Saturday, November 28, 2009

Technology (This week's Photo Hunt theme)




In recent weeks, I've played host to visitors from Chicago, Vancouver and San Francisco -- none of whom I took hiking but, instead, had dinner and spend time with in the lively, pulsating urban Hong Kong hubs that are Central and Causeway Bay. Listening to their impressions of Asia's World City reminded me how surrounded by technology as well as fast-paced life often is here.

As an example, everyone's noticed that Hong Kong escalators looked to have been programmed to move faster than the rest of the world's! Gone unmentioned though, I guess because it's so super obvious, is how escalators are such a common and ubiquitous part of the Hong Kong urban landscape.

And, come to also think about it, video screens in public areas. Indeed, it was only when hunting in my photo archive for this week's Photo Hunt that I noticed that, with none of them having been the central intended subject, I nonetheless have quite a few photos of public areas where video screens prominently figure.

For the record, the photos above are taken inside (from top down):-
the enormous -- and yes, box-shaped -- Mega Box shopping mall in Kowloon Bay; an Airport Express train carriage (that, incidentally, also has wi-fi); and one of the tunnels connecting the MTR's Hong Kong and Central stations.

(And speaking of the MTR, I have to say that hardly a day goes by without my not being grateful for Hong Kong have great public transportation systems and technology! ;b)

22 comments:

Carver said...

Great take on the theme. I'm not used to seeing video screens in public areas where I live. That's interesting to learn that about Hong Kong. Happy weekend.

gengen said...

Hmm you have a very good choice for this theme. HAppy weekend and hunting too.

ian said...

wow! that is an exciting array of technology you displayed! i'm afraid i'm not too savvy with regard to gadgets but those goodies are just too dazzling to ignore =]

Barbara H. said...

Those are all great evidences of technology!

Bengbeng said...

i think i made a fool of myself this week with cows n lorries n technology :)

jmb said...

I think we all imagine that Hong Kong is filled with modern technology nowadays and you are proving it.
Happy weekend YTSL.

Unknown said...

i am always amazed at HK's efficiency. and i'm sure technology has helped in so many ways.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that top photo looks very Bladerunner-esque!

Anneke (Mudhooks) said...

Hong Kong is one of the places I would like to visit, one day...

Mine is up.

jams o donnell said...

A really nice take on the theme. We don't have many big screens like that... Your trains looks a lot nicer than the London Underground! Have a great weekend

YTSL said...

Hi Carver --

FWIW, apart from Hong Kong, about the only places where I've seen many video screens in public areas is Japan, South Korea, Singapore and New York. :)

Hi gengen --

Thanks and happy weekend and hunting to you too. :)

Hi Ian --

Don't worry. I hardly think of myself as technology expert too -- so you're not alone in that regard! :)

Hi Barbara H. --

Glad you think so. :)

Hi Bengbeng --

Well... you went for the simple while some of us went for higher tech, is all... ;b

Hi jmb --

I think there actually are some people who still think of Hong Kong as a sleepy as well as exotic third world place. But yeah, I imagine they are in the minority these days... ;b

Hi Luna Miranda --

Agreed! :)

Hi Azahar --

Heheh, know what you mean -- and agree. :b

Hi Anneke --

Hope you make it here some day and when you do, you will enjoy your visit. :)

Hi jams --

Yes, the MTR does seem to have the London underground beat in terms of aesthetics and general comfort. ;b

Mirage said...

I always viewed hongkong as Asia's most advanced city when it comes to tech!!! :D

Irene said...

We really can't live without technology, technology is everywhere! Enjoy your weekend.

YTSL said...

Hi Mirage --

Actually, I'm not sure about that... instead, I think I'd award that title to Tokyo!

Hi Irene --

Humans -- the technical animal? ;b

eastcoastlife said...

Living in a modern city, it's inevitable to have such technology around us. Can't live without it. :)

Gattina said...

The airplanes I took lately are becoming smaller and smaller because they pack a maximum of people in there ! it's awful you are like sardines in a box !

Rebecca Mecomber said...

You mean to say that Hong Kong escalators are faster than New York's?! Impossible!! ;) How can it be? Haven't you ever heard of a New York minute? :D

Great post, as usual. I enjoy seeing your end of the world every weekend. Thanks for visiting my Photo Hunt today. Have a great weekend.

Mrs. Mecomber
New York Traveler.net

YTSL said...

Hi Eastcoastlife --

You mean video screens? Actually, I can't imagine European cities being so fond of huge video screens in public -- figure they may strike people as too Big Brotherish! (European visitors -- can you verify this? Haven't visited Europe in ages!)

Hi Gattina --

Er... did your comment come out of seeing the Airport Express photo? In any case, I know what you mean but for me with a bad back, the worse thing is how the seats can't recline much and seem so hard!

Hi "Mrs Mecomber" --

Yes, believe it, escalators in Hong Kong are faster than those in New York! :D

And to give you an idea of how fast-paced Hong Kongers want life to be...
http://webs-of-significance.blogspot.com/2008/08/relax.html

:DDD

Scott Law said...

It is so cool to see all the different takes on this theme. I've always wanted to visit Hong Kong. Very interesting post.

YTSL said...

Hi Bull Rhino --

I agree -- this week's has been one of the more interesting Photo Hunts. :)

lissa said...

really? the escalators are faster there? I wouldn't have thought that. it sounds so much like New York with the screens and lights and public transportation - I think it's the best way to get around any city

YTSL said...

Hi Lissa --

Yes, they are. Either that or the rest of the world's has been programmed to be slower! ;b

And re comparing Hong Kong and New York: they are both big cities but I think Hong Kong's public transportation is better (and less scary). :)