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Sindhu Bhattacharya

Everyone loves to shop in Hong Kong. But this island country also packs some interesting sight-seeing and culinary delights.

In Hong Kong, there is no way taxis can overcharge you. Each time you hail one, the driver takes you to your destination and promptly hands over a charge slip that mentions not only the fare but also the time and length of journey, and the driver's name! This was certainly a most welcome change from the rude auto drivers of Delhi. Any trouble and the driver, along with his taxi, can be immediately traced. Another thing that strikes visitors is the ease with which the locals in this former British colony converse in English, unlike in neighbouring China.

People on the street appear ready to help with directions. And at eateries, they help you choose the food and make suitable alterations to the menu. Interestingly, people of Indian origin, many of whom run Indian restaurants and shops, appear less forthcoming. Our tour guide was a native of Hong Kong, while our car driver was a second-generation Pakistani settled in Hong Kong. Together they chalked out a light and flexible itinerary.

Besides the country's ease with English, other minor surprises are in store for the ubiquitous Indian traveller. For one, Hong Kong has always been promoted as a shopping destination but little is known about its tourist spots. The country has on offer a range of sights and delightful cuisine.

While the South China Sea offers ferry rides and water sports, other hotspots include the Po Lin Monastery, which has the largest outdoor bronze statue of the sitting Buddha. According to traditional Chinese belief, the statue should have faced the east but instead faces the north towards Beijing.

A visit to Madame Tussaud's wax museum atop the Victoria peak is good entertainment while the Ocean Park, with its wide variety of sea-life and the dolphin show, is a favourite with children.

Visitors to Hong Kong usually never fail to pick up little gifts for friends and family, and the prices are quite reasonable. While watches in all colours, shapes and sizes come for a song, other electronic goods and toys are equally good buys. The Ladies Market and the Night Market are choc-a-bloc with clothing, sports goods, and electronic and gift items, beckoning the shopaholic with enticing displays and pricing. The trick is to quote a substantially lower price and punch it out on a calculator rather than bargain vocally.

Most vendors are prepared to bargain. But this does not hold true for high-quality electronic items or other high-value shopping at large departmental stores and certified shops. One can move around the country with ease thanks to a modern railway network and umpteen double-decker buses and taxis.

The public transport system largely sticks to schedule. But not so the weather, which can be pretty unpredictable this time of the year. It can turn windy and rather chilly from being hot and sultry, within an hour. One must remember to carry a raincoat, umbrella and light winter-wear when visiting this island country, regardless of what the weather charts tell you.

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