September 2003
My first impression of Hong Kong? I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of skyscrapers in such a small area, the feeling of being in very narrow canyons. I'll have to admit that I've never thought much about Hong Kong before and if I've seen pictures, never considered what it looked like. These towering skyscrapers not only went up to 70, 75 stories but were narrow, like toothpicks and gave the impression of stalagmites that might topple at the slightest typhoon or earthquake.
Hong Kong is divided into four main areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the outlying islands. Hong Kong Island covers 31 sq. miles and contains the main business district and was permanently ceded to the British in 1841. The area directly across Victoria Harbor on the China mainland called Kowloon was also permanently ceded to the British sometime in the 1860s. The land north of Kowloon was leased to the British in 1898 for 99 years and called the New Territories along with 260 small islands. However, at the end of 99 years all of what is called Hong Kong was returned to China.
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