Observations and thoughts from the HK trip
Observations and thoughts from the HK trip
I journalled about the HK trip in yesterday's entry, thought I'd write a fair bit about what I observed or caused me to ponder with regard to the trip ...
1. Marvelous! - That would be the word I'll use to describe HK's transport system - well, at least I'm referring to the MTR lines and trains. While here in our country, we try as best to make transport as hassle-free and convenient as possible, I guess in some ways we still "lose out" to HK. Why do I say that? I believe you will not disagree with me that when our MRT lines get more inter-connected with each other, the number of buses reduced in proportion as well. In HK, it's easy to spot MTR stations and bus-stops - you don't have to walk too far a distance, and even if you do, there's always the convenience of cabs - so many cabs in sight!
2. Meticulous - that's the second word I'll use to describe HK's MTR system. Firstly, I noticed that all the stations (be it underground or above ground) are fitted with panels/doors to prevent anyone from falling into the train tracks. While in our country, there seemed to be a rise in people "attempting suicide" or "accidental falling" into the train tracks, HK's MTR stations had such preventive measures in place already. Secondly, there is an automated train map which indicates (1) the direction the train is travelling, (2) the next station, (3) which side of the door to exit from. I thought by indicating which side of the door commuters should exit from greatly reduced confusion. You and I are not unfamiliar to sometimes standing at the "incorrect" side of the door and scrambling our way through (especially in packed trains) to exit in time, right?
3. HK seemed to be facing about the same problems as us - aging population, care for the elderly, being responsible pet owners, etc - well, at least that's what I gathered from all their posters in the train station.
4. A kind of "universal" attitude inside trains - as usual, each for himself/herself. It's not unusual to even see sleeping/dozing/reading/oblivious commuters inside the train. While there's encouragement for them to give up seats to those who need it, this kind of "universal" attitude seemed prevalent as long as there's human around =) It was a good thing we brought a backpack-chair along, and sis said on the day when she brought mum to Lantau island (which is more accessible by MTR instead of cab), the train was packed and she opened up the backpack-chair for her to sit. Mum said some of the commuters were amazed/amused at this "ingenious" idea =)
5. Sharing of tables in restaurant - that's the ONE thing I HATED!! Somehow, due to the constrain in space, restaurants and eating houses had very limited tables, and somehow these places just seemed to have good business - which means you won't even have to wait to have a table all on your own (coz you just have to keep waiting and waiting), you just have to share tables with some other people! That's what I hated! Firstly, I felt that my privacy is invaded; secondly, I felt that I can't enjoy my meal when there are strangers around in the same table; thirdly, the table space is greatly constraint!! But oh well, when you'll in someone's country, you just have to learn to fit in to their culture, isn't it so?
6. The appeal of Mickey Mouse - has it ever occured to you how Mickey Mouse managed to keep his appeal over so many years, even when new cartoon characters sprout up now and then? In fact, these "new" cartoon characters loses their appeal quite quickly - almost as fast as it sprouted. So what kept Mickey Mouse so appealing still, from generations to generations??
In any case, I think I still enjoy HK because that's where I feel so much at home - no fear of getting lost as long as you can speak their language (Cantonese, and even Mandarin), as long as you know how to figure out the MTR system, on top of good food, shopping and somewhat similar weather =)
I journalled about the HK trip in yesterday's entry, thought I'd write a fair bit about what I observed or caused me to ponder with regard to the trip ...
1. Marvelous! - That would be the word I'll use to describe HK's transport system - well, at least I'm referring to the MTR lines and trains. While here in our country, we try as best to make transport as hassle-free and convenient as possible, I guess in some ways we still "lose out" to HK. Why do I say that? I believe you will not disagree with me that when our MRT lines get more inter-connected with each other, the number of buses reduced in proportion as well. In HK, it's easy to spot MTR stations and bus-stops - you don't have to walk too far a distance, and even if you do, there's always the convenience of cabs - so many cabs in sight!
2. Meticulous - that's the second word I'll use to describe HK's MTR system. Firstly, I noticed that all the stations (be it underground or above ground) are fitted with panels/doors to prevent anyone from falling into the train tracks. While in our country, there seemed to be a rise in people "attempting suicide" or "accidental falling" into the train tracks, HK's MTR stations had such preventive measures in place already. Secondly, there is an automated train map which indicates (1) the direction the train is travelling, (2) the next station, (3) which side of the door to exit from. I thought by indicating which side of the door commuters should exit from greatly reduced confusion. You and I are not unfamiliar to sometimes standing at the "incorrect" side of the door and scrambling our way through (especially in packed trains) to exit in time, right?
3. HK seemed to be facing about the same problems as us - aging population, care for the elderly, being responsible pet owners, etc - well, at least that's what I gathered from all their posters in the train station.
4. A kind of "universal" attitude inside trains - as usual, each for himself/herself. It's not unusual to even see sleeping/dozing/reading/oblivious commuters inside the train. While there's encouragement for them to give up seats to those who need it, this kind of "universal" attitude seemed prevalent as long as there's human around =) It was a good thing we brought a backpack-chair along, and sis said on the day when she brought mum to Lantau island (which is more accessible by MTR instead of cab), the train was packed and she opened up the backpack-chair for her to sit. Mum said some of the commuters were amazed/amused at this "ingenious" idea =)
5. Sharing of tables in restaurant - that's the ONE thing I HATED!! Somehow, due to the constrain in space, restaurants and eating houses had very limited tables, and somehow these places just seemed to have good business - which means you won't even have to wait to have a table all on your own (coz you just have to keep waiting and waiting), you just have to share tables with some other people! That's what I hated! Firstly, I felt that my privacy is invaded; secondly, I felt that I can't enjoy my meal when there are strangers around in the same table; thirdly, the table space is greatly constraint!! But oh well, when you'll in someone's country, you just have to learn to fit in to their culture, isn't it so?
6. The appeal of Mickey Mouse - has it ever occured to you how Mickey Mouse managed to keep his appeal over so many years, even when new cartoon characters sprout up now and then? In fact, these "new" cartoon characters loses their appeal quite quickly - almost as fast as it sprouted. So what kept Mickey Mouse so appealing still, from generations to generations??
In any case, I think I still enjoy HK because that's where I feel so much at home - no fear of getting lost as long as you can speak their language (Cantonese, and even Mandarin), as long as you know how to figure out the MTR system, on top of good food, shopping and somewhat similar weather =)
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