Hong Kong, culturally rich and vibrant, is another Southeast Asian powerhouse. A 4-hour flight north of Singapore, Hong Kong is known as an alpha world city for its economic importance in the global network. We went to tour and give a talk at an international linguistics conference held at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Hong Kong is made of several islands. The oldest and densest is Hong Kong Central or the City, followed by Kowloon, and the New Territories. The areas get increasingly more residential and less British the further out.
Hong Kong’s skyline glitters at nightThe skyline is just as spectacular during the day. Promenade overlooking Victoria HarborA highlight of the Avenue of Stars is a 2.5m tall bronze statue of Bruce Lee, Hong Kong-American actor and kung fu icon.Along the same promenade as Bruce Lee, this Hong Kong Film Awards statuette models the award given to outstanding Hong Kong film makers and actors. Hong Kong’s monsoon weather makes for dramatic skylines and wet promenadesThis 44-meter high red-brick and granite clock tower (1915) was once the southern terminus of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR). The clock has continued ticking since 1921, except during the Japanese Occupation.Overlooking the harbour, the windowless Hong Kong Cultural Centre is a world-class concert hall and theatre venue. It is a tribute to the city’s deep appreciation for Western classical music as well as the Chinese opera.Since 1928, The Peninsula or the “Grande Dame of the Far East” is one of the most prestigious hotels across Asia. The classic hotel sits regally like a throne with views of the harbor. Enjoy afternoon tea in the majestic lobby with vaulted ceilings and ornate decor. Modern art and garden structures beautify the promenade.Take a 15-minute cruise across the Hong Kong Islands on Star Ferry, a historic fleet of electric-diesel vessels since 1880s, for spectacular views of skyscrapers and verdant mountains. Hong Kong Observation Wheel, a 60-m tall Ferris wheel, offers spectacular day and night views. The playful round attraction contrasts with the serious vertical finance business buildings towering behind it. One of the many modern glass and aluminium buildings in Hong Kong CityRide 1920s-style double-deck historic trams, or “ding dings,” to see historical and contemporary landmarks while listening to a commentary.Hong Kong botanic garden and zoo entranceHong Kong zoo, lion monkeyThe zoo is built into the mountains behind the city, offering refreshing greenery and good views.Many nannies and blonde children play during the week at the gardens.In the maze of skyscrapers are a number of food vendors. Mangoes from Thailand, watermelon from Malaysia, Fuji apples from China, and kale from New Zealand can be found.Dried scallops, shiitake mushrooms, chrysanthemums, seaweed, figs, and cashews flavor Chinese cooking and tonics.A dozen shops sell beautifully hued goldfish with extravagant rarities amongst the beta-fish, tetras, and turtles.Don’t forget to pick up water plants and rocks too for your home aquarium.Linguistics presentation at the 16th International Pragmatics Conference 2019 (IPrA2019) held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.Pragmatics program with presentations, venues, and workshops. Our talk was “Replicated Authenticity at a Japanese Supermarket in Singapore.” Biennial gathering of linguists from around the world
