I'm Going to Hong Kong!

Ok, since Beijing fell through, I've booked a trip to Hong Kong/Macau. Before I came to Korea I knew almost nothing about Hong Kong. I didn't even know whether it was actually a part of China or not. Until I came here and talked to many world travellers, it was never even some place I wanted to visit. However, I've now talked to enough people who have travelled all over Asia and so many people have recommended visiting Hong Kong that it was an easy choice between there and Tokyo when Beijing fell through. Now, I do want to visit Japan at some point. However, Tokyo is SO expensive. I can stay in Hong Kong for 3 nights for the price of 1 night at the same class hotel in Tokyo. Also, I am drawn by the fact that Hong Kong is WARM and has BEACHES. And, right now, I don't feel like leaving the 2nd most populated city in the world (Seoul) to go to the #1 most populated city in the world (Tokyo). I'd rather go somewhere with boats and beaches! And Macau has overtaken Vegas as the world's top gambling destination with 23 casinos including the biggest casino in the world. It's a short ferry ride away from Hong Kong. The Venetian Macau is not only the biggest casino in the world it is actually the third largest building in the world! It's something I want to experience! (Not the gambling just the city itself!).

So. A little lesson for those of you who, like me, didn't know much about Hong Kong before now. Hong Kong and Macau are two special administrative regions of China. You don't need a visa to visit either Hong Kong or Macau as a tourist. Hong Kong was a territory of the United Kingdom from 1842 until 1997. In 1997 it was returned to China under the condition that it would have a designated level of autonomy for the next 50 years (i.e. until 2047). So Hong Kong is a part of China but it operates completely separately in most respects. For example Hong Kong has its own legal system, currency, immigration laws, etc. However, the Chinese government is responsible for Hong Kong's defense and foreign affairs. Interesting set-up, isn't it?

So, since it was a UK territory for so long and is still a very separate system from mainland China, Hong Kong has a very unique culture. A blend of East and West, Modern and Ancient. It is in many ways a very Western City. I hear you can find Chinese herbal remedies and shark fin soup on one corner and then an English pub or Catholic church on the next. I have also heard it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with an absolutely stunning skyline. I also have information regarding a place in Hong Kong where I can find an actual reuben sandwich. I can't tell you how much I want a reuben sandwich after 8 months away from home!

Hong Kong is a port city and one of the world's leading financial centers. Since it's located all the way off the southern coast of China, just south of the tropic of Cancer, it's climate is "sub-tropical" with very hot sunny summers and mild, snowless winters.

Did you know that Hong Kong has been ranked as the most free economy in the world in the Index of Economic Freedom for 14 consecutive years? The things one learns from Wikipedia!

Here's what Lonely Planet says about Hong Kong:

Hong Kong has enough towering urbanity, electric streetscapes, enigmatic temples, commercial fervour and cultural idiosyncrasies to utterly swamp the senses of a visitor, and enough spontaneous, unexpected possibilities to make a complete mockery of any attempt at a strictly organised itinerary.

So, with that in mind I'm planning my trip as follows: a day tour of Hong Kong island, a beach day where I explore the surrounding islands, an afternoon and night over in Macau, and a day for tying up loose ends, shopping, etc.

Only 22 days to go!