First impressions full of surprises

After my first week in Hong Kong, the one thing I can say is that this is a city of contrasts that continually surprises me. I've landed in the touristy ghetto neighbourhood of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, where gritty backpack hostels stand in the shadow of the $600-a-night Peninsula Hotel, where locals huddle over plastic tables, slurping down $5 bowls of noodles steps from the lineups of youngsters waiting to get into Prada and Louis Vuitton (yes, like night clubs).

Touts on the sidewalks wave pamphlets for massages and tailor at the hordes of crowds streaming down the main thoroughfare; yet at the base of this road, you're greeted by the most breathtaking, albeit a bit smoggy, view across the Victoria Harbour toward Hong Kong island.

Here's a few shots from around my neighbourhood:

And my first impression? This is an eminently civilized city where the transportation systems work well (wireless on the subways!) people are helpful, polite and respectful; and a single woman can wander around without feeling harassed or afraid for her safety. I'm looking forward to exploring more of what this exciting place has to offer in the weeks ahead.