Unlike in Singapore, Einstein did not give any public appearance in Hong Kong 102 years ago. He
... had resolutely "washed out" all public engagements and merely wanted to come ashore.. [1]
... he also made the jaunt much appreciated
by tourists - round Victoria Peak by way
of the new Lugard Road, which affords
an "aeroplace view" of Hongkong, the
harbour and Kowloon; returning by
Harlech Road which gives such delightful
vistas of the islands. [2]
In fact, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize on 9 Nov. 1922, while he set foot on Hong Kong for the first time. [3]
It is said that he received the telegram about the Nobel Prize for Physics (1921) on his arrival in Shanghai three days later (on their way to Japan).
Short interview by Hongkong Telgraph : [4]
PROFESSOR EINSTEIN
ARRIVES.
____
Charmed with Hongkong
Scenery.......
A representative of the Hong-
kong Telegraph succeeded in
gaining short interview with
the Professor this morning.
Language difficulties presented
themselves, the Professor speak-
ing German and also broken
French. Mrs. Einstein, however,
is able to speak English and it
was through her courtesy that
the interview was possible.......
Speaking of Hongkong, the
Professor stated that he was
immensely impressed by what he
had already seen. The scenery
reminded him very much of
Switzerland, and he was extreme-
ly pleased to come into cooler
weather, for tbe heat of the South
had been very trying. He
had been very interested to
learn of the Hongkong Univer-
sity, where the British were
instructing the Chinese, and
thought that such an institution
should have a great future. He
regretted that he could not give a
lecture here, but he was feeling
in need of a rest. For that
reason he had asked the
local Jewish community to
forego the reception they had
wished to give him. In Japan he
expected to give some lectures at
the Imperial University, after
which he would probably visit
China and then return to Europe
by way of Palestine. He did not
intend visiting America this trip.This morning Professor and
Mrs. Einstein were given a trip
round the Island, calling at the
Repulse Bay Hotel, and later
they visited the Peak and enjoyed
a rickshaw ride along the Lugard
Road. They leave early to-morrow
morning on the Kitano Maru.
[1] China Mail 1922-11-9
[2] Hong Kong Daily Press 1922-11-10
[3] Albert Einstein website, Germany
[4] Hong Kong Telegraph 1922-11-9
p.s. interestingly, his words about HKU are seconded in some way just few months later on the history timeline by another visitor to HK. The two did not know each other personally, I think.
(to be continued)
Comments
Einstein's second stay in Hong Kong (1923)
Einstein stopped over Hong Kong shortly on Jan. 1923, on their return trip to the West.
... arrived in the Colony this morning from Japan on the
Haruma Maru. This afternoon they are the guests at a reception
which is being held in their honour at the Jewish Recreation
Club.
The Professor was discovered by our representative at the
French Consulate-General this morning, engaged in a chat with
Mr. Kremer, the Consul. Madame Einstein spoke of the pleasant
stay they had had in Japan and of the lecture which the Professor
gave to the students and members of the faculty at
the Imperial University. [I]
... It was hoped that the world famed scientist might be
induced to speak on his theory of relativity which has attracted so
much attention.
However, those present were disappointed...
... He expressed himself as being very much impressed by the magnificent view of
the harbour and the sunset seen from the Jewish Club. [II]
[I] Hong Kong Telegraph 1923-1-5
[II] China Mail 1923-1-6