How the other half lives

Hiya,
The other half might be an exageration, but staying in Hong Kong is certainly like living in another world.

Almost as soon as I arrived, Dad suggested that I go shopping for a "designer" outfit with Akiko. A subtle birthday/christmas present to cover up that I simply don't have clothes suitable for nights out with his friends. Well done Dad!

Not that long ago, I was imaging having a designer outfit so it's great to have wishes come true again. However, as I've pointed out before, you should always be careful what you wish for. Because this are ASIAN shops with clothes for tiny, slim ASIAN people not heffalumps like the average Westerner.

Can you imagine how depressing it is to be in Armani thinking "this may be my only designer outfit ever and nothing fits!". It's pretty bad I can tell you. The first day ended disappointingly with one top. A frilly number which I can't wait to show you just because it looks like nothing you could imagine me wear. I'm still not sure if I like it or not.

The next day was much better and I found a gorgeous, burnt orange embroidered silk shirt with long flowing arms. I love it! Unfortunately no famous designer names here, so I can't show off. My trousers came from Laura Ashley and my shoes from Marks & Spencers. Damm my big feet!

The sandals were very plain but Akiko and I had the idea of flashing them up, which we did by buying glittery butterfly broaches and sticking them on. The shop assistants were all very curious as to what we were doing, but I'd like to say now that if the latest trend is to accessorise your shoes with broaches, AKIKO and I STARTED IT!

It did all feel very Pretty Woman. I was rather underdressed compared to other shoppers, in my jeans and top. Most shop assistants were very friendly and must have guessed that somebody elses wallet was behind my presence. However, some would look me up and down and then completely ignore me.

Despite my self-confidence and belief that it doesn't matter what you wear, I was glad of my outfit at my first formal dinner. It took place at the Hong Kong club, a prestigious, formally male only club designed for the top businessmen, lawyers, judges etc. of Hong Kong society.

The dinner was a racing dinner and included speeches from trainers, jockeys, the race starter to give us an overview of all aspects of horse racing. Horse racing is very popular in Hong Kong and my Dad is part of a syndicate that owns a couple of race horses.

At this older (predominatntly 50+ years) section of HK society, the roles that woman and men play are kept separate and akin to man - power broker/provider and woman - supporter/home maker. The cross-over between the worlds, in public at least, is minimal ie. most women are not expected to make comments on the business scene. For someone like me, I find it blatantly obvious and amusing rather than offensive. It's not like I'm staying in this world.

At the start of dinners, everyone would gravitate into two groups, the women and the men. The woman would talk about their kids and clothes, the men would talk about people they know, work, business. Then you'd gradually mingle the two groups into one before sitting at the table for a four-course dinner.

To set the scene, in the Hong Kong club, there are numerous white-liveried waiters ensuring your champagne glass is always full and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the dark oak walls.

At another dinner, I was complimented a couple of times on my comments on how to give underpriviledged kids a chance in the business world. 50/50 group, I was the only woman to really say anything. A great beliver in womens rights, I recognised the subconcious put down of the compliment. It would never occur to me to compliment another man (or woman) on sensible suggestions. Why should their suggestions be anything other than sensible? To put this into perspective, the 4 key men also involved in the conversation never complimented each other. They would agree or disagree, but not compliment.

Considering my left wing beliefs, I think my Dad would be in for a lot of trouble if I did stay here! However, I recognise that this part of HK is a relic of the colonial age, of a time that is dying out, so from that perspective its been an interesting experience.

Not all of HK society is the same. Jon, my bro who was recently posted out here and loves HK, says that amongst younger people, the attitude is very similar to the UK regarding women and men.

Other events I've been to include a ladies lunch, several dinners at the Hong Kong club/other restaurants and horse-racing. No, I didn't make any money and Dad's horse didn't win either! For the most part, it feels like I've spent the last 2 weeks eating and drinking!

On the less formal side, there have been nights out on the town with my bro and a dinner in a 60's club with a show and dancing. That was good fun. We even found a hip-hop club once, but the dancing standard in HK is very low. I'm presuming this is because many of the clubs are so small and packed that you stand practically shoulder to shoulder with the other "dancers".

I've enjoyed meeting Dads friends and was very surprised at their reception of me. Considering my lifestyle is tantamout to "bum" in HK capitalistic world, I expected disapproval and pressure to change but received acceptance and interest instead. It was a pleasant surprise. Although if any of their kids wanted to become a dive instructor, I think they'd flip!

I've been here just over two weeks and am probably leaving on Saturday for Beijing. It's been wonderful to spend so much time with my Dad, and also my bro. The last time my Dad and brother and I were together in one place was nearly 3 years ago and that had been after a 4 year break.

Apart from that, i've not really been doing anything interesting, just living a "normal" life with dinners at home (akiko is an excellant cook) and TV etc. Looking forward to Star Wars, Episode 3 that comes out on Thursday!! Rock on! Unfortunately I will probably miss the Man U/Arsenal FA Cup final... Don't think they will have it on the train.

Take care all,
lots of love
kx