I had quite a good time for the first week and half I'm here. As I'm ready to begin my first class which is Canto Pop Music to Techno, I want to say a few things about why Hong Kong is a cultural phenomenon. The way Hong Kong works has to do with the fact that is one of the most densely populated place, but what amazes me is how efficient Hong Kong operates. So we got a lot of people here and it is gonna take thinking (correct thinking) and planning to make sure things run as smoothly as possible. The first thing I noticed upon my arrival in HK is that there are signs every where. Signs at the MTR, on the street, in public places, outside of buildings, etc. These signs point towards major landmarks and locations which makes everything easier to find. Tip #1 for future HK goer, look for the signs because at time they can be quite small, then follow the signs.
The second thing about Hong Kong is the great transportation system. You can get to ANY place by combining the MTR and buses. At all MTR exists, there are bus stops right around the corner. There is no need to drive a car and the Hong Kong government discourages driving by having high taxes and expensive parking. Also important to mention is that all Hong Kong transportation drivers are incredibly skilled. They drive fast, aggressive and have good anticipation of dumb pedestrians and/or other incompetent drivers. In America, they tell you to just focus on what's ahead of you, thus most drivers in America have tunnel vision when they drive. Accidents happens less frequently here in HK than in the US, that's a fact. Everyday I take the minibus, it's like I'm in Initial D. Tip#2: use public transportation.
Professionalism is also another cultural phenomenon here. Asia has the reputation of being shitty and not professional in places such as public works, service industry, costumer satisfaction, etc...This is not the case in Hong Kong. All workers whether is cleaning toilet to working for the MTR, they are highly responsible for their job and will uphold their professional standards. They know they have a job to do and they know they how to do it professionally. I was trying to clean up after myself when done eating at the cafeteria, a lady stopped me and insisted that she takes my tray away and cleaned my table right afterwards, would this ever happen in America? Judging from my experience at crossroads, definitely not. Tip#3: let them do their jobs.
-That's it for now, more cultural observations later.
