TRAVELLIVE 01-2016

and rice gruel near luxurious shopping centers,
electronics stores and the chains of McDonalds
or KFC. Among tall buildings, there are some
small yards in the shade of trees and flowers.
We call them “happy corners of Hong Kong”
because it’s not easy to take small spaces like
these out of Hong Kong - one of the most
densely populated city in the world. These
“happy corners” are not only the playground
of children but also favorite places of officers
working in nearby buildings.
It will be a shortcoming if you evaluate the
bustling and beautiful Hong Kong just by stores
along streets. When wandering around Tsim
Sha Tsui, I’m mesmerized from the very first
moment. Behind a small, simple door and
above a narrow staircase is the new world of
numerous bookstores, gyms and clothing shops.
All of them seem to be obscured by countless
signboards on the first floor.
Cold faces and warm hearts
While Hong Kong seems to be haughty and
glacial, it welcomes us with its most sincere
sentiments. Without talking, Hong Kong’s
inhabitants just pass by me quickly as they
are hurried to go to subway stations, to their
offices or just busy with their smart phone.
However, when we are struggling to find to
way back to the hostel and so confused with the
“incomprehensible” way locals number houses,
we are supported by many friendly passers. On
that hot afternoon, they willingly stop to help us
use Google Maps, and try to show us the way in
any languages that they can use, from English,
Chinese and Cantonese to ... body language.
Once we walk through Soho and see locals
building a high shed with a multitude of eyecatching
votive paper, my friend cautiously asks
them what they are doing. Then, these people
enthusiastically share that they are celebrating
the traditional Vu Lan festival.
During 8 days in Hong Kong, I chose a
homestay hostel to sleep at night. Although
the room is very small, it really gives us an
opportunity to witness the hard lives of labor
While Hong
Kong seems
to be haughty
and glacial,
it welcomes
us with its
most sincere
sentiments.
people in the bustling and
gorgeous Hong Kong. Our
host, a middle-aged man, is
very kind. Owning a chain of
hostel in AirBnb style, he is not
rich. He and his wife live in a
tiny room on the 9 th floor of
an old building. Their children
have to live in a five -square meter room without
windows. There is only enough space for a bunk
bed, a table and a small cabinet.
When it comes to Hong Kong, people will think
of the wealthy lifestyle, a modern city with
commercial centers springing up everywhere.
But for me, Hong Kong is simple like a girl. She
looks trendy, yet there are some tranquil silences
deep in her soul.
TRAVELLIVE 135