A grass fire is whipped up by high winds on the hillside above Discovery Bay in Hong Kong, in 2004.
The sheer number of international faces in this favorite residential enclave of Hong Kong expatriates makes it a no-brainer bolt-hole for any foreign whistle-blower on the run. Attired in the requisite Tiger Beer tank top, loudly patterned board shorts, Vuarnets and Havaianas, Snowden could seamlessly merge with the sunburned moms and dads who on weekends cram the plaza of this island community — located a half-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong Island — for lager-chugging good times. But there’s a downside: most vehicles are banned to maintain Discovery Bay’s relaxed resort vibe, so should the flak-jacketed rendition squads come abseiling down from the Blackhawk, the only getaway vehicle Snowden will be able to leap into will be one of the outrageously expensive golf buggies maintained by wealthier residents.