July 13, 2011

  • A Beautiful Day

    The rainfall leaves the air cleaner, particulate matter swallowed by the raindrops, swept into the gutters and sea.  Hong Kong is hot, muggy and tired in the summer, but never does it rest.

    On my way to breakfast, I stepped into a crowded subway car, full of an ocean of people.  There was no space to fall over, or even sway.  One stop away, at Admiralty, the ocean fell away, off to work, leaving a nearly empty train to Central.  I breathed a sigh of relief, relishing a single stop of space, and then stepped out into Central on the way to IFC.

    Jazz was playing overhead.  Though I didn't recognize the piece, there were certain strains that reminded me of the Girl from Ipanema.  I smiled from ear to ear, and strode through the hallways like a mad fool.  It was beautiful.  I'd never heard Jazz in Central Station before; but it was grand.

    I smiled all the way to the IFC, grinning like a village idiot.  I can't imagine the scene made much sense to any passer by.  Private joys and private laughter are often easy to miss or misunderstand.

    Laksa, Macaroons, Art and calligraphy.  Hong Kong's art scene is more alive than I thought.  I enjoyed the gallery and the evolutions of traditional chinese painting.  Little hidden gems of renovated buildings were like gifts unwrapped.

    It has been a beautiful day...