Destination: Hong Kong

“I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.” -Alice Walker

Hong Kong is far away from being the fishing village of its early history. Moreover, Hong Kong is far away from Manhattan—about 16 hours by air—but it is a worthy destination for all curious ones to visit at least once.

Because of its fairly moderate weather Hong Kong is a year-round destination, but I highly recommend visitors to avoid late May to mid September, when temperatures average at 91F. Instead, go in between mid-December and February, when the temperature may fall to 50F.

The first time I arrived in Hong Kong, I felt as if I was visiting a dramatic version of San Francisco. But after a couple more visits, I reversed my notion: San Francisco feels like a relaxed version of Hong Kong. I simply adore the city being situated on the coast along with its beautiful mountain landscape, which is surrounded by accessible preserved natural parks. Plus it’s a place where diverse concepts are welcomed.

Due to my usual interest in the locale, on Sunday I followed the moms and pops of Hong Kong to pray at an old close-by temple. Then I took a cable car up to the peak, and a ferry out to the bay to observe how old Hong Kong boat people sustain their lives, as they glare at the constant rising sky high dream homes. Due to the density, most of Hong Kong’s habitats are pure luxury and make for unreachable dreams to most of the working citizens of this region.

I love Hong Kong for her tradition of being a global city advancing before any other Chinese metropolis. Being in Hong Kong reminds me of a group of collective cities I’ve visited around the world: a bit of New York, Tokyo, Singapore, London, San Francisco, and a piece of Miami. Most of all, Hong Kong represents progressive China: welcoming global visitors and fresh ideas.

Photos by D.B. Kim.