For today’s piece, I have picked my favorite city in South East Asia, the one place where I can let my hair down and explore to my heart’s content. The charm and bustling energy of the erstwhile British colony, Hong Kong, holds immense charm. Added to the fact that my brother and his family has been living there for many years and my countless visits there alone and with my family, the city has never ceased to spark my interest in its nooks and corners which I’ve had the good fortune to explore. I simply adore exploring the interesting cafés and other places nestled alongside the sea and sampling the exotic dishes.

If one looks at the history, Hong Kong was taken by force from the Chinese in 1842 becoming a base for trading opium, interestingly grown in Bihar, in exchange for tea from China for which the British had developed a taste. Today Hong Kong is a special autonomous and self-governing part of China which was initiated in 1997.

From a tourist point of view, Indians get a seven day visa on arrival in Hong Kong and the city is well connected with Indian metros. It comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories which are part of the Chinese peninsula and the Outlying Islands, the biggest of which is Lantau on which is situated near the Hong Kong Airport and Disneyland. Disneyland reminds me of the one time I had to carry my three year old for quite a while when her legs gave up the struggle to walk in their relentless struggle to absorb the various Disney characters so very close to her heart. The opportunity of taking photographs with the famous Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and so on was so enjoyable!  I must admit even I got caught up in the excitement.

Another attraction is Ocean Park with its performing dolphins and sea lions as well as hundreds of species of fish in the aquariums including sharks and octopuses. My children were awestruck with this fascinating place and bought many souvenirs to put in our mantle place.

I would not be doing this city justice if I fail to mention the fact that it’s a shopper’s paradise. One’s mind boggles at the delights the markets offer. Browsing through its many alleys not known to sundry tourists, I have picked up several interesting souvenirs which I treasure. The Night Market, Stanley Market and the Factory Outlets are points of interest. Tourists can head to the Saikung Beach front for delicious Chinese sea food, and before that take a sail around Saikung Bay on a small Chinese Junk Boat. Another sea front, Aberdeen, very popular with the expatriate population, is filled with bars, restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating arrangements. The vibrancy and euphoria of this place perks up one’s mood.

Other than shopping and some of the world’s best cuisines, there are hidden gems in Hong Kong which are a must for all visitors. One must head over to the Chinese Tea Museum on HK Island (near the British Consulate) to see and be amazed by the history of tea-making and drinking in China, which has been in existence for nearly 3,000 years now. And one simply must visit Shek O at the southern tip of Hong Kong Island for para-sailing and motor scootering.

If you go up to Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, be sure to stop by Jardine’s Lookout, where the Taipan of Jardine Matheson used to watch out for the ships coming into the harbor from India and London in the olden days.  Jardines' mails were collected and sent to the office so that the directors could have the first possible information on the world's markets. This practice saved them from many a catastrophe. The view of the waterfront is spectacular.

Near the airport, you can hop on the cable car to reach the Buddhist Monastery where you can see the world’s largest statue of the Buddha and also sample the lunch in the huge dining hall – vegetarian and all organic grown by the monks themselves.

Lastly – do not miss the harbor cruise at night to see Hong Kong in all its finery and magnificent glory with the added advantage of a sumptuous dinner!

For today’s piece, I have picked my favorite city in South East Asia, the one place where I can let my hair down and explore to my heart’s content. The charm and bustling energy of the erstwhile British colony, Hong Kong, holds immense charm. Added to the fact that my brother and his family has been living there