Another colony - Blogabond

Honkers. Yet another ex-colony. With one of the more interesting stories behind it. China was a net exporter via HK in the mid-19th century thanks to the spice trade, but that soon changed once the British started importing opium from India, which the Chinese took to with some relish. Due to the adverse effect this had on both the economy and the workforce, the Chinese attacked and destroyed a British shipment of opium, the British retaliated and the first opium war was started, which resulted in the Chinese ceding Hong Kong to Her Maj "in perpetuity". 50-odd years later we got hold of the New Territories (Kowloon etc) as well on a 99-year lease. When that expired in 1997, Britain decided it was probably right to hand back Honkers as well. Anyway, that started a 50 year period where Hong Kong is treated as a special economic and political zone (though still controlled by central Chinese government) before being fully reintegrated in 2047. Here endeth the history lesson.

That all gives it a very different feel to the rest of China, but the disappointing thing (apart from the cost of everything) is that if you're not into shopping, there doesn't seem to be a great deal to do here. Once you've been down to the harbour and admired the skyscraper-laden vista, and been up Victoria Peak, there doesn't seem to be much left. And at 6 quid a pint, even drinking doesn't hold the same appeal as it did on the mainland! Though that didn't stop a few of us going into Soho on HK Island to celebrate Richard's upcoming 50th birthday with several long island iced teas at a live jazz club. Nice.

Anyway, overall I've really enjoyed China. It still has some major political and social issues to sort out but as a visitor I've found it to be a country with a proud and fascinating history, the food has been great, the scenery beautiful and the people hospitable. If they would just stop spitting everywhere it would be even better! My tour group have been great for the most part too, with the exception of the demanding Canadian and the slightly spooky guy from the Isle of Man. So it's with a slightly heavy heart that I move on, lightened by the fact that my next stop is in Penang where I'm meeting my mum and her husband Bob for a few days of R&R in a 5-star hotel.

written by

phileasdogg on November 17, 2008 from Hong Kong, Hong Kong

from the travel blog: Planes, Trains & Taxiwallahs

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