Hong Kong: nothing of what I expected

HKG is the city I heard a lot before coming, so I had some expectations based on it, which actually didn't came true. HKG did not amazed me with it architecture  and city-mood. All standard touristic places also made no "wow"-effect on me. But! there were other things I was happy to experience. 

Megapolis. That was the first city made me tired of its size in combination with lack of space. With all consequences: Busy people, all the time in a hurry. Crazy sell-buy- make more money culture. Like line to Channel branded shop :) In parks only tourists and pensionaries. There rest are making money or shipping. 

Lack of free space has the highest level of slim and extremely high buildings, tiny room 3x4 room with bad, bathroom and toilet. Living in it for 5 days made me crazy.

Meditation parks. The most beautiful small park I've seen. Music, waterfall, bansay trees - the moment I realized real Chinese parking culture, which smoothly were developed on Japan later. 

"no British culture". The first time when stereotypes were not confined at all. Hong Kong is not an British city at a lot. Those tiny reminders you can find - looks strange in Chinese surrounding.  was the first city made me tired of its size in combination with lack of space. With all consequences: Busy people, all the time in a hurry. Crazy sell-buy- make more money culture. Like line to Channel branded shop :) In parks only tourists and pensionaries. There rest are making money or shopping. 

tips for tourists: 

* place to leave: nearest to tsi sha tsu is suitable place, but be ready for lack of space in you room

* local and Asia food in food courts is not expensive (average lunch/dinner for two of us was up to 70, except for few places like restraunts

* 2-3 full days is more than enough to visit main attractions

* better to come on weekdays, as on weekends this area is full of citizens and tourists

* don't believe strange monks near 10000 Buddhas temple - they are bagging money and fraud by giving gift and asking for money 

Singapore: the city of tomorrow

Singapore can fantastically amaze you or completely disappoint. But it will never leave with "so-so" feelings. Personally I was surprisingly for myself charmed by this city. From first sight, it can give an impression of the city without any history or spirit, or special mood build by the centures. But it is not quite so. The only truth is that Singapore is young city. And if europian cities already have strong spirit, history behind and "stereotypes", Singapore is in the process of creating it's own, like Rome in times of Roman Empire, like Paris during French revoultions.

And Singapore has already its specific character, like futuristic city it's modern but made for people, clean though crowded, green and full of skyscrapes.

Intercultutal. It's easy to see MIX of east and west on every corner. And usualy it is reflected in the better light, interculture mix of "best" from different civilizations.

 

Green and Clean. Pretty sure that you wont be afraid of sanitary, it seems line there even pedestrian roads are washed with shampoo. Every corner is clean and repaired. Even there are a lot of building, you'll be surprised how many green spots around.

Made for people. Comfort is priority - that was my impression regarding any construction in Singapore.

 

Sportive. A lot of people running on the riverside in the evening up to 10 pm.

 

Chilling-out. Even in weekday evenings almost all restraunts are full of office-people.

 

Tips for travellers:

* food is cheap in cultural districts, but check if there is no touristic tax, than it will be even much cheaper;  

* sentosa is recommender: there we've found real paradise for two - lonely beach and palms... but there are also many crowded beaches with lots of entertainments and family places
* little India is great experience for staying at hostel in this district, Indian mood in Singapore style - colorful but modest, safe and neat.
 

Bangkok ancient and modern

Bangkok is truly exotic place for "Western" tourists. This exotic explains or even excuses Europeans' and Americans' attitude there - a will to try new, wild and forbidden. During our stay there for 6 days I made some notes and observation to share.

Proud of wearing uniform. Maybe this is only personal opinion, still comparing with our "uniform-wearers" I noted much more respect demonstrated by thai people in uniform towards the fact they are wearing it. I saw drivers and conductors of public transport, security and state servants.  Clothes are more accurate and clean. I may suppose that reason is persons proud of getting higher in job classes, opportunity to work in better conditions comparing to selling outside food under the hot sun. 

Tourists madness. On the second day of our staying in Bangkok IT began - thai new year celebration. According to the local traditions it is common to wash Buddhas statues, wear flowers, celebrate with family and water people passing by. That is true, local people are doing this - they can sluice you with the whole bucket of cold water - but at least with good wishes and smiles and the most important - making caution about their actions. BUT tourists are really going to far - water guns with freezing water just in you eyes with bad jokes and impolite at all. That is one of the example how tourists are getting crazy here, unfortunately; coz it is very bright and colorful country with beautiful places to see, except for only bars and pubs and sex tourism. Any way this city  worth to be visited at least once. 

Local cuisine. I'm not a fan of spicy food, even on the contrary - usually I'm against any kind of pepper. But for my huge surprise I liked Thai food a lot. Keeping simple rules of personal sanitarity it is fine to eat on the street - I do even recommend to do so, otherwise you won't be able to try fully the taste of thai dishes.

Work as craft. People are making any their job a real art and craft. Even street food seller makes show out of simple sausages backing, putting into the package and adding sous. his gestures and moves look like an illusionist in circus makes performance.

Health and sport. In central park in late evening (from 9 to 10 p.m.) on each corner we found big groups of people doing various types of sport activities. Plus people running, using public fitness machines. 

BKK tourist's tips:

* it is rational to book hostels in two different districts (historical and business) to explore both parts deeply

* food out on the street is tasty and cheap - don't be afraid to eat it

* you can share one plate for two

ASIA TRIP. Beginning

Совсем скоро начнется долгожданное и долгопланированное путешествие в Азию по маршруту 11.04 Бангкок - 15.04 Сингапур - 19.04 Гонконг - 24.04 Бангкок.

Частые передвижения и сам по себе характер поездки обусловили необходимость принять challenge #1 - никакого багажа - только рюкзак, до сиз пор не понимаю как там осталось еще место, при этом я понимала, что в доге прийдется провести 18 дней.

Выбор дат не был ключевым фактором при планировании поездки. Именно из-за этого мы неожиданно получили сюрприз - оказалось что в дни пребывания в Бангкоке мы попадаем на таиландский Новый год. Challenge #2 - адекватно реагировать и воспринимать местных жителей желающий обливать всех водой и мазать тальком и enjoy it.

Самое главное уже сделано - маршрут обозначен, рюкзак собран, хорошее настроение с собой!

Подробный отчет об изучении Бангкока - в течении нескольких дней!