Hong Kong – The First Glimpse

Posted on by Parul Thakur

I landed in Hong Kong yesterday morning and since then I have been spell-bound by this city in more than one way. First things first – immigration, various checks and flying was smooth. This was the first time I was travelling alone on an international journey and having things that take care of themselves was a relief.

I flew from Bangalore to Hong Kong via Mumbai
I flew from Bangalore to Hong Kong via Mumbai

However short is the flight, the night journey gets tiring but getting to watch the sunrise by the plane window 35,000 feet above the ground was lovely. This picture hasn’t done full justice to that perfect setting but this was a sight to remember.

Glee hours of the morning
Glee hours of the morning

As the plane began the descent, I could see water all around and yes, the runway was nowhere to be seen. The runway was surrounded by water and like a little peninsula, the strip felt as if it was in between a water body. Only when the craft touched the ground, I realized how this airport must have been built.

Going by the international standards, the airport was pretty much the same as the ones anywhere else in the world but then came another surprise. I took a little metro to get to the immigration counter. Yes, an underground train runs from the air strip to the immigration counter within the airport every two minutes. By chance, I got into the first carriage and it felt as if I was driving it.

The auto-operated metro rail
The auto-operated metro rail

There were many immigration counters, the long line moved quickly and the officials were friendly. For those who want to plan a travel to Hong Kong, remember that Hong Kong provides visa on arrival to Indians and it is free of any sort of charge. The airport provides you free Wi-fi and it is faster than any network that I had seen before. I was able to send mails to VT and whatsapp family and friends about my safe arrival.

I took an Airport Express to reach Hong Kong Central where I am currently staying and I spent exactly 24 minutes on the commute. The tickets to take an airport express are available inside the airport and the staff there too was helpful. The airport is huge and provides you enough opportunity to walk after your long flight and that was sure a relief for my cramped legs. I skipped the travelators and chose to walk.

Hong Kong has a simple rule that works in the best interest of its infrastructure. Every big commercial space should accommodate a public space. So in Hong Kong central, the Airport express’ final destination is the basement of IFC Mall which is a luxury mall right at the centre of Hong Kong. Convenient, isn’t it?

VT met me at the mall and we walked till our temporary home. The walk was long and certainly one that gave me a quick glance of things around. Notably – the skyscrapers, the fancy cars, the hint of green and the trams.

Clock wise from the left :
Clock wise from the left : Greens and skyscrapers together, the long beautifully maintained path ways that connect buildings (public space concept), Lights and more lights, Welcome to Hong Kong board at the airport, the roads and transport, and another skyscraper.

This was just the first glimpse and there is more to come. I am in Hong Kong for a few more days. If you have any recommendations about places to visit or food joints to try, do share!

Keep visiting for more stories from Hong Kong, and the usual dose of happiness and food for thought!

 

 

33 thoughts on “Hong Kong – The First Glimpse”

    1. Thank you so much Neerja! Nothing prepares you for technologically advanced city. Absolutely nothing! 🙂 The more you experience, the better you feel about living in a developed city.

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  6. Taking the metro from the air strip to the immigration counter sounds interesting and more interesting to me was that the train did not have a driver’s cabin and the passengers seated in the first coach could very well imagine themselves as the ones controlling the train 🙂

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    1. I know! For a moment – I was like, where is the driver’s cabin and then I knew it was auto operated. 😛 Standing at the first carriage was fun. Zip, Zap Zoom sorts 😀 Thanks for stopping by Anamika!

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  8. It must be a wonderful place but the way u described it makes it much more attractive.we’ll be waiting for such surprises Di. Enjoy ur stay!

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  11. I love the new look of your blog Parul..

    And yes I want to read more and more about your Hongkong adventures…Travelling alone has a different kind of trill, doesn’t it? I have always enjoyed that and it gives me the time to observe without being disturbed by conversation 😀

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    1. Thank you Nabanita. Yes, I changed the look and went self hosted. This was long due, Glad you like it 🙂

      Yes, a very unique one. I get a little scared but then I settle down well. VT is in Hong Kong so I just traveled to meet him and be with him for a couple of days and then be back home. More posts to come soon!

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    1. In that case Leena, just come over. You will enjoy the place. It has a different feel all together 🙂 Thank you for your wishes!

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    1. Walking is what I am doing the most and I am enjoying the up and down the roads. MTR is so convenient. Thanks for your wishes!

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