The Middle is a position somewhere in between physical reality and the world of ideas. It is also a dwelling space somewhere in between the personal and the political. But most importantly, it is a very concrete place in geographical terms. The Middle Kingdom, China - known for being the greatest dictatorship in the world - is the main topic of discussion in this forum. Ironically, if published in the Middle Kingdom, this blog would most likely have been forbidden.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Leaving Poplar Street


The day has come for me to wrap up, reach a conclusion, pack my bags and head on. Summarizing two months in Hong Kong is not easy, so I will not even try. Physically leaving Hong Kong for now does not mean that the city is no longer a part of my life - the politics of HK will be a continuous theme here on my blog.

Generally, I am not a list person. Well, actually, in real life, I am a whole-hearted list person - but what I am trying to say is that my thoughts usually do not appear in structured form. Perhaps that is exactly why making lists does me good. Anyhow, I compiled a list of Hong Kong spots that make we want to come back to the city - for one reason or the other.

10. The Legislative Council building. To discover that all seats are popularly elected 6 years from now.


















9. Ka On Building, Flat 7 B, Poplar Street. The ultimate Hong Kong flat experience. And the ultimate flat mates Marcos & Lucrecia. Thanks for teaching me what maté is all about...
















8. The Peak. To discover that the air has cleared (www.cleartheair.org.hk) and that you can actually see Kowloon.

7. The MTR. I have always been a fan of public transportation. The HK MTR makes me go wild!

6. Kowloon City. For the best Thai food I have ever had. Sorry, Bangkok!





















5. Civic Exchange, the think tank where I did my internship. Most places I have visited as an intern/worked at have made me think: "Never again!" With Civic Exchange, it was the opposite.


















4. Hong Kong Film Archive. I discovered it only a week ago, watching a HK classic Nong Kgee movie. It definitely made me want to see more!


3. Hing Fat restaurant, Tai Po Road. For the best Saturday brunch deal in Prince Edward. And the best egg tarts in town.





















2.Tamar Site. To discover that the HK government has listened to public opinion and used the spot for a good cause - which does not necessarily mean building government offices.

1. A random alley. To be surprised by something new...

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Back in the Middle













































































For everyone who has been wondering - no, I have not contracted the bird flu. Nor have I escaped city life for the Yunnanese forests, choosing to devote my life to rural pleasures. Marlene is back in the Middle, back on track, awake and alert and ready as always to provide the latest reflections on China, Hong Kong, personal and political matters - you will find it all here.

Today, however, you will have to settle with a few snapshots to cover the events of the past few weeks. Zai jian!