This all began five years ago and now I intend on doing this for "The Next Five Years." It will focus on my travels, my thoughts, my photos, and my observations during the next five years. Much like my life, I am not sure what direction it will take. Enjoy the journey. - JJ
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Hong Kong
Even as a kid I wanted to visit Hong Kong. It just seemed exotic to me. I spent a couple of days in Hong Kong before going back to India. Hong Kong's offical name is Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Great Britain handed back control of Hong Kong to mainland China in 1997. "The Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law of Hong Kong stipulate that Hong Kong operate with a high degree of autonomy until at least 2047, fifty years after the transfer. Under the policy of "one country, two systems", the Central People's Government is responsible for the territory's defence and foreign affairs, while the Government of Hong Kong is responsible for its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy, immigration policy, and delegates to international organisations and events."
Aside from the oppressive humidity, the other thing you can't miss about Hong Kong is the amount of wealth present. There is a lot of money in Hong Kong. In fact, Hong Kong has the largest number of millionaires in the world. That explains all of the couture shopping such as Tiffany's, Cartier, Givenchy, and Jean Paul Gaultier. I saw more high-end shopping in Hong Kong than Beverly Hills, Paris, London, Tokyo, and New York. Keep in mind these items aren't cheaper in Hong Kong, they are just more plentiful.
Another interesting thing about Hong Kong is that it has its own currency and immigration requirements. For example, I need a Visa to visit China, but in Hong Kong my passport was the only requirement for entry; additional proof of the "one country, two systems" policy.
The Toto Washlet is the greatest bathroom invention since toilet paper. Heated seat, automatic air purifier, and warm water rinse. My ass has never been cleaner. Some of the new models have auto opening/closing lids, massage seats, auto flush and other programmable features. It's only a matter of time before Toto adds an auto whip feature. I have already contacted two Atlanta bathroom supply companies for quotes. Seriously, why don't our toilets have these features? We went to the moon for god's sake...why do I still have to sit on a cold toilet seat in the morning?