Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 2020complete | Page 466

The Greater Bay
Shanghai Singapore International School, New, Zhi Wei - 14
Dearest Mother,
I miss home. I miss you. I miss the vast enchanting mountain ranges which subdue into wheat fields, the
feeling of refreshing heat and cooling rain nourishing me in the summer. I miss the rants little Xiao Qi goes on,
the bad jokes of big brother Tong An and father’s bad whistling. I miss the nights we spent together as family
under the mysterious dark night of Guang Xi in our small little house. I miss everything, however I say this with
sorrow but not regret, for everyday here is an opportunity I cannot waste. You were right, this is one of the most
intriguing and bizarre countries in the world.
After the contract of 2027, the region of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau of the greater bay area
finally came to terms, focused on the future prospects and formed the independent country of the United Greater
Bay. This led to immense changes to the cities around. Leading to massive boost in trading and economic
growth, tech development and tourism. All of this combined created one of the world’s wealthiest and most
active metropolis. After receiving my scholarship to the university of Hong Kong, I was overjoyed. On the other
hand, I knew nothing of this and would never imagine the things I have seen in the past few weeks. Therefore,
allow me to show you a summary of my life in this marvelous country.
Sipping my morning coffee, I lie against the rails of my apartment terrace as the streets prepare for
another hectic day. I watch as the vapor from the cup elegantly rises up, disappearing into the dim blue sky. The
blue slowly dissolves against the radiating red coming from the east, the sign of morning. From here my body
moves by itself according to my daily routine. Still half-asleep, I wash my face and grab my bag. Locking the
door behind me I stuffed my cheap fake air-pods into my ear canal and pressed shuffle. The city buzzed with the
busy sounds of buses, Bentleys and bicycles. Grabbing my milk tea and bread from the bakery around the back of
the block, I head to school on my mundane bike. Riding into town is one of the most unique experiences I get
to enjoy every day. From the streets you can tell of the improvements of infrastructure the city has made due to
the high- tech facilities, and you can also see that a diversity of cultures that has been infused into it due to the
increase of international trade and businesses. Although somehow, it still maintains the ambience of that signature
Hong Kong vibe that just makes you smile and want to shop to your hearts content. Arriving at HKU, I head for
class. School has not been a breeze, but I love it. Technology programming and development has always been a
passion of mine and with the resources that were never available in our home town I feel like that interest will
only grow stronger. Not to mention the city of Shenzhen which has been a hub for technological innovation is
extremely close by and convenient. The people here are very nice too, they come from all backgrounds from all
over the world. However, the language barrier for me has been difficult since everything is based in English,
nevertheless I have a safe group of friends who I trust and hang out with, life can be lonely without people you
don’t care about. Speaking about that, this is kind of embarrassing but I met a girl, her name is Talia and she is
from Australia. She is studies neurology, graduated as an honor student from her high school and has a wealthy
background I really hope one day you guys can meet her but for now I can only send postcards and pictures.
Most of the time my lunch will be at the school’s cafeteria, but for dinner we are allowed to go out for
the food and dishes. As you know Hong Kong is the birth of many famous and well-known dishes and items.
For example, I will never forget when I went out for Yum cha (eating dim sum) with some classmates. The smell
was intoxicating and made my stomach growl in desire, then came the explosion of sweet and savory flavors
which completely satisfices my entire mouth. It doesn’t even stop there, there are also amazing pastries and
breads which are best eating when one is leisurely walking through town. First, the thin crispy texture of the
outer crust, then the piquant meat which just melts in your mouth. It is a delicious surprise every time. I will try
to bring as much back with on my next visit to share with everyone. Another notable and impressive feat of this
bay area is the transportation and efficiency of movement between cities and regions. Everywhere there are
metros which have get from one side of the city to another in mere seconds. Also there are roads and bridges to
connect each land mass with multiple trade ports with each of them. This especially helpful when I’m on break
and get to easily have a quick getaway to Macau, one of the world’s best area for entertainment. Then I can just
go to Zhuhai across the Zhuhai-Macau bridge and attend some of the best and biggest festivals and events. In
other cases, I can even travel to Shenzhen to check out the newest products and ideas that are coming into the
market, along with trying to attain some of them, but they cost a hefty buck or two.