Quit Monkeying Around!

I had no idea that 'Monkeying' was a word.

Today I went out with my cousin as he had to meet several of his business partners from around Hong Kong.

We first went to pick up my aunt to drop her off at the hospital. She is having pain in the abdomen and digestive problems. The doctors are unsure of what exactly is making her ill. They have already once screened her and it appears to be a growth in the GI tract. However, whether it is malignant is simply not clear.

The hospital was quite modern and busy with a steady flow of patients. I joined the norm of the building and donned a surgical mask under the advice of my aunt. I followed the nurse escort with my aunt and cousin towards the GI area in which she was to find her bed. Here I saw patients, some writhing in pain, others simply staring out the window. We checked in with the nurse at the desk and dropped my aunt off at the waiting area for her bed.

My cousin and I had a discussion on the differences between health care in Hong Kong and Canada. I was not surprised to conclude that we are quite fortunate in Canada.

We visited a restaurant for breakfast and I quickly realized that I was in a predicament without pictures and english subtitles. Luckily, I knew a lot of Chinese dishes and menus from eating with my parents in Toronto. I ordered a hearty breakfast consisting of pork chops in noodle, a ham'n'egg sandwich and a cold yeen/yern (half coffee, half tea beverage).

The next set of events was a bit confusing as I do not know the destinations in Hong Kong clearly. I do know that wherever I went, the architecture and landscape constantly impressed me. There are apartments here that would compete with some of our tallest corporate buildings in Toronto. The tallest ones of course would easily dwarf ours in comparison.

Our dim sum lunch was incredible. It was in a restaurant overlooking the ocean. Needless to say, I have not seen such sights. The food was also at rock bottom prices. Four dollars Canadian could buy you a hearty meal.

After my cousin had finally finished his business itinerary for the day, we met with his two friends, who happened to be police officers. We went to New Territories and up a winding road to a mountainous area. Without much warning, my cousin took me hiking through the mountains. Note to self: ALWAYS CARRY BUG REPELLENT. I was very uncomfortable in my street clothes, but I could deal with that.

The hike was absolutely breathtaking. Luscious green mountains, calm pools of water, red sand and MONKEYS! I also saw snakes and cows as well. I had no idea that Hong Kong harbored such an interesting fauna. By the end of the excursion, I had sweat until my clothes were drenched. All my years working out at the university gym could not have prepared me for how difficult the trek actually was. Nevertheless, the sights were worth every drop of sweat.

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