Leaving HK

I am now in the lounge of the HK airport awaiting my flight.

I spent 5 nights in HK. I came primarily to see the HK jewellery fair, which I have heard of but never attended.

The fair is massive and I am sure over the 2 full days I was there, I only covered about 20% of the booths. I recognised many people I have met over the years at various Singapore shows and shops and that was nice.

HK looks and feels the same, even after 7 years. Nothing seems to have changed. It is still a busy city, but I do feel that it is the mainland Chinese who are propping up large parts of their economy. They are the biggest shoppers and they can be seen patronizing all their higher-end restaurants and hotels. Even at the jewellery fair, a large number of the booths were by Chinese brands and many of the buyers were Chinese.

Lots of old people around but fortunately they are mobile and seem able to handle themselves. And just like Singapore, or worse, people seem to be walking around staring into their phones, flipping videos or watching dramas or playing games.

Food is good and cheaper than Singapore. Service is generally good everywhere.

I took a day trip to Shenzhen and that was an eye opener. Just as how HK people go there in large numbers for the cheaper food and services, Chinese people come to HK to shop and eat.

The HK airport is superb. Overall a good experience even after all these years.