Confessions of a returnee....
As for Hong Kong (hk)... besides the new metro tunnels and transit infrastructures, the tall buildings in central and the reclaiming of the harbour... it hasn't changed much, ….. the people, culture, crowds, rush, materialism, speed (directionless), efficiency and effectiveness (without soul), etc, has not changed at all .... the official population count is still about the same..... around 8m people, but most have moved from 'illegal’ migrants to illegal philippinas ..... the Kowloon industrial sector has moved to Shenzhen, just inside the pearl delta, where gdp pp is $13k, vs hk's $30k....... it used to be $130, so..... u make the conjectures......
Saw a fortune teller and she said I was destined to return to the place of my birth and that this is a new dharma...... wonder how much of that shows in what I said up front....?
chinese new year was spent in Bali at a private villa..... monetary wealth is endemic... u either have it or u do not..... behaviour has to be tailored to this perception...... already 'had' to buy a tux and suit (blanc de chine), designer shoes (cole haan), clothes (ferragamo, cavalli, zegna….) ..... snootiness is a personalized trait that is admired .... competitiveness is also ingrained in the system, including those of schools, children, etc….. travel in hk consists of mass migrations via Cathay Pacific airlines before and after public holiday weekends...... so the line up at HK airport leaving and coming back was phenomenal....... even though due to the economy, lots have stayed home for CNY (Chinese new year). And Bali entry has its VIP services, which, for around $100US, can expedite the skids on arrival.... security also 'removed' a bag of designer clothes for inspection, which was not returned.....lol.... no wonder the terrorists want this place blown up..... hedonism is the watchword here..... whereas the villa was just idyllic.....
back in HK, working my way thru the Michelin guide for what they consider the best restaurants in HK and Macau, but there are so many that are not on the list that are very good, that it may take a lifetime....hahahahahah.... have already eaten at several Michelin starred places, and also 'unlisted' places and the food is essentially comparable. The Michelin starred guide (MSG) also emphasizes decor and service and as such, are constrained to large hotel chains and 'chains' of several restaurants owned by wealthy individuals... very different from France.... read susur lee's trek/life and u will get an idea of the difference between Chinese and French culinary training and attitudes..... actually very surprised MSG would/can factually rate HK, Macau and Japan (there are more restaurants in happy valley than all of Ottawa and in wanchai than in all of Toronto........hehehehhehe)...... guess it started with Japan.......
Am I glad to be back?
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