The second visit to Hong Kong beats the first in spades, because instead of taking the tours and navigating the downtown financial district on foot, we went the other direction, into Soho and some of the back streets and alleys. Of course once we got out of the downtown high rises the separation of the pedestrians from the street traffic was gone, and it was much easier to explore.
We started out together but after standing outside a store for a half hour I decided to go off on my own and meet Linda back at the hotel. I explored some of the art galleries — commercial ones — to see what is hot in this market. I’ve already seen some of the contemporary Vietnamese painters, and wish I had the bucks to collect some of it. But not really. You don’t have to own it to enjoy it.
I stopped into a Starbucks for some tea and a rest, and bought a girlie magazine in a 7-11 as a gift for a friend who, when I asked what he wants from Asia, said something with long silky hair and big brown eyes. I wrote back that I had found him, and he said I’m a wise ass. So I found him at least pictures of what he dreams of.
I’ve realized that everywhere I go I mention how beautiful the people are, and I’ve concluded that the older I get the more beautiful people are everywhere, with the possible exception of Philadelphia. One reason I’m feeling so good is that it’s cool in Hong Kong, like San Francisco weather, and it’s the weather I like best.
Last night we welcomed the New Year at the club on the top floor of the Conrad, for which we’d make reservations at the end of January. When we had to leave Singapore early yesterday morning to get back for it, we thought we made a mistake. But we were wrong, What a feast it was. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that many different kinds of food so well prepared, and all available for my greedy consumption. Wines were good as well, and of course there was the entertainment …
We dined between seven and eight, when the fireworks began on Hong Kong Bay, spread below our window table. They were spectacular while they were visible. After awhile the smoke from them began to drift upward and toward the island, and gradually there was a mixture of dark smoke in which the lights continued to flash and the fiery explosions blossom.
Tonight is our last night in Hong Kong, and the last night of the Asia trip. Too bad; I’m just getting accustomed to Hong Kong. I celebrated the end of the trip in Soho with New Zealand Pinot Noir, prosciutto pizza, and a cute Chinese waitress. I finally figured out my true calling in life. I was supposed to be an ex-pat. But most likely I was evil in a past life. Come to think of it, I’ve been something of an asshole in this one. Karma’s a bitch.