Thanks for the kind response, Benny!
For the record, I'd guess the reference is to Mong Kok (旺角), not Mong Kong.
I had a sudden case of appendicitis and had an appendectomy two days ago, so my trip to Shanghai via Hong Kong/Shenzhen was cancelled. Too bad, because I was really looking forward to the theme of that conference and the gathering there...
Since my professional work (writing, research and teaching) takes up so much time, I look for shortcuts in my approach to photography. I'm aware of the costs I pay for these shortcuts in terms of artistic vision. Right now I have an excellent relation with a small pro lab in Taipei and they do hand developing and scanning (Fuji Frontier) for me. If I organize my life to make time for setting up a home darkroom someday (or if I don't have access to such a friendly pro lab), then I will think again about a scanner...wonder if prosumer film scanners will still be marketed by then?