DisOrientated - A Weblog by Philip Sen

August 30, 2004

Hong Kong v Shanghai

One country, two systems. One that works and one that doesn't. So it seems to me at least.

Hong Kong is the ultimate contrast and complement to Shanghai. It's what Shanghai would be like had they got it right, and it's what it could yet become if they can get their act together.

And it's got to be said that Hong Kong's history is written in blood. It's not something that is yet on the British national curriculum - the role that the territory played in the Opium Wars of the nineteenth century.

Nowadays it's Afghanistan and Columbia that take all the stick, but back in the bad old days Britain was the original nation state drug dealer. Unable to balance the trade deficit with China, they turned to underhanded methods, deliberately engineering mass drug addiction among the Chinese in order to have something to swap for luxury goods like silk and tea.

But on the other hand, it's pretty clear to the observer that despite its inglorious history, the Brits got something right here. The subway is an immaculate conception of hi-tech passenger service. Cars stop at traffic lights, and people - though numerous - don't spit, push, shove and selfishly ignore anything that might get in their way, for example other people. All kinds of goods are readily available (at a price, of course). Everything is neatly and accurately signposted. Business is booming, or at least so it seems on the surface.

The biggest difference is in, I emphasise, the people. They're - how can I put it - same same, but different. Generally far politer, friendlier, and much more helpful than the everyday Shanghainese I'm afraid.

If Shanghai and Beijing really want to become international cities of commerce and tourism, I suggest the entire directorates of the cities camp down here for a week or two and then simply copy what Hong Kong has done. And don't tell me they haven't got the money, because with all the sound and fury surrounding the 2008 Olympics they clearly do.

Posted by Sendover at August 30, 2004 05:08 PM | TrackBack

Comments

Hey

I agree with what you're saying. Thanks for sharing the info with us.

Posted by: webcam at March 4, 2005 04:47 AM

Hey

I agree with what you're saying. Thanks for sharing the info with us.

Posted by: webcam at March 4, 2005 08:53 AM

The ProSolution Pill system is guaranteed to increase your penis size by 1-3 inches. Utilizing doctor recommended ingredients and paired with a bonus membership to an online techniques website, this is the most successful system on the market.

Posted by: pro solution pills at March 6, 2005 10:52 AM

The ProSolution Pill system is guaranteed to increase your penis size by 1-3 inches. Utilizing doctor recommended ingredients and paired. WITH a bonus membership to an online techniques website, this is the most successful system on the market.The repercussions of possessing a small penis are damaging and far-reaching. Luckily, this condition is treatable. In the beginning, ProSolution saw a need. Many men everywhere suffer from feelings of inadequacy resulting from their penis.

Posted by: penis enlargement at March 7, 2005 08:25 PM