Hello,
After a trip in the US, I have the chance to be traveling in Hong Kong now... So here are some thoughts to complement y "Marseil in America" series:
. Lines
Hong Kong like everywhere (almost) in Asia always gives you the feeling of a crowd. And Hong Kong still have strong British influences that can be seen in the way people form queues. For instance, people stand in an orderly line on the pavement at a bus stop, and get in the bus in order, something you would never see in mainland China. Also Hong Kong is all about efficiency, so if there is a need to cope with crowds, usually there is enough staff to take care of the crowd. So three are not so many lines actually.
I saw a few lines in front of restaurants, but, I checked, the places were actually full. Not like Vegas, where they keep you wanting to be seated even if the restaurant is empty.
. Nature
EVen if Hong Kong is primarily a city, there is till some natue here. It is quite tame nature, though, that gives you the feeling a British park. I've been to a couple places in the New Territories, where you can see some forest, hike around, but always on a good, well signposted footpath, with a few warnings to make sure any risk is taken care of.
As I was dependent on public transport, I wa s not abel to go to very remote areas if they exist.
. Tips
No mandatory tipping here. Prices are posted with tax and service included, but when you get a restaurant bill, the service is itemized, and is 10%. No one expects you to leave a tip, and no one would risk loosing face in asking for a tip. On the other hand, if you leave a few coins, no complaints are heard.
. Elderly people
I've not seen any elderly person working here. You get the feeling everything is managed by energetic youth!
. Culture vs. war
Cultural offer is limited here. There are some good museums. And the very popular and very extensive Hong Kong International Film Festival is happening now. They have a greta, very international, very open program as you may see here:http://www.hkiff.org/eng/main.html
Hong Kong is not getting into a war with anyone. PRC army stationed in Hong Kong is totally invisible. The police is visible, but a lot less noisy and demonstrative than in the US.
. Highways
AUtomobile traffic is limited in Hong Kong, thanks to a very good and efficient public transportation system. Public transport here includes subways, trains, buses, minibuses, ferries, tramways, escalators, and probably more. They run efficiently, and the public transportation payment system, Octopus, is the world reference.
Maybe I'll get back to you with more thoughts. Feel free to ask questions too.
Marseil.
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