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HONG KONG ... LAS VEGAS .... LORETO ...

I spent a week in Hong Kong which is vastly different from Singapore and it feels like New York on steroids.  While Singapore only became a nation in 1965, is a planned city with great vision using the newest technologies, transport and amenities; Hong Kong has been the commercial center of Asia for over 100 years.   It is a city that has grown literally on top of each other and a true mix of old and new.   There are older districts where the buildings are 50+ years old, with street markets and stalls, to the new ultra office towers and hotels.   The people themselves have found a way to coexist with all the foreigners, China Nationals, and locals who have inhabited this jewel for a century.  

You cannot escape the crowds of people everywhere.   
Most foriegners I met at the Hotel rarely strayed far from the safety and tranquility of the hotel and areas.   This is a shame because there is a lot to experience.    Hong Kong is as safe as any large city, and there is no problem walking around at night.   There are very few hawkers on the street trying to take me down an alley to buy a fake Rolex or Designer item.   Now the stores are lined with so many designers names, its hard to keep track of them.  
I was in a very ordinary mall and there was a new shop just opened with large bouquets of flowers to celebrate its Grand Opening Sale.   There was a line up of 50 people waiting patiently while the security guard let people into the store as others exited … with at least 60 people in the store at any given time.   What on earth could be so worthwhile to wait for such bargains?   I peered in the window and saw designer purses … not the usual Prada, Coach, or Fendi, but lesser name brands that I did not recognize.  These purses ranged from $12,000 to $20,000 HKD, which is about $1500 to $3000+ USD each.   They were on sale for 20% to 30% off … which in my opinion is still not a great deal for a cute bag you can buy in the alley for 10% of this cost (less the designer label)!  
There are universal ways to gauge a city’s economy.   One way is the price of a Big Mac at McDonalds; and the second is how many people are carrying bags at shopping malls.   Everyone goes to the mall in every city, but in Hong Kong everyone had bags and bags of new purchases.   Many of the buyers were from China.   Hong Kong is fascinating for its history and its diversity and food choices require definite commitment to learn.   An interesting place if you happen to be there on business, or stopping on a cruise.  For big city travel … it would not make my top 10 favorites.  
Returning to the USA after a whirlwind 2 weeks in Asia, I decided to stop in Vegas and visit with my favorite girls.   Vegas is always surreal and a great place to get over jet lag as time does not matter.  We spent more time in the casinos and most of the good hotels regulate the smoking areas.   There was not the constant pinging of slot machines, nor the scanty clad waitresses serving drinks.   Vegas too is changing … for the better and it was a great week! 
Now back in Loreto for a week, this is the first day I have to relax and decompress all the sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences in the past month.    After walking 15,000 steps a day and waking up in 7 different hotels, it is good to be back home in the tranquility of Loreto.    What strikes me the most is that there are good people everywhere, great fun and experiences if you look for them, and there are also many people that fear the unknown.    The unknown is simply a road you haven’t gone down yet.   Sometimes there is a road map with paved streets, yet still surprise construction occurs with detours.   Sometimes you need to make your own path but have a clear imagine of your destination.   Most often it’s a bit of both.  
Life is a journey and I am one that doesn’t want too much predictability.   I definitely enjoy my creature comforts, but in my mind it is important to always be open to new experiences and opportunities.   I am very happy to be back in Loreto where I can be spontaneous and make new friends each day!  Life is good!
Gung Hay Fat Choy ... Wishing you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year of the Pig!! 

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