5:19pm
It's been quite a while since I've got the motivation to write another seemingly boring post. Life after Hong Kong pretty much stayed exactly the same, except that I've become gruesomely tired and drenched from the trip. Don't get me wrong, Hong Kong is amazing in its architecture and monuments. But perhaps it was the long distance walk from places to places that got me thinking about how I've been leaning towards a more sedentary lifestyle back home.
One thing that I've noticed in Hong Kong was the atmosphere, despite resting and utilizing all expenses paid at my hotel, I realized that gazing through the HDB size window watching the city buzzing with crowds at night relaxes me. Sure most (but not all) Singaporeans are fairly known for being KPO, most of my neighbors peek through their windows at night, thus bestowing a creepy vibe that my actions have been watched. Anyway, Hong Kongers are known to be chill and friendly. Perhaps too chill to the point where half of my interactions with them via mandarin were returned with a cold shrug and head shaking momentum implying that they have no idea what I'm saying.
Ironically, I gave my mandarin a second try and they understood. So I guess no hard feelings were intended.
I remember stopping by a supermarket near Choi Hung MTR after photographing their apartment architecture. The first thing that shocked me was the price of a 25 sachet pack of green tea, it costs a dollar whereas, in Singapore, we have been paying $3. So the ultimate smart thing to do is to binged buy the green teas in HK. Upon checkout, I asked for a plastic bag (didn't do my research about bringing my own groceries bag to HK) and waited patiently for the lady to withdraw a piece from the drawer, instead, she stared continuously at me with a puzzled look before realizing that I was waiting for the paid plastic bag.
Another sort of incident happened when brother came to our hotel for a short visit. Apparently, he bought 2 packets of vegetables and coffee mix but was only charged for the coffee.
This made me wonder could they be oblivious to their surroundings, much to their level of comfort zone?
Despite all these, I certainly had some great conversations with the locals. We visited Wong Tai Sin temple in one of the days and I had bought joysticks from an elder women standing at the exit station. Attempted to speak Cantonese but was dismissed shortly after she knew that I can't speak at all. Anyway, she said she's better than my grandma since she still works and all. Well if that ain't the truth.
Hahaha, this might come out as funny but mom got scolded on our first escalator trip to the MTR station. Allegedly, I was the one who observed their rules of commuting. Hong Kongers basically stand at the right side of the escalator while we stood on the left. Mom probably didn't notice the continuous engaging zig-zag flow behind her and eventually got a scolding from an elderly man.
I'm not sure why but the exterior view of such buildings can be quite alluring. At times I picture how cramped up the spaces must be. Being held captive in one's own room where eyes are everywhere. Pretty much like big brother except everyone is more civilised. Oh and the constant air-con leakage, might not be a good idea to stand directly under it.
Our local train station had one of those open-space tracks many years ago. I guess I missed those burden-free days.
This train held similarities to that of Japans' train system.
In a nutshell, I'd say that I'm definitely gonna give this country another try if time and money permits me to do more wonderful and adventurous activity. The places we visited made up merely 1% of what's there to see in Hong Kong. But I reckon the wait has to be in more than 5 years time.
Dragging my increasing weary soul to bed, I think or I could feel death creeping up on me in a fashionably late manner. I hope I made it to 21 before Satan comes knocking on my door and exclaim it's time to go!
