I took a bus up to the base of Tai Tam mountain, and hiked to the summit. The path isn’t too treacherous, but can be quite narrow and has no railing on the sides to prevent falls. The ground is mostly covered in uneven footing, making the trek hard on the ankles if one doesn’t have proper footware. People young and old alike make the trip, because it’s one of the cheapest and healthiest pasttimes available. The mountainside has very fresh air, something that the concentrated Hong Kong metropolis has lost from the height of the buildings and the diesel tanks of the automobiles. The peak offers a great view of the more sophisticated side of Hong Kong, such as executive golf courses, beaches, and luxury living. Being able to see so many things from one point gives one a a tremendous feeling of magnificence.

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)