Thank you, Asia "The sound of HK" (11 days until Green Bay)

I remember rather distinctly the first time Brent and I visited Hong Kong, especially the city itself.  We wandered about looking at all the signs - mixtures of English and Chinese.  We noticed the multitude of people walking and even the presence of some working laborers with no shirts (this would simply not happen in Korea).  But mostly, I remember the sound of Hong Kong.  

The traffic signals here have a distinct sound which indicates to anyone blind just when it is okay to cross the street and when time is running out.  It is a beeping sound that, should I ever hear it again, will immediately propel be back to life in Hong Kong.

Thankfully, you don't hear much honking or many police or ambulance sirens here.  You might hear the sound of the ding dings (double decker trams) on the tracks or general traffic or buses shifting gears, though. And you will certainly hear people speaking in a variety of languages - mostly Cantonese, English, Chinese or French.

If you use the MTR (subway system) you will be well taken care of by the disembodied voices constantly providing guidance and rules while you are there.  Presently you first hear Cantonese and then Mandarin and then English.  It is quite lovely to hear three different languages, especially when one is your own!  But interestingly, the ORDER in which these are given has changed over time.  When Hong Kong was under British rule, English was the first you would hear (I am told).  Now it is the last.  My favorite recording has been "When using escalators, don't only look at your mobile phone."  Here is a sample: 

Certainly the sounds in Green Bay will be rather different from the sounds in Hong Kong.  I wonder how long these will linger in my mind.

(Bonus video of crossing sound follows.  Enjoy the "stop" sound.)

All photos and videos by © Brenda Brayko.  All rights reserved. 

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