Lost in Sheung Wan. 4th time.

This morning, in order to save some time, I caught the wrong bus (4 not 4X is the correct one) and ended up in Sheung Wan. De ja vu? However, this proved all for the best.

Being me, I decided that the food must be better here, and that since I was there already, I should go get some breakfast. This thinking resulted in a 20min walk around the place, where I managed to get to the bus stop, and lo and behold, an elusive "zhou" (congee) place right opposite.

This walk has really given me a feel for Hong Kong. All the bird's nest sellers, the old vendors in there stores, the dried sea goods. . . This is what HK used to be like. And I suppose, is traditionally like. At first, I had thought the area was seedy and scary. No more. It is simply more of Asia.

While at this zhou place, I had a slight epiphany. The couple we met yesterday, the M & A banker and Bain consultant, grads of Harvard and UPenn respectively, they were missing something. A connection to the culture of this place. As I sat there and thought of our brunch, I wondered if they ever came to these places. Then, I realised that they probably couldn't read the menus. Of course, I could be wrong, but even if they could, I doubt they would go. It just felt so at home. The old people coming in to get takeout for their spouse or family, along with groceries for the day, the working people getting breakfast. I really felt that this is what HK life REALLY is. This is how the plebians live. It was the first time I had ever been out to a built up area that early.

Then, I thought about taking a gap year. I think I will do it. One day, I will be in a situation like the M & A banker and his girlfriend, and I don't want to feel empty like that. They didn't like the mainland because it was the "wild west" and that western companies weren't really investing a lot of their time on it. So what? Isn't that the exciting part? If you found the right niche, the right loophole, then you could make (and then lose no doubt) a FORTUNE. It's like the tycoons of old. There is a chance a new Standard Oil or General Electric will form right before our eyes. Isn't that amazing?

They also hated Beijing due to it's lack of "efficiency" in street signs. But isn't it cool? Beijing is a vast, sprawling, beaureaucratic, slow moving city. I think that may be good for policy-making. A huge behemouth with vast power and streets that aren't meant to be easily navigated by outsiders. It's pretty descriptive of the feel of the city itself don't you think? And don't they feel the charm of the Beijing alleys? I suppose it's very frustrating for a visitor. Which is why it is good to get your friend to meet you at a subway station or something and lead you to their house. Actually, that is a good idea in all of china. I doubt I will be able to find a place from the address if i haven't been there before.

Also, they have so much at such a young age with . . . small amount of effort. Comparatively. I wanna see how the other half lives, also confirm or reject the theories I have about life with empirical evidence. So, I shall start researching NGOs and the like. Preferably some kind of financial or economic consulting company preparing developmental reports on third world countries, or microfinance companies. Most importantly, one that PAYS ME. Not the other way around. Plus, how awesome would that look on a CV? Might even get straight into asset management. Ok, pipe dream, but higher probability of getting in than if i didn't do a gap year correct?