Hong Kong is a very convenient place. In fact, it is so convenient that I was shocked by it - hence the title. But let me go back a bit, by starting with a bit of America. America too, is convenient - we can get most of our daily needs from, say, a Costco, a Walmart, or perhaps a local supermarket. All it takes is a 10 minute drive and there you have it: toiletries, groceries, and snacks. Then we'll restock in a week or two. In Hong Kong, it's different. There is a 7-Eleven on every block!
Shocking, right? And, it's not just 7-Eleven. A one-block radius in Hong Kong will likely reveal several cafes and restaurants. Shopping malls are available starting from a 10 minute walk. Any other location can be reached, cheaply, with the bus or train. The Octopus Card (Hong Kong's metrocard and most prevalent prepaid debit card) can be scanned from your wallet, or if close enough, your handbag. That means no fumbling through your wallet at train stations - just tap and go. Cellphones work everywhere - even in underground tunnels. At Mcdonald's, employees throw your tray out for you.
As you can see, Hong Kong is very fast-paced. It is very similar to Manhattan. Its products and services are cheap and convenient due to the intense market competition. Personally, I didn't need or want all that convenience. After two days in Hong Kong, I began to miss the commute time - that 10 minute drive. There you have it - Convenience Shock.
HAHA throwing away the trays for you at McDonald's? Now that is what I call service. I think the wildest thing you mentioned is the fact that cell phones work in the underground, I wonder what that would do to the whole subway and underground railroad systems in New York. I mean they are relatively quiet other than the conductor talking once in a while and outside noise. I am thinking all those people crammed together, most of them you know have cell phones on them, would be one hell of a noise disturbance. I think that would be a little too much hot air blowing around in that metal canister for me. For the whole store everywhere thing in Hong Kong and New York, I think you expect that in densely populated cities, it would be a shock if it was the other way around and things were inconvenient and hard to get too. That would take away one of the major reason people pay all that money to live in cities of that size. I mean you go to different states other than the ones with large metropolis sized cities, you have wal-marts and k-marts but thats it lol! Plus, they are miles away from each other. I really want to go to Hong Kong though, I was skyping with father last night till 1pm in the morning and he is there right now and telling me what an amazing city it is. He is always there on business and when we were skyping, he pointed the laptop out the window and I was surprised to see mountains right outside of the city. I thought that was pretty cool to have that type of environment intermingled with the city life.
ReplyDeleteI loved the way you twisted the culture shock theme of the assignment and made it a "Convience Shock". The way you describe Hong Kong it sounds very familiar to the way a lot of people describe Manhatten, however I assume that both places are vastley different from each other. This was a great blog, I loved how you touched on similarities are difference of both cultures, and that comment about Mcdonalds is hilarious and interesting at the same time. Great job. I would love an octopus card for Manhatten travel that would be convient ;)
ReplyDeleteYep, sounds like any of the Avenues here in the city. From your account the city of Hong Kong is even more condensed then New York. The convenience shock of Hong Kong is something that is definitely worth thinking about. Obviously it is something the general population enjoys, instant gratification. Bam ! you walk outside and there is the butcher the grocer and apple store right next to each other. It conserves time, which is the most valuable commodity in the world. At the same time though you also mentioned that you aren't a big fan of convenience. Glad to know I'm not the only one. I look forward to that little 10 minute drive(hopefully in a Ferrari in the future lol), it gives you a chance physically do something stimulating. Whether it be driving in a nice car, taking the train, or even walking. We as a people need to find the joy in not just the destination, but the struggle to get there !
ReplyDeleteyeah, i have been to hong kong and they have a lot of their own 7-elevens everyone (i think its something with a red logo?). but think about it, in todays society is all about convenience. everything is getting way too convenient, and even our parents and previous generation criticize about it.
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