Dear Hong Kong,
I started on my adventure with an ode to the city I love most - Toronto - however I find myself now, writing to you, Hong Kong, my new love. You intimidated me at first...you towered over me like a giant, crushing me with your strength, confining me with your people. But then I began to warm to you. I have walked thousands of steps on your streets, through your alleys, up escalators, down escalators, across mountain sides, villages and beaches. My feet have grazed your earth, planted firmly, walking curiously to uncover you. And you let me.
I have sailed over your waters by ferry boat and by dragon boat. I have been continuously astonished by the magnificence of your skyline. I have been stifled by your humidity and heat. I have curled up cold in the winter months, firing up space heaters, wearing long johns because your buildings just don't have any heat. I have dined at your finest and dirtiest restaurants...crab, char siu, hargow, noodle this, noodle that, I have gobbled you up. I have an expanded waist line to prove my devotion to your cuisine. I have used you - I have. I used you to venture to other lands, and to plan trips, that were just not meant to be. "Another time" I think to myself, but the truth is, I don't know if there will be another time. It saddens me to say that, but such is the beauty and mystery of life.
I met your people...some that you raised, others you didn't. They became my friends, my family while I occupied my small place on your land. I lived a life that I never really believed could actually be mine. You showed me it was, and then let me live it some more.
You, dear Hong Kong, became my muse.
Ours was a one time love affair. Cut short by circumstance, but profound enough to last forever.
You're part of me now Hong Kong. I may leave you, but I don't think you can ever leave me.
Kathleen-
Dear Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful farewell letter. As someone who was lucky enough to spend the first three months of the year working in Hong Kong and exploring so much of what it has to offer, I felt many of the emotions you described. There are many things I love about Hong Kong - the spectacular view of the skyline on my way home from work, dinner at The Pressroom, Wagyu and so many other fabulous restaurants, my cozy apartment in Wan Chai and the friendly people who embraced me and helped me find my way. One of my favourite things was forming a friendship with you. The experience would not have been the same without you. I'm so glad we are living in the same city. I have a feeling we will be friends for along time and I thank Hong Kong for this. Thank you also for writing your blog. It has been so much fun to follow and helps capture so many great memories of our Asian adventure!
Sabita