Hong Kong: The Fragrant Harbour

I never tire of the view. I can sit for hours watching the ferries move across the glistening green surface, carrying Hong Kong commuters to and from the string of islands. Or moving towards Macao, another special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, where we just enjoyed a lovely Sunday with friends.

These days the harbor of Hong Kong feels more like a river than an open expanse. The land reclamation and construction projects on all shores give me the impression that the bustling waterway is being squeezed — but never subdued.

From my perch above the harbor there is so much to see: Cruise ships docking at Kowloon. Crisscrossing tug boats and law enforcement patrols. Single scull sampans with roofing made of matts carrying merry-making friends who are lucky to be sharing a special excursion.

Who wouldn’t love being here observing and experiencing this sensational convergence of natural beauty and commercial exuberance? Above, gusts of wind buffet circling hawks and cumulus clouds that play before a backdrop of emerald mountains, skyscrapers climbing up the mountain like the scales on a dragon's back, crowned by a magnificent peak, The Peak:  Visual and spiritual perfection, the highest point on Hong Kong island.

That amazing modern Hong Kong skyline. Towers rise from water's edge and gracefully ascend. Corporate powerhouses and residential towers greet and reflect the dazzling morning sun, and then glitter in the night sky like clusters of neon stars for each evening's light show.

Mountains behind, gently curving traffic and harbour in front, part of the excellent feng shui which has helped to give Hong Kong its luck.

I love Hong Kong.

Aloha

11pm and the streets are so packed it seems like mid-day. A throng of tourists, mostly from Japan, a choir of voices in various languages. All gently and politely maneuver and jostle with shopping bags in both hands. Business is booming in this tiny yet diverse sector of the world. Aloha!

The gentle night breezes cool our bodies and lift our spirits. There is a happy buzz in the soft night air. We're in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and loving the balmy isolation. Our solidarity with others is the joy of hunting for gifts, bargains, unique beauty and remembrances.

The friendly shop owners in Waikiki — a special patch of Honolulu — embody the spirit of the islands. How nice to see business booming, at least in the retail and hospitality industries, hotel rooms at capacity and restaurants full of patrons eating and drinking. 

To be sure, this is one of the high seasons in this exclusive area. Yet, if only this were a dream recovery or harbinger of good things to come in an otherwise dour global economy. 

In a way, the jubilance we experience is a stunning example of how quickly gloom and anxiety can be eased or erased. If only the world's economic stagnation were nothing more than a state of mind that could be lifted by a couple of days in paradise. 

The vitality and good-natured fun that surrounds us is equal to the brisk, urban confidence that energizes Hong Kong — that uber-progressive, multi-national oasis of commerce. Life is a paradox. Here, relaxing in the lap of luxury there is such abundance. And yet it is impossible to forget that elsewhere many good, talented people are suffering from job loss and lack of opportunity. We count our blessings.

Another flight will bring us home. Los Angeles. The City of Angels. At least we know the sun will be shining.