Travel|Photography

My First Night in Hong Kong

A sultry after-dinner photo walk in Fortress Hill

I arrived late afternoon, exhausted, dragging my yellow suitcase. Thanks to an old knee injury flaring up, the stairs of the Metro station were more gruelling than the 11-hour flight.

I hadn’t expected it to be this hot; it was a thick heat that enveloped my body, sapping my strength. All I wanted now was a clean hotel room, a cold shower, and some fresh clothes.

After dinner, I went for a walk around the block from the hotel. The heat still hadn’t given up (I would learn that it never would), which made a simple evening stroll seem like a trek.

I was too tired to indulge in Lonely Planet suggestions, so it was time to indulge in street photography. It was why I’d come to Hong Kong after all. With camera in hand, it was much easier to ignore the heat.

I wandered along Electric Road, which more or less runs parallel to Fortress Hill’s main passage, King’s Road. It was after 7pm, so most local businesses, particularly those dealing in food, were winding down their trade.

Most people were making their way home — waiting at the tram stop — or finding a place to eat.

I’d brought two cameras with me, and I was using the smallest of the pair. I’d attached a lens suited for portraits (so I could keep my distance) and with the flip-up screen, I could remain reasonably discreet while shooting from the hip. Well, as discreet as someone who makes no attempt to look like anything other than a tourist could hope to be.

I didn’t walk far; I was using the trusty ‘turn only one direction’ method of exploring. However, this little jaunt was more about learning to endure the conditions, and readying myself for bed and then tomorrow.

I’ve already written a very short non-fiction piece about this night as part of my Postcards to You series. You might enjoy reading it: