Jackie Miao

Hong Kong: A Symphony of Modern Infrastructure on Ancient Landscapes

Last Wednesday, I made an “impulse” trip to Hong Kong for the first time. What started out as my soul’s plea for new landscapes became a whirlwind adventure that opened my eyes, challenged old perspectives, and shifted personal paradigms. This is a 6-part story about my 4 days in the most densely populated city in the world.

What I love most about traveling to a place is meeting up with people. Since I have never been to Hong Kong and not had a chance to spend much time with a good friend who lives there in over four years, the choice was an easy one to make.

Jackie in Central Hong Kong

When I first landed on Chep Lap Kok Island, I was so excited I began composing a mental theme song called Motherland of my Ancestors, complete with the imaginary cinematic accompaniment of the Er Hu and bamboo flute as I caught sight of the rolling hills behind a litter of technological advancement.

Amidst my glee, I was careful to keep my facial expressions in check in case people on the transfer bus saw the retarded elation that overcame me. When I used to live in New York, I never understood why the Irish-Americans made such a big deal about visiting Ireland (when they were clearly American), that is until I had a taste of my own version last Wednesday.

On my way to Hong Kong Island on the Airport Express train, I was just so fascinated by the miles and miles of pointy mountains that my mind naturally broke into song and dance. As a 4th-generation Nanyang-Chinese, I have no relatives of significance left in the motherland and very little knowledge about my ancestors in China. To be reconnected with the womb that carried the bulk of my DNA was nothing short of a personal phenomenon.

With no real plans other than to spend a bit of time with my friend Rachel, I had zero expectations about the place. Little did I know this unplanned trip was to be one of the best trips I have ever had.

Part 2 of 6 will be published at 8pm MY/SG/HK time tonight.