That’s Hong Kong, no. 1
Ξ August 6th, 2009 | → | ∇ Hong Kong, That's Hong Kong |
I’m instituting a feature tonight called “That’s Hong Kong.” You might’ve gleaned from my numbering this post that I will continue these quick takes on life in the Kong. That is my brilliant plan.
No. 1
Building security guards. Today I speak of the men who man posts in my office building. After about 8 p.m., they rope off the Office Lift Lobby, directing traffic past a desk with “IN” and “OUT” card sensors. When I approach the desk from either direction, I’m half-heartedly greeted and directed by way of an extended arm to please scan my green building card. Then I’m thanked. If I forget my card, I have to show ID and they write down my information on a pad that’s kept covered at all times “to protect the identity of building occupants.”
There are always at least two men behind the desk, sometimes as many as five standing around. Greeting, directing, thanking. I don’t quite know which one to address so I try to make a quick sweep of all of them, greeting, swiping, thanking. I get a mixture of “hello, lei ho, thank you, mmgoi, ok, byebye.”
A handful of times I’ve rounded the corner after 2a.m. to find both of them asleep. Once I snuck by without waking them, but usually I swipe my card, it beeps and they jump. Revenge is mine!
I don’t mind the routine. Some people do. Sure, it’s a tad excessive. It’s a bit of a pain when I forget my ID (which happens a few times a month). I would prefer to leave the office and walk home without having to greet, swipe, thank two more people.
But, that’s Hong Kong.
on August 14th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Emily, I got kicked out of Facebook about a week and a half ago, and I didn’t write down your e-mail address before I lost access. So I’m writing you a random comment on your blog (discovered by googling your name). I’m arriving in Hong Kong tomorrow and will stay through next Thursday. My first few days will be pretty busy, but if you have any time to meet on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, please let me know. I’m really looking forward to being back in HK and would love to catch up with you as part of my trip. I had to enter my e-mail address in the portion above, so I hope you can find that and shoot me a message before I leave town. See you soon.