I have to wonder if Escher ever travelled to Hong Kong. While his experience in architecture and graphic design are fascinating, I can't think of any where else that would have as many steps as this city built on the very edges of mountains. Each trip from the hotel is a three block walk up hill to the subway station. From there you descend 100 (or so) steps into the deep. If you are unlucky, you will take a wrong turn exiting the train and be forced to walk up the endless flights without the assistance of escalators.
The world's longest out door escalator is located here. I have to admit though that I haven't been lucky enough to ride it!
Even the malls and schools are filled with flights of stairs and rising escalators. It's not uncommon for them to be six or eight stories high. Even more fascinating is the fact that this is all under a 40+ story tower of businesses and residences.
Starbucks and McDonald's have modified there retail approach in these spaces. You will find an small McFlurry stand and a set of steps at the entrance. Main counter is on the second floor and additional dining space on the third. Even grabbing a bite to eat can be exhausting!
True, nowhere else that I have been are the McD's configured as in the states. Probably because here they are built for the automobile and throughout the remainder of the worldwide markets they are located in urban settings. Steps and escalators, you gotta love'um.
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