Hong Kong, Summer 2008

The legendary Hong Kong skyline on July 14, 2008

I spent quite a bit of time this summer in Hong Kong - I was there on two separate occasions with family, hanging out, shopping and visiting friends (well, a friend).

I've always been amazed by this glittering techno-hub, a world city barely 2 hours away from Manila by plane. Every time I go, I'm reminded of just how far the Philippines has fallen behind in the global race to prosperity.

Hong Kong residents walk by a lighted billboard outside the Harbour City mall and ferry terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui

Lee Kam Yuk, the first (official) owner of a 3G iPhone in Hong Kong. You can see that this is kind of a big deal.

The Tian Tan Buddha at Po Lin, Lantau Island on August 12, 2008
3 things to know about it:
1. Despite its appearance, it's not terribly old - it was built in 1989
2. It's on the same (big) island as HKIA, the huge international airport
3. It's really, really, REALLY touristy.

A statue at the Tin Hau Temple at Repulse Bay on July 12, 2008. Probably one of my favorite shots from the summer, even though it's a really cheap (as in easy) one.