Just killing some time at the Hong Kong airport before I leave.  There are always some interesting shots at my favorite airport in the world.

I actually like hanging out in airports for a few reasons.  First, I love to people-watch. When you travel internationally you see a real cross-cut of humanity in airports.  The Hong Kong airport is a crossroads for people traveling around the world. Ninety different airlines use Hong Kong as a hub – traveling to over 150 different international cities.  The other reason I like airports is they’re emotional places.  Most travelers are excited about the prospects of new adventures & destinations. Others are travel-weary and emotionally drained.  It’s fun to watch kids at airports.  Their faces are full of awe and wonder.

The HKIA airport is huge and full of very cool shops & restaurants.  My favorite shops include EMOI and MUJI.  Both sell simple, well designed products.  I highly recommend a visit to the Crystal Jade restaurant in the arrivals hall.  It’s where the locals eat.  This airport reminds me of Heathrow Airport in London – it’s a shopping mall where they happen to park planes outside.

HKIA employs 60,000 people.  Since it was constructed on reclaimed land in 1998 a whole city has grown up around it.  They actually have a name for that.  An aerotropolis.