Behind the outer security door of a Mongkok, Hong Kong apartment. Hong Kong and China have a low crime rate for major, violent offenses. Less serious crimes: B&Es, theft, and pick-pocketing, are such a concern that most windows are covered by bars, and most doors have an outer, vault-like shield.

Even in the small village of 200 people, my in-laws lock up everything if they are leaving, no matter the distance.

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Many people think of Hong Kong as a bustling financial center, one of the Asian tigers. The small SAR is also a hub of international shipping. Hong Kong imports most of its goods as it has little in the way of raw materials. It also re-exports materials from mainland China and other Asian nations.

The city is one of glass sky scrapers and back-street markets, of big money and age-old traditions. A stark contrast, black and white, thanks to  Hong Kong’s colonial heritage.

While the city is a contrasted marvel, the harbour, full of dredgers and container ships, is not nearly as picturesque.

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How many modes of transportation can you take in one day? I tried many while in Hong Kong last Saturday.

6:45 – I left my apartment for the bus station where I boarded the public conveyance to Kowloon, Hong Kong.

The gothic, horror movie-esque Hong Kong Cemetery.

8:20 – After clearing immigrations and customs at the mainland and Hong Kong SAR border I found myself at the Kowloon MTR station. A subway train to Hong Kong Station, a brief walk to Central Station, and another train to Wan Chai.

9:30 – Hong Kong Cemetery. I like cemeteries. This one dates from the British conquest origins of Hong Kong. It’s gothic, much like an old 1930s horror movie.

11:00 – Back to Wan Chai, by foot, and lunch in a Burger King (a guy has to eat!).

11:45 – Hong Kong Park was once Victoria Barracks, part of the British Military’s Hong Kong garrison. The buildings have been converted to an aviary, a marriage registry office, and a tea museum.

12:45 – Running to Pier 4 and the ferry to Lamma Island.

1:30 – Arrival on Lamma Island, the main point of my super-secret trip.

3:15 – The reverse trip begins. Back to Pier 4 on Hong Kong Island, and the MTR to Tsim Tsa Tsui (I can’t believe I spelled that right the first time. If only I could say it.) A brief stop at a drug store and another at GNC.

5:15 – The bus back to Shenzhen.

6:30 – A taxi from the border to my humble abode.

I don’t want to travel anywhere for at least a week, unless I’m being carried. How did you spend your Saturday?

Unrefrigerated meat always tastes better, or so I guess. The markets of Central on Hong Kong Island, China, sell a variety of meat and produce. The fish is packed on ice. The same cannot be said for the pork. Captured: September 13, 2008. s

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Across the skyscrapers of Hong Kong’s Central District, to Kowloon and the mountains of the New Territories, and China proper.

The view from Victoria Peak (on a clear day, which is rare) is magnificent. It’s the highest point on Hong Kong Island. The mountain features some of the most expensive real estate in the world.

As per Corina’s request.

Captured: October 18, 2008.

Hong Kong's Star Ferry, at night.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong, is something to behold at night. Hong Kong Island is a sea of lights, reflecting off the water. The Star Ferry makes its way across the harbor, again and again, in the neon-tinted darkness.

For more information on the Star Ferry see my post: Star Ferry: High Seas

Captured: October 17, 2008.

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