We have made it to Hong Kong. As Aaron put it, “It feels like NYC’s Chinatown has exploded!” But really, it’s hard to compare Hong Kong to any other city on earth. It has it’s own rhythms and impressive skylines. From our hotel window, the never ending docks and water traffic mesmerize us.
Anything goes in this booming metropolis. The people of Hong Kong remind me of an Ani DeFranco line, “(In) New York City where at least when I walk down the street nobody ever hesitates to tell me exactly what they think of me” I’ve always taken this line to mean that New Yorkers are not afraid to express themselves however they choose. With the uncensored media, it’s easier to do that in Hong Kong too.
Amid this freedom there is also an admirable respect for law and order. People actually waited at the crosswalk for green “walk now” light to signal. It was a small, one way street, with no real traffic at the moment, and people waited. Well, most of them at least. This sort of behavior was unthinkable in mainland. The only reason you didn’t cross the street at anytime and place was to avoid being crushed by a bus. But all that civility aside, they still drive on the wrong side of the street here.
We have settled at the Salisbury YMCA. It’s like no YMCA that we’ve seen in the states. This 14 story hotel is complete with restaurants, viewing decks, play gym, 2 pools, beauty salon and more. We are very satisfied with our suite accommodations, which equips us with a pull out bed for Maeli. Aaron finally got a good night sleep without little feet kicking him in the wee hours.
But by far, the best of the best that this hotel has to offer (for me) is the guest laundry room. In every city that we’ve been, I’ve looked high and low for a laundry mat. At first I used the hotel services, but after being charged $35 USD for a small load, and they didn’t even get the stains out, I swore off any service.
As I walked into the guest laundry room at the Salisbury, I stood in silence for a few minutes … soaking in the sight of three gleaming washers and dryers. For a little over $15 USD, I did three loads of laundry.
Of course this doesn’t mean that my days of bathtub laundry are over. I’m sure we’ll see another load or two of clothes draped all over the room. But for our short time in Hong Kong, the Salisbury has relieved me of at least one domestic duty.
§Commentary