So, you know what’s super cool? The fact that a windswept granite Scottish city and a sun-soaked Hong Kong harbour are linked together. I mean, who would have thought, right? Aberdeen, the place that comes to mind when you think of granite, grey skies, harbours, and oil, has some surprising connections with other places around the world that share its name.
I recently had the chance to visit Hong Kong, the former British colony, and explore the thriving fishing town of Aberdeen. And let me tell you, the similarities between the two Aberdeens are pretty mind-blowing, considering they’re thousands of miles apart.
First off, let’s talk about Aberdeen’s relationship with the sea. Scotland’s Aberdeen has always been all about that coastal life, serving as a major port for centuries and being the base for many oil rigs in the North Sea. And in Hong Kong, the Aberdeen area is also deeply connected to the water, with a bustling fishing harbour and a floating village where residents live on small junks.
I mean, you can’t miss the boats docked along the promenade in both Aberdeens. It’s like a boat party, but on land. And when it comes to markets, Hong Kong’s Aberdeen doesn’t disappoint either. Their market is a lively hub of activity, with vendors selling the freshest produce, raw meats, and live seafood straight from the tanks.
In Scotland, Tillydrone’s tower blocks might seem tall at 181ft, but in Hong Kong, they’re playing in the minor leagues compared to the towering high rises that dominate the skyline. The city is packed with over 4,000 residential buildings taller than 328ft, with many overlooking the waterfront in Aberdeen. It’s like a concrete jungle out there.
And let’s not forget about the ferry services. Sure, Aberdeen, Scotland has its fair share of ferries connecting to the Northern Isles, but Hong Kong takes it to a whole new level. You can hop on a rickety wooden boat and hold your breath for a quick ride across the bay. It may look ancient, but it gets the job done, ferrying people to Lamma Island for some epic hiking adventures.
Now, let’s talk about the weather. In Hong Kong, I experienced a sunny March day with temperatures hitting 25C. Meanwhile, Aberdeen, Scotland is known as the Granite City, but in Hong Kong, granite is mainly used in certain areas like Kowloon and the northern part of Hong Kong Island. Fun fact: they still use bamboo scaffolding for skyscrapers because it’s durable, cheap, and abundant.
Aberdeen, Hong Kong is a bustling city filled with life, but it also feels slightly detached from the rest of Hong Kong, located on the south side of Hong Kong Island. The main commercial centres are up north and across Victoria Harbour in Kowloon, kind of like how Scotland’s Aberdeen is somewhat apart from the Central Belt.
It’s pretty amazing how these two places, despite their differences in size, culture, and climate, can still find common ground through their shared name. Who would have thought that a windswept Scottish city and a sun-soaked Hong Kong harbour could have so much in common, right? It’s like the world is full of surprises, just waiting to be discovered.
