$$$$$*** CHINA BACKDROP - HONG KONG ***$$$$
It was a whirlwind trip. Three major cities in seven days. There was no way to get an in-depth view but there was certainly enough time for impressions to be registered. We flew from LAX into Guangzhou (Old Canton) a brutal flight of about 16 hours. It was so long that we even last a day, Thursday 12/28. It was clear we were not in the US as we disembarked the 777 and were herded into waiting buses for transport to the terminal. There were 29 of us on the flight from LA. Our two German friends were coming from the other direction and would catch up with us in Hong Kong. One of our group was stranded in the Midwest due to poor weather and his fate was uncertain. The last of our group had utilized some accumulated frequent flyer miles and would join us in Hong Kong as well. We went to the terminal to find our luggage and obtain boarding passes for the flight of less than one hour into the new Hong Kong airport. After filling out entrance paperwork and making certain our luggage arrived we went to the next stage. Our tickets were collected and given to an agent for group check in for the flight. Off we went to the security area. Standing in line we were then told the job was not yet complete, some paperwork was not yet compiled. After filling out forms almost identical to the arrival forms we were allowed into the boarding area. This one country - two systems appeared to not be very coordinated. Our flight was boarded and off we went to the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China - Hong Kong. The billing "One Country - Two Systems" appeared more like two countries.
Hong Kong
We arrived, after the short flight, in the new Hong Kong Airport opened in 1998. This airport was built on an island that was in part flattened and in part reclaimed from the sea. It is one of the finest airports I have ever seen, as modern as any in the US and vast. Our luggage arrived quickly and we huddled while Denis searched for the location of our bus. We carted our luggage to the location where we were met by the bus and an enclosed truck. The truck transported our luggage ahead of us as we settled into our seats. We were welcomed by our Hong Kong tour guide, Bill. He proved to be a well versed and very open guide. His youthful face belied his actual age. His knowledge was vast and he readily shared his information openly and the participants fired multiple questions as we journeyed to the Regal Hong Kong on the Island of Hong Kong. The new airport was built some distance from both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. As we motored along the freeway, to our left a fast track train whizzed by on route to the same destinations in the city. We passed over the "Golden Gate Bridge" of Hong Kong known as the Tsing Ma Bridge. In the distance we viewed another suspension bridge, whose name eludes me, which then yielded to a tunnel in the mountain. It linked those who lived in the "outer territories" to the city. As we traversed we saw many, many multiple story buildings. Our guide noted them as new apartment complexes. Every turn yielded more multiple (30 story) story buildings, then we hit Kowloon. It was quite a sight, building after building, skyscraper after skyscraper. Bill, our guide, informed us that the average apartment would house multiple generations. The average size was around 500 square feet and the price was high, thus the reason multiple generations shared the space. Then into the tunnel to take us from Kowloon to the Island of Hong Kong. Some of the famous architects had done themselves proud in the area. If I could use just one word to describe Hong Kong it would be "VERTICAL." We arrived at our hotel and it was impressive. Our room keys were distributed and Bill said he would stick around the lobby to answer any questions and at 1:00 PM he would escort any who wanted to venture out to a trip, via the subway, to Kowloon. He would inform us on the subway system and escort us to several landmarks on Kowloon. I had slept well on the trip over, having bagged an exit row seat with unlimited legroom. I was ready to explore and learning the subway system seemed to be an excellent idea.
Our rooms were spacious and impressive, it was a five star after all. I introduced myself to my roommate and apologized in advance for what my wife informed me was my habit of snoring, although I still don't think I snore. I quick shower and a change of clothes and off we went to discover. There were about twelve souls who followed Bill to the subway. He explained the system and we purchased our tickets from the machines waiting for our coins. Bill informed us that 2 million people rode the subway every work day. Two million people, I was impressed with the cleanliness of the surroundings and the safety as well. The people moved rapidly, always going to some destination and paying little attention to anything except the end of their journey. We boarded and headed to Kowloon. Just as crowded, filled with bus fumes and the smells emanating from the small restaurants, it is an entity like no other I have ever experienced. And everything vertical. We visited The Peninsula in the midst of High Tea, passed shopping area after shopping area peddling their wares. We were advised to take the Star Ferry back to the island and we boarded with the traveling throngs. It took only seven minutes for a fee of $2.20 HK or a little over .30 US. The subway was $11.00 HK or about $2.50 US. Everything moves by mass transit in Hong Kong. Either subway, train or bus and last resorts are taxi and on foot. Many chose on foot and the streets are filled with people moving to their appointed rounds. Many on cell phones as they cover the ground. Everyone seems to have cell phones, even the kids. It is a connected society and it seems half of the storefronts are peddling cell phones. Tiny phones, many residents have more than one number and the fees must be reasonable, they are everywhere.
The small group of us who had journeyed together walked back to the hotel from the Star Ferry terminal arriving about 5:30 PM or so and beginning to tire. I had been invited to join Dr Phan, Dr Yang, Denis, Alex from Fin Tel and a fellow traveler, Louis, for a traditional Chinese dinner. We snaked through the backrooms of buildings and arrived in a large restaurant, filled with diners. We were seated and enjoyed some conversation while Alex ordered dish after dish. I worked on mastering the chopsticks while enjoying the company and the Chinese beer. There were many dishes and I tried to be conservative in my choices, hoping for my digestive system to live for the future. It was a memorable evening with Dr Phan sharing his adult history, his mother still lives in Paris, unwilling to leave her home. Not surprising Dr Phan has a colorful story, something about reconstituting and we laughed and enjoyed. Dr Yang also shared his families political background with many relatives being involved in Chinese politics in the Shanghai area. Dr Yang is a very pleasant and sincere gentleman with personal goals for Chinese unification with Taiwan. He is dedicated to HRCT just as Dr Phan is dedicated. They were both unhappy with the stock price, but vowed to continue to build the company, it is all they can do after all.
Hong Kong - Day 2
The presentations were to begin downstairs in the conference center at 9:30 AM after breakfast beginning at 8:00. The breakfast was a mixture of Western and traditional Chinese, dealers choice. I opted for Western having been adventurous the night before. Eggs, bacon, French toast and toast was the path I chose. This was topped off with some of the strongest coffee I had ever had. Coffee is not a Chinese strong suit and I switched to tea.
The presentations were accompanied by a stack of information produced for us. All four of our missing travelers had found their way into the fold. JFloyd enjoying an interesting story as he found his way from the frozen heartland. I was shocked to see him and we enjoyed meeting face to face after a running relationship on the RB. Dr Phan began the presentation and introduced Stephen Tang from Financial Telecom, then Alan Chow from Streaming Asia followed by Raymond Lai from Koffman Securities. This was followed by a Question and Answer time and a discussion of the future. I will profile the companies in following installments. We adjourned for lunch then regrouped for visits to the three companies that presented in the morning. Again company information will be presented later. The architecture of Hong Kong was highlighted when we visited Financial Telecom. They are office in the building built by Li Kai-shing called The Center. It was a fabulous building listed as being 79 floors making it the 7th tallest building in the world and according to the map I have, the tallest, by one floor, in Hong Kong.
After the bus ride home, I was very tired, I think day 2 is where the flight hits home. I was invited to dinner with Andy and his wife and others. While we were waiting for our taxi I realized I had left my wallet in the room. I told the group I would catch up later and returned to my room. It was then that I received the news from home concerning my father in law. Having lost my appetite I instead took a long hot bath and posted to the RB as well as emailing home. Realizing I had forgotten about eating dinner I decided to frequent the MacDonalds down the street. I ordered the Big Mac combo meal with a coke, the Number 1, some things appear to be universal! MacDonalds was packed with teens enjoying their time together. Back to the hotel and some soccer on the TV.
The next morning, after breakfast was dedicated to touring Hong Kong. Starting with a tour up the mountain to Victoria Peak, then to Stanley Market where vendors sell there wares and some are more aggressive than others. A funny story that I did not witness but heard later and laughed until I cried..... We had two fellow travelers who had darker skin than the white folks. One of the black gentlemen was shopping in the market when one of the aggressive vendors, a small elder Chinese woman, saw him and called him to her stall calling in her high pitched voice...."Hey Brother, here Borther.....hey bro', come see my shop....." I could just see it in my minds eye. When he relayed the story in Beijing I thought I would die from laughing. After Stanley Market we toured a jewelry manufacturer and Repulse Bay. We blew off Sea World knowing that the fare would be the same here as in the US. Then back to the hotel at 5:00 to be ready to leave for the New Year's Eve celebration hosted by Dr Phan.
We reassembled for the trip to the Pier. We left way too early due to the information that many streets were being blocked off for the night. We arrived with plenty of time to spare and waited for the boat to appear. Dr Phan arrived having left an important business meeting to join us. The follow up meeting was scheduled for the following morning, then he was scheduled to fly back home in the early afternoon.
The boat arrived and the group, accompanied by many of our Hong Kong friends left the pier for Lamma Island and the restaurant. The skyline at night was spectacular. The harbor was not smooth but we enjoyed spending some time having Dr Phan enlighten the group while we navigated our way to the Island. There was a little nip in the air as we departed the boat and were seated in the restaurant. It was another traditional Chinese dinner with the round table and the various dishes served on the lazy susan rotating in the center of the table. It was a fabulous time filled with laughter and making new friends. Time flew away from us and we were quite late leaving the Island for the return trip. Then it happened. The karaoke machine was unveiled and "singers," who will remain unnamed filled the boat with "music." We were entertained by Louis who had been an opera performer and performed brilliantly making the karaoke seem a little trite, but Maragret stepped uop to the plate and treated us to some fun and laughter. Then we were back at the pier. We unloaded the boat, boarded the bus and attempted to find our way to Times Square for the countdown for the new year. There was only one problem.... getting from where we were to there. We gave up on the bus and took to foot. The masses were all out, it seemed. We counted down the New Year in the company of what was reported the next day as 500,000 on the streets of Hong Kong.
Then it was back to the hotel. Our bags were due outside our doors at 5:30 AM, breakfast at 6:00 and departure at 6:45 for the trip back to the airport. While in route Bill asked us to open our passports and complete the form needed for departure. I completed mine and set it, in my passport, in the vacant seat next to me on the bus. I then studied the inside of my eyelids for the balance of the trip to the airport. I awoke when we stopped and the luggage truck was unloading our baggage. I found my two bags and followed the group to check in at the ticket counter. I waited in line and when my turn came I opened the ticket envelope to retrieve my ticket and passport. Only one problem..... no passport.... I just had it but now it was not to be found. I removed myself from the line and searched every nook and cranny, but no passport. I found Bill and had him call the bus driver. He requested the bus driver to return and we went up to meet him. I knew I had it on the bus, after that I could not recall. I boarded the bus.... no passport. I swore and backtracked my steps into the airport. I allowed anyone who desired to search my belongings.... no passport. I was beginning to consider the fact that I was to stay in Hong Kong for the balance of the trip and wondered how long it would take to generate a replacement passport. It didn't look good.
Bill rushed up to me.... "Follow me, someone found your passport and turned it in to the information desk... they need you to claim it!" Sure enough, they had my passport and China became a reasonable expectation again. Filled with relief I got my boarding pass and was treated with cheers as I joined the group at the Gate.
Off to Shanghai.
TO BE CONTINUED........... |
