A Quick Dash Through Hong Kong

My parents recently moved into another tiny Tai Po flat in the New Territories.  For those living in the US, take your average “master” bedroom and fit into that space 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom/toilet, and living/dining room, a short walkway, and there you have it.  It was either the heavy, sweltering humidity or fatigue from all the running around the last weeks, but I was feeling very unmotivated to even leave the small space.  We went out to eat with my aunt and cousin a few times and, naturally, they made sure we walked away completely stuffed.  Three meals – Chinese banquet courses, Dim Sum, and Shanghanese. 

The remainder of the city was a constant pursuit of air conditioning.  We quickly perused Mongkok -- Ladies market (unsure of the reference, but an entire street of crowded stalls offering both genuine and fake brand name clothing, purses, watches, belts, and every kind of consumer product to tourists), Fish street (the same, but all aquarium fish and supplies), and finally Plant and Flower street (you get the picture).  We skipped Bird Street, the shoes, and electronics.

 We’re in transit at Changi airport in Singapore.  A kind brochure reminds you that drugs are punishable by death and bringing in chewing gum is prohibited. All jokes aside about the strictness of this country (remember the American kid some years ago who was sentenced to 40 lashes for spraying graffiti, spitting gum, or something or another…), because this place is simply amazing!  They have hundreds of free computer terminals for internet use, free movie theater, the most comfortable lounge seats, and resting areas to nap.  There is free transport into the city and even a free 2-hour city tour.  And I haven’t mentioned the great food, indoor orchid gardens – Stop gushing because it’s only an airport, but it makes me want to come back to visit the rest and it could be a destination onto itself.  In fact, at the numerous coffee shops local students come and do homework, papers and calculators spilled out.  A sign reads: “Happy studying.  11pm – 6am.”  No wonder about the high math and science scores…