So coming here is like an annual
pilgrimage. Like Singapore, I am constantly amazed how Hong Kong is able to
adapt to the changes. It’s like there’s always something new.
I came here on a three-day getaway
from the stress of work that got somewhat unhealthy for me. This trip was a
balm for a festering sore that needed healing.
As soon as I got out of the airport and
headed towards the bus terminal, I said out loud, “I’m back!” Not in an Arnold
Schwarzenegger type of voice but one of elation.
The A10 bus to (HK$48) to Pok Fu Lam
in southern district of Hong Kong Island is more residential. I’m staying at
the condo (The Belcher’s) of a very good friend of mine and it’s a swanky and
elegant place community. He’s got two young kids and hanging out with them was
fun. Yes, I love kids and work well with them. I briefly worked as an
administrative assistant in a private school in Brooklyn and I guess that says
two things – my love for kids and for working with them. That experience has
served me in good stead when I teach in Ateneo and give lectures in other
schools.
I met up with some old Chinese
officemates who treated to me lunch in Stanley. Unfortunately, my digicam gave
up on me so I wasn’t able to take too many photos (at least I have my iPad with
me). Then Tuesday, an old classmate of mine from Ateneo invited me over for
lunch. She was going to cook some pasta for me. She lives with her family in
the Tai Po area which is the oldest settlement in the New Territories. I once
lived out here and it was such a long commute from there to Kowloon Bay.
These three reunions are easily the
highlight of my three-day stay here (that I certainly wish is longer but work
calls). Imagine that! Talking about work and family stuff! We all got old. Hahaha!
I also dropped by the beautiful 1881
Heritage at the end of Canton Road (that intersects with Salisbury Road) in
Tsim Sha Tsui was a nifty visit for me. This wasn’t open to the public the last
time I was here. This was the site of the former headquarters of the Hong Kong
Marine Police that was restored to its Victorian elegance. As soon as I made my
way in I said that this would be a perfect place for wedding shoots and true
enough there were three couple having their pictorials done around the area. It
was the daytime so I can only imagine what it’s like at night when the lights
are on.
It’s the tailend of the annual Summer
Sale. While going Ocean Centre near the disembarkation area for the luxury
cruise liners, this bunch of tourists (either from Japan or Korea or even
mainland China) entered and one man said rather out loud: “It’s time fo’
shoppeeng.” Imagine this: some 20+ people with their luggage on strollers
unleashed on Ocean Centre like kids allowed to roam Toys ‘r Us.
So much for excitement. Well, I am not
a crazy shopper. If I want to shop I am done in a jiffy. I am probably one of
the most unfashionable as I prefer to dress simply. During UAAP games, you’re
most likely to see me wear football shirts. Outside I prefer tennis shirts with
collars. Jeans, khaki slacks, boat shoes, or cross trainers. That’s it. What I
do when I am here is go to the side streets in TST and eat in the different
Vietnamese, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern restaurants. Then I check out the
many bookstores here from The Book Club, Page One, Dymocks etc. Page One is a
fave. They have a new one here, The Eslite at Hysan Place.
I picked up Jack McCallum’s Dream Team
and a marketing book.
If I look for sports stuff I usually
do that in Singapore. But I did take note of many things:
Top sports jerseys (any sport/any
team) I’ve seen in two days (in order):
1.
USA London
Olympic Team – runaway the most number. Counted 38 people wearing LeBron James,
Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris and Paul.
2. Real Madrid
3. Miami Heat
4. Chelsea
5. Los Angeles Lakers
6. Barcelona
7. New York Knicks
8. Manchester United
9. Liverpool
10.
New York Yankees
Odd jersey seen:
New Jersey Nets: Brook Lopez
Denver Broncos: Tim Tebow
An Englishman wearing a well-worn
Manchester United with “Neville” in the back.
I am sure than by Thursday and Friday, Jeremy Lin jerseys will be all the rage as Lin will make an appearance here at K1 Mall in TST.
Hot topic in bars with expats: the
opening weekend of the English Premier League.
Loose remarks:
“Doesn’t seem like Brendan Rodgers was
the reason for the success at Swansea. Swansea won their opening while
Liverpool stinks.” (OUCH).
“The Gunners will miss RvP.”
“Everton done do us proud, lads.”
Here in Hong Kong, it’s books, music,
and a few clothes. For CDs and DVDs, you’ll usually find me in HMV or Hong Kong
Records. I used to haunt those bargain and indie stories in Stanley (in Repulse
Bay) and Tsim Sha Tsui. The latter has always been known for its stores of
rising stars in the fashion scene. I went here because they sold vinyl records
and bootleg CDs. I still have my bootlegs of Nirvana and Pearl Jam that I
purchased back in 1993. But a word to the wise: always compare prices before
buying. Tip: it is cheaper at Hong Kong Records although they have fewer
selections than HMV.
My Hong Kong August soundtrack:
Bloc Party – Four
Hard-Fi – Killer Sounds
Incubus – HQ Live
Asia – XXX
Baroness – Yellow & Green
Metric – Synthetica
Deus – Following Sea
Morning Parade – Morning Parade
Elton John vs. Pnau – Good morning to
the night
Sepultura - Kairos
The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten
The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten
I’m quite happy that my kids have
picked up on many of the things that I enjoy. Football and basketball was easy
for them. My eldest roots for AC Milan while the youngest is an Arsenal fan.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Chicago Bulls are common faves. And they’ve
turned up to be big music fans and have started their own collections. I got
them a couple of CDs and DVDs. For my eldest who enjoys reading as well, I also
got him Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. It has always been one of my favorites and
a coming of age story. I think he’ll find it a marvelous read.
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