Short Stories
Written by Monique Lai
These stories were written to accompany video renderings for Eureka Architects ‘reimagining’ of Hong Kong. They are stunning backdrops that are so spectacular I do hope Hong Kong will build.
Humans need quiet moments of joy, tranquility, and inspiration during their day. Architecture has that special antidote to reinvigorate our passions. The best intention is to stimulate, boost, and energise the people, giving them that sense of a ‘feel good’ factor.
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“Solace: New Moon” / Sham Shui Po
It’s almost time ! In 8 hrs when the clock strikes midnight I will be turning 16 !
Wonder what cake my mom will choose this year. Traditionally we eat my favorite “bak chut haa” (boil and peel shrimp) at home. I love peeling the shells; my brother not so much. Anyway it is my day ! But this year he may be happy, I asked my parents if we could try the new fancy café nearby. There’s a salmon dish I spotted in the window and it looked delish. My dad wanted none of that but Po-po who lives with us, says she will try to push him.
She shares tales of when she was younger living in Sham Shui Po. Back in the day, the streets were filled with lots of people and foreigners would visit to shop and hunt for bargains and fun treasures. Vendors would use a big calculator to say their price, some even learned to speak French back then !
It is now year 2100, and my wish this year is to find solace and time to daydream. Maybe I will pick up the flute again and play in the park, or just find a good book to read. Something new, something fun — that is my birthday wish. Whatever this year brings, I want Po-po to keep telling me stories her grandma shared with her.
Whenever we celebrate a birthday, Po-po buys a dozen egg tarts from her favorite bakery she has been going to ever since she was a child.
They say the recipe has not changed in 100 years ! Hope it never will ...