Hong Kong - familiar streets, different times

I've been in and out of Hong Kong many times over the years, including an extended stay in 2007 or 2008, back when I was working in fashion. There's always something familiar to return to and something new to discover, and somehow I never seem to have enough time for either. This trip took me through the crowded streets of Sham Shui Po, wet markets, bookshops, art galleries, the Star Ferry, peaceful gardens, glittering skyscrapers, and even a little detour to Macau. Along the way, I caught up with old friends, enjoyed some wonderful food, and found myself remembering another chapter of my life. Being part of the Chinese diaspora, I find Hong Kong both familiar and unfamiliar. So much has changed, yet so many little things remain recognisable. Three things this trip reminded me of: 1. Where you live shapes you. I think it's inevitable. The places we live influence our habits, values, expectations and even the pace at which we move through life. Sometimes we don't realise how much until we leave, or return years later. 2. Familiarity creates a sense of belonging. A familiar language, a shared expression, an old friend, or simply being able to switch between Cantonese and English in conversation. These little things make a place feel less foreign. And good company makes the experience even better. 3. Every city has its own energy. And Hong Kong! What energy! The pace, the crowds, the commerce, the constant movement. There's something about the city's rhythm that I find infectious. Perhaps it's a kind of feng shui, the way everything seems to flow together. Or perhaps it's simply the energy of millions of people going about their lives. Whatever it is, I find it fascinating. This turned into an almost 40-minute video. I clearly have some difficulty deciding when to stop wandering. Disclaimer: I try to get the names, places and facts right, but to err is human. Some things here are observation, memory, opinion and questionable recollection. Please observe discretion, always Hong Kong & Macau | avec Mike #HongKong #Macau #TravelJournal #ShamShuiPo #HongKongTravel #StarFerry #ArtAndTravel Music: 'Kitchen Sunbeams' by AVBE on #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/c/avbe License code: 6ADQSFMINXH26RBN Music: '24 Hrs In Tokyo' by Yawnathan on #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/c/yawnathan License code: B4ZYTCHIGNR0EKUQ