When I saw the Reggae Kung Fu poster, I asked my friend, a native of Hong Kong, if Jackie Chan was in town. I meant it as a joke. He didn’t laugh. He took me seriously.

“No. Unfortunately, Jackie Chan is not in town.” He said it as if he knew, at all times, where Jackie Chan actually was. And, he seemed disappointed he could not take me to meet Jackie Chan. He didn’t mention any Reggae artists.

Humor, especially with sarcasm, doesn’t translate well, mine, or his. My friend told me how much he loves Jackie Chan, how much the people of Hong Kong love Jackie Chan. But, he said, the movies made in Hong Kong look different than the movies made in the US.

“What’s the difference,” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he said. “They’re just different.”

He tried to show me some examples. Grittier, dirtier, darker, faster, more martial arts. “American movies make Hong Kong look…cleaner.”

“Show me your Hong Kong.”

He tried to. I think. The sites we filmed and photographed were carefully selected. I spent nearly a week in Hong Kong, this time, and I still don’t think I’ve seen the city, the ‘real’ city. After all, I couldn’t give a one sentence description. Big, tall, vibrant, energizing, fast paced, harried, smelly, busy, clean, dirty… I could use a dictionary and never run out of adjectives to describe Hong Kong. It is all of those things, and more. So, bear with me. I photographed the things I could see. Slice of Life? I hope so…

Only in Hong Kong could you synthesize Reggae music with Kung Fu action. You might even see Jackie Chan.

While waiting for customers, a shopkeeper checks her device.

Three children snack on the way home from school in Hong Kong.

School just let out. Who had a good day? Who had a bad day?

I couldn’t read the posters, but it did seem like a good place to read.

Outside a Hong Kong apothecary, a sign suggests a slippery slope to regularity.

Matching sweats and jackets create some style on the Hong Kong streets

School uniforms are an important part of life for young people in Hong Kong.

This is how the build those massive skyscrapers.

Over crowding is part of life in Hong Kong, especially in the poor sections.

They look a lot nicer on the inside.

Architecture in Hong Kong makes a bold statement.

Living on the water in Hong Kong is a lifestyle choice.

Hong Kong currents carry ideas and leaves to many parts of the world.

Water means life in Hong Kong.

Repulse beach is a popular resort destination throughout Asia.

Water taxis are an economical way to cross the bay and provide an excellent view.

Any open window is an opportunity where space is at a premium.

Innovation is the mother of invention, they say. With so much to do and so little space, innovation is is contagious.

It doesn’t matter what floor you live on, a clothes dryer is a luxury few can afford.

HIGH end product placement, Hong Kong style.