In less than 12 hours I’ll be able to count on one hand the days until I leave for Hong Kong. Thousands fly, walk, or drive into Hong Kong every day, so it’s not an unusual occurrence. But I’ve never viewed Hong Kong as just another destination and doubt I ever will. So what makes it so special?
It’s the place where I came of age. I arrived as a naive 19 year-old.
And left as a married 27 year-old, pregnant with my first child.
I did spend some time in the US during a few of those years.
But by and large my 20s were formed and defined by my years in Hong Kong. I look forward to revisiting the places I knew from the 90s.
I’m also curious to discover (some of) what’s changed since then.
If you could go back to a place from your past, where would you choose?
Easy – I’d go back to Japan, around this time of year (or maybe a little earlier) ten or so years ago, and see the cherry blossoms in the courtyard of the little temple in Kita Kogane.
A simpler, quieter, less stressful time period.
Realistically, though? Lately… anywhere but here.
Your description of Japan sounds perfect. It does sound simple and quiet.
Maybe one day you’ll look back and reminisce about Tianjin!
Reminiscing about Tianjin implies that there is a common framework of reference in which to discuss things… I guess I could find the Altona Toyota employees, and discuss it with them…
This is not a happy place.
It is the antithesis of that calm little oasis in the courtyard.
I’ve been thinking about you these days, I kind of had a feeling that your HK trip was approaching. Man, I would be psyched too if I were about to head back to, say, Hangzhou or Shanghai or even Zhengzhou. I did all three of them in 2009 and, like yourself, was curious to learn what changed and what remained the same. Interestingly, the college I taught at in Zhengzhou moved out to the burbs and its original buildings were just months away from being handed over to a govt bureau. I felt fortunate to have made it out there in time to see it.
Thanks so much for your comment! I can only imagine the great changes you saw in China. That’s sad about your college. On my first trip to China, I stayed in college dorms and shudder to think how much those campuses have changed. One of my favorite was at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, which I hope will remain in the old French Concession. Sigh.
I’m so looking forward to your visit. I can’t wait to hear your impressions of HK after all this time. Hong Kong is in the process of forming and defining my 20s, and I’m curious about how our experiences compare.
It isn’t too far in my past, but I would like to go back to Hamilton, New York, the small town where I went to college. It was the first place I saw snow falling from the sky, which is a magical experience when you’re 17. It was also the place where I felt I was able to thrive on my own, far from my big, loud, loving family.
Thanks so much, Shannon! It’ll be so great to meet you, especially after I’ve regained my bearings and adjusted to the time change. I can’t wait to compare stories!
I grew up with snow, but that must have been quite a change to move from a warm and dry climate to one that sees extremes on both ends. I think it’s good to have some distance from your family in college, otherwise it’s too easy to never gain independence. See you soon!