There were two locals in particular that we met who left us with deep impressions . The first was a young lady at the buffet section in our hotel . She could not communicate in English well , but her smile full of sunshine grew wider whenever I made the effort to try to communicate with her every morning . Some local traditions were served , like plates of mango sticky rice which combined both a salty blue rice , and a white rice that was sweetened with coconut milk . Because my grandmothers didn ’ t particular care for it , and they only ate steamed rice with Choy Sum . Of course , it was no place for Chinese cuisine in this city of spices . I couldn ’ t help but to capture a fun sighing expression of Linda , looking away from her rice with chicken .
However , there was one street stall that caught Grannie Linda ’ s attention . This is where we met the other local who we grew particularly fond of . It was a man selling dried smoked octopus in the middle of China Town ! How could we resist ?
“ Oh I remember this place !” she exclaimed . “ This was where grandpa once bought me a packet to eat on our way home !” The man in the stall full of octopus was astonished , too
– to see a woman with such eagerness , and with such a sharp memory . Because of her passion , he handed us two pieces of dried octopus . She recounted how strongly she could remember the scent , just as if it were the day when my late grandfather bought it for her . “ We got so lost that day . And still , I ’ m able to remember this scent .”
One day , I hope to return , and to recall some of the same wonderful memories like my grannies are able to do , even to this day .
Chicco Leung is a final year BEd student at EdUHK . Travelling and writing are two of her favorite interests . Writing has helped her with calming her nerves , and she also enjoys relaxing and reading to pass the time . While at EdUHK , she was an exchange student in Czech Republic and England . She ultimately enjoys facing new challenges , as each success and failure elicit learning .
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