“There is probably no other place in the world like Chungking Mansions, the budget accommodation ghetto of Hong Kong. This huge ramshackle high-rise dump is almost a city in itself.
You may be put off by the undercurrent of sleaze and peculiar odours- a potent mix of cooking fat, incense and shit- but don’t seek sanctuary in the lifts; they’re like steel coffins on cables.
Adding to the excitement are the midnight raids by Hong Kong’s boys in blue. For the most part the police are looking for illegal immigrants: have your passport ready.”
Source: Lonely Planet; Hong Kong & Macau
After reading this description of where I was going to be staying alone, on the plane flying over to Hong Kong, I was expecting the worst. However, when I arrived there, I was relieved to find that although it was crazy, it wasn’t quite the hell on earth that my guidebook had described.
Although it was late, inside the building was a hive of activity. There were market stalls, restaurants, hairdressers, tailors and lots of loitering touts and street workers. The place had a strangely appealing dangerous energy about it and although I was very wary of it, I was definitely excited to be there.
1 comment:
those photos are quality PT. The place looks amazing, I have never seen anything like it before. The description curiously makes me want to visit there, contrary to what I imagine the intention of the writer was. Will definately have to get the detaisl of this place off you when I go travelling!
Post a Comment