Something Feels Different About Hong Kong... (first impressions after 15 years)

Looking at it now, it's very hard to believe that just a few hundred years ago, Hong Kong used to be a collection of small fishing villages. A far cry from being a huge global financial hub that it is today, that is ever-changing considering everything it has been through with British colonial rule, invasion by Japan, and just, you know, a lot of political things that have gone on since then. It is certainly a city that has taken some very difficult times and made the most of it. And it has a very unique energy to it where the first day that I was walking around, I couldn't get it out of my head that, of course, you know, Hong Kong does remind me of China in many ways, but blended with Singapore. Like, I'm getting super strong Singapore vibes, let me know if you guys agree. But of course, mixed in with, you know, some British aspects as well, but the Singapore is really strong for me this time around. Because I was actually here about 15 years ago, so obviously things have changed a lot since then, and I hadn't been to Singapore at that time. So I hope you guys will come join me and see what this incredible city has to offer. Now Hong Kong might look like just another modern mega city, but its story is completely unlike anywhere else in the world. What you're looking at today, these glass skyscrapers, neon streets, and double-decker trams are the result of over 150 years of British colonial rule. Back in 1842, after the first opium war, Hong Kong was handed over to Britain and transformed into a major global trading port. And while I still say it looks more like Singapore to me, you can still feel the legacy everywhere when it comes to the left side driving, to the legal system, and even the language. English and which is something you won't find in mainland China. But here's where it gets even more interesting. In 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China under something called one country two systems. The idea was that Hong Kong would remain a part of China, but keep its own economic and legal systems for 50 years. And that's why Hong Kong feels so different. You have uncensored internet, their own currency, international brands everywhere, and at the same time, you're still very much in China, surrounded by its culture, food, and traditions. It truly is east meeting west in the most literal way. And that's what makes Hong Kong so fascinating, because it's not fully one thing or the other. It's a place shaped by history, caught between two worlds, and constantly evolving into something entirely its own. So the first time I came to Hong Kong, 15 years ago, I did actually stay in near central area. So kind of where we are right now. Fun fact was also the first time that I experienced a level four typhoon, I think it was where we had to stay indoors, light posts were bending over, and nobody seemed to be in a panic. Nobody seemed to be in a panic, except for me. Anyway, it's very common occurrence. They call them typhoon parties where you just stay indoors and you know school is canceled. But now I am staying on the Kowloon side, just across Victoria Harbor. And it's been an interesting experience to compare the two, where I would say if you want a busier sort of atmosphere, like definitely very very tourist friendly, I would say Kowloon would be the place to go. Like I do like their harbor front probably more, where it has you know the avenue of stars and then you see the lights of central. But if you want a more chill atmosphere while still having you know lots of great amenities, I would say stay near the more central business district area. Because with most people working you know during the weekdays, it is very quiet. It is very relaxed in this area. Of course if you stay near the escalators, which we'll go to later, that area can get you know very very busy. But around here, very chill. So for lunch today, I am going to a Cantonese restaurant that my friend recommended that has very good dim sum. And fun fact, here in Hong Kong and in Canton in general, it's actually very common to eat dim sum for breakfast. Love dim sum, but is it what I want to eat for breakfast? No. So I'm gonna have it for lunch. No idea how this works. I should have asked my friend before coming here. They just sat me down at a random table and there is just like chaos throughout. Or maybe I just grabbed them. I don't know. The lady at my table helped me. Okay yeah, so you just go up to the sellers and you just tell them what you want and they put on your form what you got. So there's a whole bunch of like tray tables going around. It's chaos, but it's actually kind of cool. So first and foremost, we are going to try the tea. And Jesus, this teapot is like three kilograms. It's so heavy. It actually smells like jasmine tea. Let's try it. Mmm, that's really nice. It is like jasmine green tea, something like that. So because I am very much a foreigner, I stick to the things that I know I'm going to like, which is shrimp and pork. I'm pretty sure, actually this is pork and shrimp dumplings, but better to go with something that you know you'll for sure like. So let's try the shrimpies first. That's really good actually. Now let's try the pork and shrimp. Shrimp dim sum I've had before. It almost has like a little bit of a sweetness to it. I really like it. And for dessert, I have no idea what I got, but it was in a coconut and I love coconuts. So I assume I will like this. This has actually been a fun experience. I would recommend. Y'all, that's so good. I don't know why I'm talking closer to the camera. I have my mic right here. It's really, really good. And it's almost warm. I'm actually confused how they got it warm when it's like inside of the coconut. But yeah, it's like this warm coconut pudding. Those pear apple things actually look really good too. Anyways, guys, great experience. Only thing is I have no idea how much money this all costs. We're about to find out, but I would recommend. So in continuing our exploration of Central, I then made my way to Hollywood Road, which is one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong. It's lined with antique shops, art galleries, and little cafes tucked behind colonial era buildings. There's this really cool mix of old and new here. Like you'll see traditional Chinese artifacts being sold right next to contemporary art spaces, making it feel like the city's history and its future are simply coexisting. My first main stop was at Man Mo Temple, which is also one of the oldest temples in the city, hidden right in the middle of the urban chaos. The moment you step inside, everything slows down. The air is thick with the smell of burning incense and above you, these massive coils hang from the ceiling, slowly smoking as they burn for days and sometimes even weeks. The temple is dedicated to the gods of literature and war, Man and Mo, and historically students would come here to pray for the success of their exams. But back outside, I continued westward to the Central Mid-Level Escalator, which is actually the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. This is really ideal because instead of walking uphill in the heat and humidity that Hong Kong is well known for, you just step on and let the city carry you up. Walking around this area, there really is so much to see. It is a little bit chaotic, so as I was saying earlier in the video, I don't know if I would recommend staying here if you are looking for peace and quiet, but it's definitely a fun area to explore and I always love coming down here. But as the time got closer to sunset, I decided that I wanted to go somewhere extra special that I had never been to before for a fabulous view of the city, which is called Bramer Hill. But to get there was quite an expedition. First, I had to take the metro quite a few stops, then I had to get on those little mini buses, which if you know, you know, and then go for a 20-minute drive up the hill to the highest station. Locals, please tell me if this is a common occurrence, where I swear every single bus I have gotten on, are the bus drivers like thinking they're in Grand Theft Auto here or something like that? They are so aggressive with their driving, and for what? Like technically they're pretty good drivers, like they're making these like sharp turns like it's nobody's business, like I'm not doubting they can do their job, but you just get like thrown around like crazy on the damn buses here. But anyways, I think I'm here? I don't even know. I don't know how long of a climb it's gonna be, but yeah, let's let's hope for the best. Actually, Google Maps is telling me to go down here, which is odd because there's no sign. I would think there'd be a sign, but at least there's people coming towards me, and one with a walking stick, so that's a good sign. It always pays to ask, guys. Ridiculous. Ridiculous. This, this is the way you're supposed to go to the actual viewpoint, even though this says Braemers Hill. Luckily, I had asked some other people that were hiking, like are you coming from the viewpoint, and they said no. Some other locals told them that if you want actually the main viewpoint that's only 20 minutes away, which isn't too bad, you have to go this way. So don't follow the sign that says Braemers Point. I think I made it. I think I made it. Oh my god. Oh my god. What a journey. What a journey. They're pretending to cry. You won't repeat. You can't reach it cause you have closed your eyes. This is 100% one of the coolest places in Hong Kong, guys. At least, at least where I have been. What an amazing find. So a big thank you to my mom. A big thank you to my mom, Liana, who literally was like, oh, you know, I saw this picture of this beautiful place, you should go here, and I just, you know, put it on my map, and I was thinking of going to Victoria Peak today, but I'm so glad that I decided to do this instead. Amazing. Well, it certainly wouldn't be a trip to Hong Kong without a little ride on the Star Ferry over to the Kowloon side, and I'll take you guys on a little walk of the Avenue of the Stars. What an incredible but exhausting day. Guys, I have been up since like 6, 7 a.m. and it is now 9. I think it's like 9 p.m. I think I've walked 25,000 steps. It was also very hot today, so I hope you enjoyed this video. I hope it was worth it, and I hope it gave you some great ideas of things that you can see and do the next time that you come to Hong Kong. I will have one more video coming up though, so stay tuned for that before I cross over to the mainland. And as always, if you guys have any suggestions of other things to see and do in the city, please leave it down below because I will absolutely be back to Hong Kong again. And as always, I am sending you so much love. Keep being your own kind of beautiful. Bye, guys.