Let's stand back and count our blessings

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, isn't it time for those of us who are self-confessed "lovers" of Hong Kong to cut through the current atmosphere of gloom and doom and declare what they believe are the very best attributes of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?

In fact, why can't the authorities launch a campaign to publicize just how outstanding a place Hong Kong is to live, pointing out the many plusses our place of residence bestows on all of us? Hopefully the idea will catch the imagination of Hong Kong people, and still more people will come to realize what a great place this is to live in, work in or just to visit.

Not necessarily in order of preference, I believe the following are among our megacity's best points.

Convenience of service. Myriads of stores, shops and outlets providing minor services stay open well after 8 pm, 24/7 (Lunar New Year excepted) for our convenience, not to mention the largest number of ATMs relative to population size. Our compactness necessitates in most cases very little travel.

Public transport. Despite recent glitches the MTR Corporation, plus the bus and ferry companies, provide the world's most efficient public transport in terms of safety and punctuality.

A hygienic and diverse food trade. Apart from seafood and minor amounts of fowl, Hong Kong imports its daily food supplies from all over the world. Thanks to the vigilance of our public health authorities this wide intake is maintained with a high hygienic standard. Likewise these safeguards are extended to our many thousands of restaurants and food outlets letting us claim we are among the culinary capitals of the world.

A gateway to Asia. In just a few hours jetliners whisk passengers from Hong Kong International Airport, ranked among the top five in the world, to the other main cities of China as well as Asian and European countries. The airport also hosts prestigious international events.

A safe city. With more than 7.3 million residents this city has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Our streets are safe even for unaccompanied women, 24/7.

Forever "on the go". There is a sort of indefinable zip or zing to Hong Kong that helps project its spirit of "get up and go!" You, too, get swept up in this thrilling feeling that seems to combine excitement and expectations. Little wonder many expat executives and civil servants stay on after retirement, often finding opportunities to start a new career.

Where happenings happen. There's always something different happening or about to take place, such as a big international entertainment event, major conference or trade fair.

Night markets. Some older districts like Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei host nightly bazaars in the streets that are fun to visit and offer bargains that inevitably prove irresistible.

Change of pace. Should you and your family feel overwhelmed by the surfeit of exciting things provided for your enjoyment and crave a change of pace, a ferry trip to one of our islands like Cheung Chau will offer an invigorating change. Restaurants serving various seafood delicacies are dotted along the road fronting the pier, and the happy scene, plus the fresh air, will soon perk you up again. Take the tram and tour Hong Kong Island at a leisurely pace, dropping off to partake in any colorful street scene that catches your fancy. History buffs should inspect the very interesting Museum of Coastal Defence at Shau Kei Wan overlooking the narrowest entry by sea into our port.

Sampling Shenzhen. Another way to temporarily escape the daily pressure of the hectic Hong Kong lifestyle is to catch the MTR to its Lo Wu terminus and make a "hit and run raid" on the myriad good buys and personal services available just over the border in the shopping paradise of Shenzhen, and saving hundreds of bucks in the process!

Now for personal dislikes.

Blow to tourism. For decades tourism has been one of our biggest money-spinners but as reports of the unfriendly atmosphere in our streets are carried back to visitors' homelands there must be a serious knock-on effect to our economy. Can't we please turn the scowls into smiles? How about launching a "Smile Campaign"?

Unrealistic goals. Some of our youth are toying with misguided ideas about political objectives that are truly damaging and unattainable for Hong Kong - that is separatism or independence. But who is giving them these unrealistic notions? I strongly doubt that their parents encourage such dogmatic dreams and suspect it originates with hot-heads among fellow students egged on by demagogic politicians and even their tutors in some cases.

Housing mess. Now that we will soon have a new Chief Executive who prioritizes livelihood issues, she is expected to attempt some bold solutions which might help alleviate our severe housing shortfall.

All in all, Hong Kong has so much more going for it than its downside. And we should rejoice and help ensure its continued success.

(HK Edition 06/30/2017 page1)