On The Way to Mainland China

I went to China by subway, from Kowloon, traversing hills covered in greenery, the scenario reminding me of San Francisco suburbs merged with London, both because of the weather and the subway stations resembling the London Overground’s commuter rail’s while the trains outside décor reminded me of the Paris RER. The interiors though, I had only seen in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is Emerald City compared with the rest of China I’ve seen, and indeed it is in its own right to begin with. I love Hong Kong, I will have to go back, but not as a tourist: May be as an artist in residence, if I find a suitable program, for a few weeks or even months. From what I have seen of China so far, I feel like I knew everything I needed to without coming: it may very well be the future, but if that's the case, the future is bleak. The people are very warm welcoming and engaging, although learning the language is a life time commitment I don’t think I can endeavor a this age, communication was at best difficult. Plus, in spite of being in the Tropic, February seems to be monsoon month, a rather cold one, nonsense according to the guide books I have in tow and the forecasts I was watching in the Philippines: they had sun and 25 C prior to my arrival, though they were saying "…chances of rain for Hong Kong and Southern China”. Chances indeed.