by Jerome Espinosa Baladad

Created on: October 23, 2009   Last Updated: October 24, 2009

The Hong Kong (HK) of my travel memories lies much closer to my heart, as this destination is more like home, in more ways than one, than any other destinations I've walked on before. I was in this city before its official handover by the British, and also after it's been under the able hands of the Chinese communist government. "Not much of a difference," I told myself, at least on the surface, and based on what I've seen on the few times that I've been to HK.

HK, like most major cities in the world, runs an impressive and complex transportation that serves its (both visiting and resident) over 7-million population. There's not much need to own or drive your car to get around as the transport infrastructure's been built in well in place (thus reducing derivative costs of owning a car, most specially parking which is prohibitive, too, in HK). Its subway system, known as the MTR, is among the world's most modern, using the latest in technology, including smart-cards that riders just tap on the turnstiles to get into the system.

This city could easily hold and sustain the use of its perceived strengths over all the other big cities in Asia, even amidst changes that have been taking place lately. It's one of the most organized and best-coordinated cities where both government and private organizations effectively work together to promote its attractions to all visitors. Consequently, an HK traveler just needs to pick up a free map plus catalogs anywhere in the city, and [s]he is ready to go by just following the instructions described in the very handy and free materials.

However, when you set to visit the other attractions found anywhere else in HK, you may find yourself crossing the Harbor to Kowloon side, where more shops, bars, restaurants and other tourist-oriented spots may be located. You may do this either by through the short Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbor (started since 1898), or take the efficiently-run tram (since 1974). Or even take the bus, or the cab, if that fits you - which may probably take more of your time (and your money).

What makes visits memorable in HK is seeing the large presence of multinational types of visitors from all over the world. But what makes the visits, both for leisure and business, more special is seeing a lot of other Filipinos milling around anywhere in the city. I've seen them in parks, and gathering in wide open spaces under landmark and huge buildings in HK island, and congregating mostly on weekends.

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