My Journey to Hong Kong Begins

Feature Story and Photos by Diana DeRosa

Host to the Equestrian Sports at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

As I wandered down the streets of Hong Kong observing its people, culture, likenesses and differences from the U.S. I suddenly felt like I had arrived. Earlier that day my time had been spent mostly inside learning about the 2008 Olympic Games and the goals of the government and the organizers. Part of those meetings focused on the fact that they wanted us to get to know Hong Kong and so at last I was starting to feel like I was doing just that.

My journey to Hong Kong began two days earlier on Saturday, March 3rd from Florida where I was focusing on covering the winter circuit. I was part of a group of journalists from different parts of the world who were venturing to Hong Kong to get a sneak peak at what China has planned for the Equestrian sports at next year’s Olympic Games.

I’d been quite busy up to my departure and so used the time traveling to educate myself on this country to get a head start on what makes Hong Kong tick.

Some Bits & Pieces About Hong Kong

Hong Kong is located in the southeast tip of China. It covers 1,104 square kilometers. The population was assessed at 6.88 million in 2004. While naturally they speak Chinese, English is also their official language.

China’s climate is sub-tropical. Hong Kong practices free trade and the Hong Kong dollar is $7.80 to the US $1. Looking at the cuisine – it is similar yet different from what we envision at a Chinese restaurant in the U.S. The food is varied, delectable and delicious.

The one thing I read and heard repeatedly was the words “One country, two systems.” While they are all Chinese, the Mainland of China and Hong Kong are each run under their own separate rules and regulations.

Hong Kong’s growth has been significant in recent years and in many aspects it is gaining respect around the world. A number of foreign businesses also have divisions in Hong Kong, including such well known companies as McDonald’s, California Pizza, Arby’s, United Airlines and more.

The Journey

My trip began in Ft. Lauderdale through Chicago (3 hours and 15 minutes) and then onto an almost 16 hour flight to the Hong Kong International Airport, where the time is 13 hours later than the East Coast. Everything went as planned – not even a wrinkle. All the planes departed and arrived as scheduled. In hindsight it was an indication of what was to come.

Upon my arrival I was met by our host for the week, Mark Pinkstone, an Australian who is proud to call Hong Kong home and whose title is the Overseas Public Relations Executive. A few of the journalists arrived at similar times and once gathered we were whisked off to our hotel, Island Shangri-La, for an evening of relaxation. We quickly learned that this hotel was the perfect place, with a welcoming staff, wonderful amenities and a swimming pool located in perfect view of the city below.

It was also ideal for an early to bed evening and early to rise morning which started in its extensive fitness center where by 5:45 a.m. was already a sea of activity. By 8:00 some of the other journalists and I enjoyed an unbelievable breakfast buffet before heading out for a day of education.