Asia
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's appeals to many as a modern metropolis still rich in ancient culture.
The British took control of Hong Kong in 1841, after the First Opium War against the Chinese; in 1898, they also gained a 99-year lease on the New Territories. When the lease ran out in 1997, the entire province was handed back to China. Today, British influence is still strong. As a result, most of the local population
knows English (if not fluently, they know what you're saying).
Learna few phrases and especially know the numbers so you can bargain
in the markets! Which are some of the best in the world. You can get anything from top of the line electronics to hand-made jewelry.
Hong Kong's sub-tropical climate promises pleasant, temperate weather for half of the year. January and February tend to be cool and cloudy; between May and August, expect hot, humid weather with occasional showers. Cyclone season (July through September) can bring higher winds, thunderstorms and occasional flooding.
