One of the things that I really love about Hong Kong, is the way life is lived on the streets here. And, not matter where you go, people are doing things, doing things like their lives depend on what they are do. And, that's it, this is Hong Kong.

In the image above, the demonstrator is demonstrating his pump-action cork screw and combo wine decanter. Behind him is someone selling cards and frames. On the far side of the street is a typical Hong Kong apartment block. 

Now, I'm NOT going into the whole socio-economic thing that Sham Shui Po is a "working class" district or the apartment building is this or that type of building or whatever. This kind of judgment or classification really has no place in Hong Kong. While the district maybe a little down at the heel, the apartments in this district tend to be larger [by comparison] and, let's just say, more affordable. 

At one time, Sham Shui Po was once "ground zero" to the world's garment industry - this at a time when Hong Kong clothed the world and was a major player in the garment trade. There was a time when all my casual clothing was labelled, "Made in Hong Kong" and, those items were really made in Hong Kong - this before China ever factored into the equation.

All that has gone now. Whatever is left of the Hong Kong's garment industry is closeted away in a few specialist, largely family run, businesses. While the district is a shadow of its former self, there's still a strong connection to the garment industry here. On the streets there are all manner of shops and street stalls selling ends and short runs of fabric, threads, braiding, trims and trimmings, buttons, buckles and what have you. There are shops selling pins, needles, sowing machines and other related paraphernalia.

Down and along Apliu Street, this has been transformed in an electronic gizmo paradise. If you're looking for power tools of any and every description - new and used - it's all here. If your looking for other precision tech tools, this just the place. If its gimmicks and fancy lighting, torches, pouches and bags - look around and you're sure to find something.

As for food, some of the more interesting dining experiences can be found around the district. For some reason or the other, there's a relatively huge take out business going on around here and, the quality of the food - by local standards - is both diverse and quite exceptional.  Anthony Bourdain, the chef extraordinaire and globe-trotting food raconteur was given to say that Hong Kong has some of the best street food in the world. I'll second him on that.