Went to the Hong Kong Museum of History, and learned that Hong Kong people suck at fighting. Out of the two wars we were in, we won zero and lost two. First was against those damn British in 1839, taking Hong Kong from China so they could have free trade of their soulless opium. Then there was the Japanese invasion in the early 1940’s which made Hong Kong a living hell for almost everyone there, although one could say that the Brits were responsible for defending one of their colonies. I can sort of see what the return to China has done to the exhibits in the subtle hints of propaganda found in the later galleries.

Also went to the Honk Kong Science Museum, which is a complete rip-off of the Ontario Science Centre (or is it the other way around?), from the experiments to the interactive contraptions. I had actually seen almost all of the HKMS already just from my younger visits to the OSC, and most of it was exactly the same. I wonder if there was a collaborative effort with Ontario to create a standardized science museum.

I finally have a chance to write. It’s been busy ever since I arrived home, hanging out with Darren and John, and ever since I arrived here in Hong Kong. Right when I stepped off the plane, I could smell the difference of the Hong Kong air. Sometimes affected by the wind coming off the surrounding water, the smells here are often distinct and localized. Most of the time they’re fairly neutral, although there can be areas of disgusting, short-lived breezes, and the occasional pleasant waft.

The food here is delicious. It’s a fresh food culture, so grocery shopping is done on a daily basis, although eating outside is comparable to the cost of preparing one’s own food. Living as a student has probably made me appreciate restaurant food, and living in Canada has probably made me appreciate Chinese food even more.

I’m sitting in the Vancouver airport, waiting for the connecting flight to board. It’s 2:08 am back home, 11:08 pm here, 3:08 am in Hong Kong, and the terminal is almost empty. I caught scattered glimpses of the lit cities on the way over, lights bright and delicate underneath like rows upon rows of gilded chains.

A loud Julian sat next to me on the flight, telling me about his accomplishments in the IT sector, a bright young worker who’s made his way into a great position in a recovering economy. Only the sound of suitcase wheels grinding on grooved floors can be heard here, with an occasional announcement over the loudspeaker.

I can feel myself getting excited, finally, sitting here remembering all the great times I’ve had in Hong Kong. The fireworks, the family, the food.

Things I’m taking on my trip to Hong Kong include:

• Soul Mountain by Gao Xingjian (translated by Mabel Lee)
• Things That Keep and Do Not Change by Susan Musgrave
• black Blueline notebook I’ve used since first year
• Sanford Uni-ball Onyx Micro pen (black)
• Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos and The Frozen Throne
• favourite black shirt I got at Mexx
• bottle of Banana Republic Classic
• Sager NP5680 notebook
• 6.5 megapixel Canon EOS Digital Rebel
• first three seasons of Mr. Show on DVD
• Taxi Driver on DVD
• 4×6″ glossy of Trolley’s penis (no, not really)

I have a ticket booked to Hong Kong at the end of November. I’ll be staying there for a little under a month, during the Christmas season when the entire island looks as if it’s one big ornament from the sky, a giant floating decoration. The best weather of the year is in December, when the temperatures drop to a reasonable warmth and one can actually walk around with a coat on.

I’ll be trying to learn the subway system for the first few days so that I can get around on my own. I’m going alone so I’ll probably be living with my uncle most of the time, and staying at my grandmother’s on the weekends. I’ll be going home first and staying there for a few days, then flying to Hong Kong, then flying back and staying home for New Years. I’ll meet up with Ken the day before I depart from Hong Kong, since he’s flying up from Ohio.

I can’t wait to get back to the busy markets, taste the Chinese food, browse the endless shops. I want to ask my grandmother so much, and celebrate Christmas with her. I wish there was something I could give her that she could keep, similar to the jade necklace she gave me that I’ve almost never taken off ever since I received it. There’s an almost ineffable feeling that’s conjured up in my mind when I think of the modern skyscrapers, the crowds of people, the very ethnic faces. Some of my best memories are from being in Hong Kong during Christmas, when there’s an almost mystic feeling in the air and everyone is in good spirits.

I’ve been wanting a vacation, from both the good and bad in my life, for so long. Just to get away from absolutely everything going on right now would be beneficial, almost like a self-imposed exile. I’d be able to distance myself from things and gain some perspective, something I usually believe I’m able to do until something drastic happens that changes the way I view things.

I’m not really sure what to expect from my visit, although I think that I’ll be changed ever subtly, maybe subconsciously. One can rarely walk away from such things without being affected in some way, perhaps both Tina and Em would agree. I just don’t know how this may change me. I don’t have any questions. I’m not looking for answers.

I’m just waiting to find out.