Hong Kong

It was August 1997. We landed fresh off of an Air France flight. We reeked of cigarettes because these were still the days when smoking on a trans-Pacific flight was a legit form of passive aggressive passenger competition.

When we landed Hong Kong was still under British Control and the old Airport on Kowloon Island was still operating. No one prior warned me of the “extremely hard bank to the left” that would take place nor the fact that I could look into the homes of residents as the Pilot maneuvered that plane like a pro to the landing strip. As i stepped off that 747 and descended down the external staircase I knew my life would be forever changed.

We stayed at the Royal Pacific Hotel in Kowloon. At the time it was attached to our office building and we always stayed at the hotel that was currently offering the best corporate rates. Our view was westward out over the China Ferry terminal. The views were impressive as our rooms looked out over boats that looked ancient, old, and rustic.

As we walked through Tsim Tsat Choi and towards the Harbor to meet Bob Shorrock for dinner at Felix in the Peninsula Hotel. As we inched our way through gate crowded sidewalk the city began to unfold in front of us. But our first real view of the HK Harbor was from the bathroom of the famed restaurant Felix in the Peninsula Hotel. Felix was internationally known for having 30 foot glass windows in the bathroom and even the coolest of cats could not resist to run into the loo for the view. You can certainly have a great three day vacation in HK and walk away with many beautiful memories. HK also has a magnificent charm that it slowly opens up to the patient traveller. The streets are filled with restaurants that serve wonderfully subtle Cantonese Dim Sum, Hot Pot restaurants where friends gather to talk and eat. I can still remember eating the warm and filling wonton soup from the neighborhood restaurants early in the morning as I walk around with my camera. The warm greetings in the form of a head nod and a smile, from my fellow diners, as we would slurp our noodles and get back to your journey before the oppressive heat of the day kicked in.