Appreciating the little things in China

"Let's just walk."

Hong Kong is still one of the most vibrantly developed city of Asia.

But blue sunny skies and white clouds...is really that simple and nice.

A reminiscent moment...

Since mom's back in HK, I'm temporarily living and working as a "single" again. From taking out the trash, to cleaning the apartment, and taking Lyka out for her walks...it's been a lot of little daily tasks added on the platter. Not that I'm complaining, in fact it's been one of the best "breaks" in awhile. Walking Lyka at night, taking her off the leash and just strolling my street down...it's really peaceful. It's a moment of just me and Lyka, her doing her thing, peeing at every little corner (i think she's possessive and stubborn...she just HAS to make her mark on every other tree and corner...as if to let u know "HEY IVE BEEN HERE" *snickers*); and for me, a simple quiet moment to sort out my thoughts and just enjoy the moment, of walking.

Sometimes, Shanghai is quite the hustle and bustle city...so many changes happening by the day, it's somewhat subtle and yet fast paced. One day, a restaurant opens; the next day, a new club opening. One weekend, friends are in town visiting, another weekend with clients. This is a city that doesn't stop. And it's this energy, this vibe, this change...that has made me love (and hate) this city, at different moments.

But I'll admit to this. Living in an environment like this, can blur one's vision. It can be exhausting. And soul-draining. One's vision of what's real, what's genuine, and what really matters...can be easily distorted. A well-decored shop, selling no-brand designer-ish clothes at ￥1000+ a piece; could be the hottest spot in town this month...and 3 months later, it's gone. A new restaurant with top quality food and decor, only to be filled with lazy staff, slow orders, distasteful food...within a span of half a year. An ambitious entrepreneur new in Shanghai, excited and passionate and hopeful (i.e.: innocent, naive), only to have met the wrong people or because of the lack of China-experience...ends up losing all initial investments/savings. Everything that once felt permanent, ends up temporary.

On the other hand, these temporary moments of "high"...like, an invitation-only event launch, concert, restaurant opening, artist press conference, fashion show...how real/accessible is it in Shanghai vs. let's say Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris? And we're spoiled with all this, because of what we do (or who we know) and also the fact that living in Shanghai seems to have granted us with easy easier access, of it all. My question however is, when does it hit one person...to understand and realize, there's also much more to appreciate, than all of the above?

What happened to good friends? Girlfriends who you can call in the middle of the night, crying or drunk or laughing our asses off...and simply knowing she'll pick up and there when you need it? What about an invitation to a heartful home-cooked meal, to simply indulge in the food and company? What about the men (or women) who is mature enough to understand...there is no perfect partner out there? What about working together as a team, with a united goal to achieve, and help each other out through our strengths and weaknesses?

Or the random acts of kindness, that happens (yes scaryJ, it DOES happen OK?) when...your neighbors hold the elevator, waiting for you to come in? Or the security guard who asks if it's okay to come inside to your apartment, coz something from above seems to have fallen down, but they're not sure which floor and are worried it might cause an accident? Or your coworker who will work/stay/spend over-time with you, not because she hasn't finished her work, but she's offering her help to translate or keep you company? Or someone finding/returning a phone you've previously lost, from a crazy night out?*

Excuse the sentimental post today, but I still stubbornly strongly believe that...one person's attitude, defines it all. And learning to seek and appreciate the little things in life...has been the most humbling, appreciative, and heartfelt experience in China.  

"It's not how bad this world is...it's what good you try to make outta it."

*100 % misspicy experiences in China...good things do happen!!