Guy Mosel discovers what's so darn special about Hong Kong.There’s one thing you need to know before you travel to Hong Kong: the Cantonese word for “yes” is uncomfortably similar to the Cantonese word for… er, that word your girlfriend really, really hates. Do not get this wrong, lest you find yourself inadvertently hurling an insult instead of being politely agreeable. Fortunately, you can just say “yes” in English, because everyone speaks it anyway.
And that really speaks to the heart of what makes Hong Kong (call it Honkers only if you’re a polo club luvvy) so darn tops: it’s just about the best combination of comforting familiarity and exotic oddness you can find.
Take eating, for example. You’ve all had steamed dumplings and roast duck, and you can get those by the junk boat-load in Hong Kong, from the sprawling markets of bustling Kowloon to the narrow alleys sandwiched between soaring corporate monoliths on Hong Kong Island.