don't cut off an old person

In Hong Kong, there's a cardinal rule: don't cut off an old person.

If you do, you'll likely have the F-word flung at you in Cantonese by the old person. And lots of dirty looks from everyone around you. Even if your cutting-off was just by accident.

The rule makes a lot of sense actually. After all, in a country of 7.5 million with only 1,000 square kilometers of space, you get really squished. Hong Kong is the 4th most densely populated country in the world.

With that many people in so little space, there is a lot of rushing around, and not a lot of wiggle room to do it. Old people shuffling through the streets and the subway stations don't stand a chance.

It's one of my favorite rules in Hong Kong.

*Photo Cred: Chevanon Photography from Pexels (Canva)