The 22,000km Trip (19) Hong Kong: At Night

As with many Asian cities, Hong Kong is a 24 hour city. People are hustling to markets early in the morning and grabbing a bowl of jok or morning coffees. But it's really at night time when the city begins to come alive as a whole new being. Eateries and stands start to formulate on roads; expats and party-goers roam around the bars; and the neon lights are gleaming and beaming. After Bangkok, I thought I was done with night markets but I decided to give it a go to one of the classics: The Women's Market around Jordan/Mongkok area. The markets used to sell nick-knacks for quite cheap and was a good spot to hang around and grab some late night snacks. I've heard that all changed and they were right. It wasn't drastically different; the stands were still there and you can smell the waft of food. But it's not quite the way that it used to be. Call it the "gentrification of the night scene" where it caters more to tourists and less foods due to more strict health inspections. But nevertheless, the atmosphere still remains vibrant and busy.

The 22,000km Trip (15) Hong Kong: Hidden Market

Many expats and foreigners tend to complain that Hong Kong is too chaotic, too small, too overwhelming. I beg your pardon but I think you are in the wrong area. If you're in Central, TST, Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai, or Midlevels, it's quite obvious. I tend to avoid those areas and be in the more local areas where it's bustling with local markets, Chinese medicine shops, parks, and small alleyways. You kind have to take a wrong turn and get lost to find these magical places. That's exactly what I did in finding this fresh meat market in Kennedy Town. Never mind the smell of fish, hacking of meat parts, and bustling old ladies with their carts, just be mesmerized and enjoy what's in front of you :)