Lunar New Year

The new IFC Tower

Hong Kong at the start of the Year of the Monkey was cold but energetic. Confidence is returning to the city as quickly as the mainland tourists are arriving.

The monkey is a mischievous chap but is also energetic and creative; and that suits Hong Kong. People are glad to see the back of 2003 and clearly lessons have been learned. Hong Kong has never been cleaner. Some of the signs may be strange; but people are generally being more than cautious about their health, the health of their city and the health of the economy. They are all linked and that linkage is well understood.

It remains an expensive city; mushroom risotto in the Landmark Centre cafe was close to US$20++. The New Year fun fair was almost criminally expensive. 20 tokens for US$13. But then 8 tokens (US$5) for one person to ride the dodgems. Or its not expensive and just a long time since I went to the fair ground!

The new year lights seem to be better and brighter than ever. There is now a laser and fireworks show for 18 minutes every night, starting at 8pm and lighting up the towers around Victoria Harbour. Worth a look.

Enjoy Hong Kong. It is always good to go back. And it really is an ever changing city.