Randy and Vicki's Hong Kong Saturday

Saturday in Hong Kong was a nice day. Having had many days of rain (and flooding) just prior to our arrival here yesterday, I’m sure that the locals were glad to see a couple of sunny days—even if they were somewhat hot and humid. That might explain why there were so many people out on the streets last night and this evening. Of course the fact that there are 7 million people in Hong Kong might have something to do with the crowded streets, too.

This morning we took one of the oldest funicular (cable) car rides in the world. The tram, which first ran in 1898, took us to the top of Victoria ’s Peak on the island of Hong Kong for some breath-taking views of the harbor below. Before the installation of the tram rails people used to be carried up the mountain in a “sitting chair” carried by one tall man and one short one (so that you wouldn’t be dumped out on the steep incline). They still have “sitting chair” service at least once a year as a “chair-ity” fundraiser.

Following the trip to Victoria’s Peak we visited the Stanley Market for some shopping, took a boat ride in the fishing village of Aberdeen (where fishermen actually live on their boats year round) and had lunch at the Jumbo floating restaurant. Lunch consisted of Cantonese fare (very different from Chinese) called Dim Sum. After lunch we visited a jewelry factory and a bird and flower market before returning to the hotel around 5 pm.

Hong Kong may have been returned to China in the late 1990’s, but it was allowed 50 years of self-government under a Chief Executive who is approved by, and reports to, China. Many young Hong Kong couples, however, chose not to start families in the mid-1990’s for fear of what the transfer back to China would mean. Consequently, the “one child, one family” rule does not apply to Hong Kong .

Only about five percent of the residents of Hong Kong have a car. That might be partly due to the lack of parking spaces and partly due to the 100% government tax on automobiles (yes, a $30,000 car will cost you $60,000). Gasoline prices now are at $8 per gallon—that surely discourages car purchases, too. Most people use public transportation (which is very affordable) or walk. A very small percent of people own their own home; in fact, 55% live in government subsidized housing.

One thing Hong Kong does have is a Christian presence; unlike China and Japan , it is not unusual to see a cross on a building, or in a jewelry store, and we even saw a Christian bookstore on our walk tonight. Unfortunately, it was closed for the weekend. Tomorrow I will be visiting the part of Hong Kong called the New Territories to preach at the Shatin Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Our brothers and sisters in Christ in China, Japan and this part of the world need our prayers as they face difficulties and isolation for their faith that are difficult for us to imagine.

Vicki and I appreciate hearing from you all and we appreciate your prayers for us. We’ll begin our journey home at about 11 pm on what will be your Sunday evening. Your prayers will certainly be appreciated for that journey as it will take around 13 hours to get to San Francisco and then another 3 hours to reach Springfield , MO that day. We’ll be flying “back in time” so that although we fly for over 16 hours, we will arrive in the U.S. in only a few hours after the time we leave Hong Kong. It’ll probably take me a few days to get over this dis-“Orienting” experience.

Love to all,

Pastor Randy and Vicki