer book came handy for planning the things.Agoda helped me to book a hotel through internet. With Akshta around, we had to slow the things. Lantau Island Buddha statue, Disney land andPeak tram was automatic choice. I wasn't sure about Macau but left ittill we arrived in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong must be one of the fewcountries left in the world to allow India nationals to get visa onarrival and that too at no cost. Like KL airport, one needs to takeshort train ride to come to the luggage belt. Immigration was swiftdespite fear of swine flu. We were lucky that our hotel at Garden Viewdidn't get any visitor from Mexico. I could imagine the plight ofguests at Metropark hotel who were quarantined for almost a weekruining their stay. Garden View at McDonnell road was value for money.Being at height on way to peak, it gave a great view of Hong Kong city.Next door supermarket solved Akshta's milk issue and saved money onfruits and beer.
Our schedule turned out well:
1st day: Ride Peak tram to see Hong Kong night view from the mountain top followed by dinner at vibrant central area.
2nd day: Coffee at Starbucks in Kowloon followed by travel to Lantau Island to be with Giant Buddha.
3rdDay: Walk along the Hong Kong harbor, take turbo jet to Macau and spenda day in Macau. Return to Hong Kong, take a ferry to Kowloon andwitness Hong Kong light show.
4th Day: Spend full day at Disney land.
5th day: Rummage Kowloon streets to do shopping, take airport express to Hong Kong airport.
Intwenty years, Hong Kong has changed significantly. HSBC monstrousdesign building which was the landmark building then, is now dwarfed bymany that are sprouted up with innovative designs. MTR – undergroundsubway is still a backbone and it’s nice to see it gets connected toevery part of Hong Kong. Buildings in Kowloon now have worn out looksbut are smartly hidden by numerous signposts of brands. Topless bars atKowloon are no longer visible; their place is now taken by Giordano, Sasa brand showrooms.
What would be Hong Kong after 20 years? Ican't conjure the description but think of possibilities. Hong Kong has250 islands. Bigger ones have been put to money spinning mechanism likeinstalling largest outdoor Buddha on Lantau islands, Creating huge andfancy new airport and second Disney land in Asia. Now it could be turnof smaller islands. Resorts with water sports, Casinos and gamingcenters may pop up. Hong Kong with 7 million resident populationattracts 30 Million tourists a year. India with 1 billion populationsattracts 5 Million tourists. A food for thought for' Incredible India'.
For50 year after handing over of Hong Kong and Macau, Mainland China wouldtreat these two territories as One Country with two systems. Hong Kongand Macau have their own currencies, immigration laws and investment, trade policies. Could India have worked on similar lines for Goa andKashmir? Another food of thought for' Resurgent India'.
