Every year I must stop by Hong Kong to maintain my residency. I am here again, until next week, trying to pack in as much as possible. It is always so comfortable to be here, since I spent so many years living in Tsim Sha Tsui. I try to see as many friends as possible but find I can’t fit in everybody I know. But it’s a good place to remember many things! I went to a little lane where they sell little things like light bulbs, drinks, and other small shops squeezed between the tall buildings. I always go to one shop off of Cameron Road where I used to buy ice tea and other drinks for the refrigerator. Even though I left about 15 years ago, I have made it a practice to see this old couple who had a shop in the lane. They are somewhere in their 70’s or 80’s now, but it was always a warm feeling to share smiles and stories I would tell them about my life in Beijing. And they would always insist on giving me an ice tea. But I went there yesterday and they and their little shop were gone. I have known them for decades, and I am just hoping they are in peaceful retirement and happy. But my heart was saddened that these old friends, whom I always stop by to see every year, were not there. I have a few days left here and I have more to do. I did NOT come here to shop! I am a man, and shopping is not a pleasure, ever, for me! I came to reconnect with the Hong Kong I knew, and is still a part of me!