Still alive and kicking

It was only when we arrived in Hong Kong that I realised that this is 2007, the 10th anniversary of the handover. For the occasion, they have this theme song that is played over and over and over and over again on TV, at the airport, etc. Entitled, 'Just because you are here', it's a pretty catchy song, featuring Andy, Alan, Hacken, Gillian, Charlene and others.

(You can listen to the song and get a clear view of the video here :-))

I remember, sometime around 1997, we were talking with a Hongkonger we know. This person is an academic, and also happens to judge international tournaments in a particular sport (if I'm not mistaken, the Olympics is on her judging resume) so I'm sure she wouldn't have problems migrating if she wants to. She also has family in Canada and Australia. However, she chose to stay. She said, simply, 'I don't see a need to leave.'

I guess it's people like her who have ensured that Hong Kong is still alive and kicking today. Such as at this very happening IFC, which houses shops, a cineplex, offices and excellent toilets, and is linked by a covered bridge to the new Star Ferry terminal.

A couple of other things I noticed on this trip (not sure if these are that new, or if it's just that I never noticed them before):

Barriers at the MTR stations. Really good idea to prevent accidental falls, etc. If anyone is deliberately trying to climb over, bystanders or staff will have some lead time in pulling the person off. I hope we will have them here at the 'open' MRT stations.

In-town airport check-in at Kowloon Station. Here, you can get your boarding pass, check in your luggage, then hop on the Airport Express to the airport. It eases the mad rush and queues at the airport itself. Another good idea.

So, proving some doomsayers wrong, the place is alive and kicking, like I said.

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