GBA Lifestyle News
Three random thoughts from a Hong Kong millennial.
1. Like many millennials, I live at home. It annoys me to the max sometimes, like how my mom insists to chat when I’m on deadline or rushing out of the door. So when yesterday — which was the coldest day in Hong Kong in 59 years — my mom questioned my choice of outerwear (a leather jacket), my initial reaction was to feel annoyed. Mom, I can take care of myself! She proceeded to make me wear one of her down jackets, and I succumbed reluctantly.
When I arrived at Tai Mei Tuk, which was by the beach, the winds were literally howling and, hell, I had to admit right there that my mom was right. I did not feel too cold, on the coldest day of Hong Kong! Later that night, my mom Whatsapped me: “My jacket helped?” I usually hate to give her the satisfaction, but this time I replied, “Very much!” Thinking back, I really should’ve typed an extra heart emoji.
2. My grandmother lives very close to my place, and she is always, always trying to make me eat. To her – and to most Chinese relatives – vegetables, soups and fruits “do not fill you up at all.” Last Thursday, she called, particularly urgent, claiming she bought the best papayas ever and insisted that I go over after work. I had three more deadlines due that night, and I was feeling drained.
When I arrived at her place, I was passive-aggressive about the whole thing, staying quiet and refusing to eat that last piece of papaya (you know it’s a pretty big deal if you have a Chinese family). But the irritating thing was, after I eating, my body betrayed me and I felt good. The deadlines seemed less daunting.
I usually dream of having my own place, but that evening, I can’t imagine ever living far away from my granny, who is always looking after my stomach despite how rude I am. I think my granny alone knows how little it takes for me to sacrifice my dream of independence: fish soup and papaya!
3. What I’m reading… Hong Kong’s brand new Chinese media HK01. I haven’t followed their writing religiously, but I read their four-part report (Chinese only) on the Hong Kong zine scene and it’s amazing. Did you know that there are local zines about villain hitting, parks at night, and Hongkongers playing on their smartphones on the MTR? I can’t wait to buy some here and here.
