Now that 2014 has rolled in, it’s been a solid 20 years since I moved to Hong Kong for what I thought would be for good.
So things don’t always turn out the way we hope, although I have no regrets. But I do enjoy looking back at photos from that time and only wish I’d taken more.
This photo was shot in the Sheung Wan district in December 1994 when my parents flew into Hong Kong to visit me. Little did they know that they were going to meet my fiance. They didn’t even know I was dating!
I love going to local cafes like this one. The menu, as you can see, is taped to the wall. We have the requisite toilet paper napkins (in pink here!) and metal pot of pu er tea. It’s almost like an indoor dai pai dong with its folding tables and stools.
My parents were good sports and seemed to enjoy their visit, big surprise and all.
I like that your parents were “good sports.” I put my parents to the test a few times too.
What a story behind the photo. Love the new website design, by the way.
Thanks so much, Sharon! It’s a big 20th anniversary for both of us!
Really nice to see this photo, Susan. And I’m looking forward to “Good Chinese Wife”.
Thank you so much, Van! I really appreciate all your support!
AMAZING!!! and some things don’t change, the old school diners still have menus taped to the wall in traditional chinese characters written in calligraphy, old metal pots, creaky rotating fans on the wall!! i am looking forward to reading your book!!! Happy 2014 and 20th HK anniversary!
Thank you, Juliana! That’s so good to hear! It was always a challenge to find something on the menu I could understand! I actually lived in HK from 1990-91, but that was only going to be a year. 1994 was supposed to be my return once and for all!