Welcome | Hong Kong | Monocle issue 33

A great article to share

Hong Kong. A gleaming steel and glass powerhouse where the world’s financial forces converge on Asia, a neon edifice of connectivity and consumer culture, a place where customs mix and people live their lives in fast-forward.

While this image of city is certainly true, it doesn’t tell half the story. From Alex Daye and Ellis Kreuger’s fresh designs at boutique Moustache in Sheung Wan and Que Vinh Dang’s innovative dishes at TBLS in Central to chief secretary Henry Tang’s push to develop West Kowloon into a bustling art and culture district, there’s an inspiring drive by Hong Kongers to make their city an even more vibrant place to live.

The search for a better quality of life also takes Hong Kongers off the frequently cramped high-rise of Hong Kong island and into the hills of New Territories. Here neighbourhoods in Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay offer alternative view of one of the most densely populated cities on earth, with spacious residences surrounded by jungle and pristine beaches.

Hong Kong’s geography is more than pretty panorama. Sitting on the doorstep of the world’s fastest growing economy, Hong Kong is in a unique linguistic, historical and cultural position and bears the key to China’s door. Hong Kong is building even closer ties with its first high spped rail link to the mainland, deepening the economic relationship that has strengthened since the 1997 hand-over.

Perhaps more than eve, the city needs to be one its toes as everyone across Asia is vying for financial pole position and cultural credibility. Hong Kong may have enviable geographical advantage but this needs to be defended from regional competition on all fronts.

Busy week

After the dinner with my cousin's family, I sat down and just found out this week was just too busy for me to sit down, review, and meditate.

There were work and exploration on The Place going in parallel this week which invade all my time other than sleep. On work I was having the most unlucky days with frequent encounter to poor-conditioned cases, together with shortage of staff that made me suffocating; On The Place, me and the co-founders were focusing on every details of set up, e.g. location confirmation, making up budget plan; I could barely remember my home is under renovation.

Time was just too short these days.

Ted | Ken Robinson on creativity restraint

Renovation

With the idea of soley arranging a computer desk for my sister, my mother thought so big that it turned out to be an renovation for the house. It surprised me and my sister; For my sister, she never thought wanting a computer desk can eventually end up switching room with me; And for me, definitely never have i thought the process can be swift as hell. I have to admit i underestimate my mum's crazy idea as well - of providing a double bed in my room (know the implication mates?).

Simply 10 days, most of the drawers in the house were discarded. We adopted the design draft from mark, our new house designer, for the allocation of new furniture, set up and its colour.

Anyway, by the way I am writing up this blog I am already staying at Jardine Hill, my cousin's house temporaily till the end of renovation. Look foward to the new house, and would definitely arrange a party when renovation work got finalized.

El Hierro

While HK's having the most dirtiest days, El Hierro, an remote island somewhere in Spain, is trying their best to keep the sky blue and clear.

What made my job better

Sometimes, when you are overwhelmed with handling patients' physical complaints, discharge documents, the most excitiing thing is to hear a word of 'thank you' from them, waving you goodbye, griming, seeing them walking out of sight.

when days are too well packed, evade

Had a day off and after a day roaming around the city I deliberately hided myself from the world. Muted the phone, put on the earphones, grabbed the camera I haven't much used since travel to the pier.

Sitting in the pier promenade, quietly enjoying the millions of lights sparkling - it already made my day.