Hong Kong isn't a city I could just pass up. On my way to Singapore I had a really annoying layover. It was long enough to leave the airport but not long enough to really take in the city. However, with 16 hours to kill I had to do a little exploring. So, I said 'toodles' to Hong Kong International and purchased the next bus ticket into the city.
I'm not a videographer by any means, but I figured the amateur video I took is a good depiction of how active Hong Kong is as a metropolis. In a lot of ways the city is very similar to New York, but, you know, a lot less diverse. There was plenty of places to eat and shop. I spent most of my time wandering around this huge city, getting lost then finding my way back on track.
If you're ever in Hong Kong and want to venture out into the city before your next flight, here are some things you can try to do:
1. Visit the Bruce Lee Statue. I never got to do this. It was just bad timing since I arrived at night and left in the morning. Maybe next time around. But Bruce Lee kicks ass and anyone whose seen any kung fu movies, or MMA matches, should pay their respects.
2. Mentally keep a record of how many females you see versus males. I know this sounds a little fucked up but you have to admit it'll be a fun game to play. It's not like I was on the lookout when I was there but I did notice more dudes than dudettes. I'm not saying my observation is a true demographic of the Hong Kongnese populous, but it seemed that males lead the count 4:1. I didn't come to realize it until after the new country high -- it was just something that registered later on. But even though I wasn't in mainland China, I still felt the eeriness of being outnumbered by guys. Kind of like a club that doesn't have ladies night.
3. Get a custom made suit, if you have time. Suits in H.K. are very affordable. But it's not about the price, it's about the fit. I couldn't believe how often I was approached by older gentlemen on the street offering me a good deal on a made-to-fit suit. The act of getting your measurements done and choosing the fabric for a suit is pretty baller, but I couldn't wait the 2-3 days it took to make it.
4. Eat Street Meat. Now, to be clear, I'm not adventurous when it comes to food. And the few hours in Hong Kong didn't change that for me. But if I were someone who enjoys eating foreign food without caring what it was, then I was in the right place. There are street vendors at every corner and most of it's made on the spot. They really do have everything from dumpling, noodles, octopus and curry fish balls.
5. Pick up some kicks. If you heard rumors of there being a 'sneaker street' in Hong Kong with shops selling the latest, and sometimes rarest, footwear than those stories are true. The actual name of the street is called Fa Yuen and is located in Mong Kok, Kowloon. This is the place to go if you want fly kicks like Liu Kang.