Since I want to go to Apple today, the day is unfortunately not suitable for a nice trip to Lantau, Lamma or the New Territories. That's a pity, but can't be changed. So today I'm going to approach sightseeing from a different angle. The alarm clock rings at the crack of dawn, at 5.30 am. I get up as quietly as possible to avoid waking Armelle unnecessarily, put on my clothes and set off.
My destination is Kowloon Park, where older and very old people meet every morning for Tai Chi. I find that so fascinating that I definitely want to see it. Fortunately, I now know that the park is hidden behind shopping streets and other buildings. On the platform, numerous grandmas and grandpas are already bending and swaying to the Chinese chill music playing from an ancient recorder. Two older ladies clearly have the upper hand. They stand face to face with the others and do very simple energy exercises. Stretching their arms up and to the side. I sit down on the planted middle part, let myself be carried away by the music and just watch. The smell of chlorine from the neighboring swimming pools hangs in the air and the McDonald's sign blinks totally unsexy in the background. But no one here cares about that. Participants come and go, as they please. There's not much talk, maybe it's still too early in the morning. Nevertheless, the gestures show that everyone knows each other here, maybe for years. It's great how they do it. Not a hard workout, but certainly good for starting the day with more flexibility and energy. I enjoy the freshness of the morning, which is driven away by the rising sun.
When I've seen enough, I make my way back and let myself be carried away by the camera through the still empty streets. At this time, this part of town looks totally different. Not necessarily more beautiful, but just different. Back at the hotel, I take another nap. I am infinitely grateful to Armelle for her willingness to do without fresh air for my sake. I just can't sleep with the windows open with all the street noise. I'm just a light sleeper. Later, we get up together. Armelle wants to explore Lantau while I go in search of food. In one of the many tea kitchens I read about in the travel guide, I try to get something to eat. The lady of the house is obviously not very motivated to serve me and doesn't respond to my efforts. She makes it clear that she doesn't understand me. When I ask her for directions to Canton Road, she can explain it to me in very fluent English. What a stupid cow! Fortunately, something like this only happens very rarely. A few streets further on, I find a restaurant where locals sit and eat. They don't understand me either, but that doesn't matter, because at least I'm being served. I just point at the food on the neighboring table, which looks very appetizing, and a few minutes later I'm brought a steaming bowl of soup. I watch my neighbor to see how she spices it up with a spicy sauce and then starts scooping up the noodles with chopsticks. I do the same. I have no idea what I'm eating. But it's delicious. The dumplings taste like fish, so I leave them. I only like fish as a zodiac sign, even though I'm aware that I'm missing out on culinary highlights. The Chinese people around me are slurping and slurping like there's no tomorrow. And after a satisfying meal, they burp heartily and loudly. Phew, that really gives me the shivers. In terms of table manners, I'm clearly influenced by Europe. While waiting for my Apple appointment, I stroll along Canton Road. I'm amazed by the hypermodern glass facades. Just like on Hong Kong Island, there's a huge flagship store after another. Without exception, all the most expensive luxury brands in the world can be found on this street. But that's by no means the only shopping haven for the fat wallet. The same brand stores can also be found in Hong Kong Island and other parts of the city. I don't think I've ever seen as many Rolex stores as here. Not even in Dubai. The street itself is packed with Chinese people with expensive, full bags. How can they afford that? Sure, the prices here are "cheaper" than in Europe, but cheap is a different story. I think of Jessica. She would be in seventh shopping heaven here and unstoppable. In front of the luxury stores, you sometimes see queues of exquisitely dressed women and men who look like they stepped out of a fashion magazine. They're not waiting because the store is crowded, but apparently in this price category, you have to wait until the personal shopping assistant invites you in to then give you their undivided attention and literally carry you on their hands to cater to your individual needs. Totally mind-boggling!
