Hong Kong

Until European traders started importing opium into the country, Hong Kong was an obscure backwater in the Chinese empire. The British developed the trade aggressively and by the start of the 19th century traded this “foreign mud” for Chinese tea, silk, and porcelain.

Chinese attempts to stamp out the opium trade gave the British the pretext they needed for military action. Gunboats were sent in, and after the First Opium War (1839–42), Hong Kong became a British colony with the perpetual cession of Hong Kong Island.

At the end of the Second Opium War in 1860, Britain took possession of  Kowloon Peninsula, and in 1898 a 99-year lease was granted for the New Territories.

Hong Kong was later occupied by Japan during World War II until British control resumed in 1945. In the early 1980s, negotiations between the United Kingdom and China resulted in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which paved way for the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, when it became a Special Administrative Region with a high degree of autonomy.

Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong maintains a separate political and economic system from China. Except in military defense and foreign affairs, Hong Kong maintains its independent executive, legislative and judiciary powers. In addition, Hong Kong develops relations directly with foreign states and international organizations in a broad range of “appropriate fields”.

I think it remains to be seen how well this “two systems” notion works.

Tuesday October 25

We took a bus tour to the top of a mountain, and then just strolled around town. Even though the city was hazy, the city was alive and vibrant with hustle and bustle. There were lots of tall office and apartment buildings. It was easy to get around down town by walking or by bus.

That afternoon we went to the Peninsula Hotel and had a very elegant High Tea, that included lots of sweets.

We then walked around a local park that had lots of banyan trees.

In the evening we went to a light and music show along the waterfront.

That night John created lyrics to the tune of “She’ll Be Comin’ Around the Mountain” for the group to sing to Sally. He has done similar things on previous group tours in Europe with the Objectivist Travelers. As far as the big noses, ice cream for thirty-eight, and family … well, you had to be there!

                Sally, Our Tour Director

  • We have seen a lot of China on a bus,
  • And our Sally, with her smile, takes care of us.
  •     We have climbed up China’s Great Wall
  •     Going step by step without a fall
  • She’s glad our noses big are not a fuss.
  • Sally told us of the food the Chinese eat,
  • From spicy soups and pickled eggs to chicken feet.
  •     We have struggled with the chopsticks
  •     She forgot to teach us all her tricks,
  • So back to Western food we do retreat.
  • Sally took us to the Yangtze River cruise,
  • Up the river, through the locks without a bruise.
  •     All three gorges that we pass through
  •     Gave us such a nice majestic view
  • These scenic sights we never want to lose.

 


 

 

 

 

  • We saw terra cotta soldiers standing still
  • While obeying their departed master’s will
  •     Lined up, always at the ready
  •     By the thousands, firm and steady
  • Wielding swords and spears and knives prepared to kill.
  • Sally likes to have us sit where she decides.
  • Find your name and take your place for this day’s ride.
  •     If you’re only just one minute late
  •     You buy ice cream for thirty-eight.
  • She’s always counting so you cannot hide.
  • We met you, Sally, only three short weeks ago.
  • Every day you told us all we need to know.
  •     You’re the finest tour director
  •     And your family’s protector,
  • So we wish you love and happiness as we go.

 

Wednesday October 26

So now the challenge was to make 38 copies of the lyrics. The hotel didn’t want to do it, so they gave us general directions to a stationery store. On our way we got lost, and must have looked like we were lost, because a nice young lady, Poon, saw us and asked in perfect English if she could help us. She was unemployed and had been to Australia for a while. She helped us find the store where we got copies made.

Before we leave, we want to mention that as we visited several major cities in China, we were struck by the number of 20- to 30-story apartment buildings. There were literally miles of them side by side, all concrete, and many unfinished, and many under construction. People are flooding into the cities (with government “encouragement”?) and they need a place to live.

That evening was our farewell dinner, and the entire group sang the song to Sally.

Thursday October 27

We departed Hong Kong on a business class Cathay Pacific flight to Los Angeles, and from there flew to Dallas. The flight across the Pacific Ocean was over 9 hours long. John watched two movies: Star Trek: The Motion Picture (the one about V’GeR), and The Intern, which he enjoyed very much.

That’s all. We hope you enjoyed China as much as we did. Happy traveling!