Hedonic pleasure in the city

Middle Island, Repulse Bay on Hong Kong Island.

The weather is mild and the invite changed from Causeway Bay to the Middle Island between Deep Water and Repulse Bay. This is on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. A beautiful seaside path leads to the stone jetty where a sampan ferry takes members of the RHKYC across to the club house from where members sail small dinghies, row and receive sail training. It also has a modernist clubhouse with a bar and BBQ terrace. Trays of raw prawns, scallops, steak, sausages, chicken and vegetables are put out for barbequing. Two hefty lads with beers in their hands looked sceptically at the two girls who were circling closer to the fire to do the meat and seafood that required some clever timings from the cooks to be ready at the same time. Well, it was quite delicious, and has broken the silent iron rule that it is 'men's territory'....I got the nod from my better half. This of course means that men will have to help with the prepping in the kitchen beforehand. (Why do I take notice of this outdated behaviour that has transcended time and space?)

Red taxi from Deep Water Bay to Central

If the evening on Middle Island was magical, so was the trip back home in the most elaborate taxi....complete with cut glass vase and frilly pink carnations edged in red and a telly pumping out Canto-pop (remarkably close to French pop ballads).

The hedonic pleasure of views are carefully calculated in Hong Kong. Double aspect views of  the mountain and sea are noted and each vertical floor climb commands a rise in rent or purchase price. Where buildings obstruct the sea, it is termed as an 'open view'. So, the views are assessed on three axes....the proximity of surrounding buildings, the vertical height of the window or balcony view, and the horizontal positioning along the building. My preoccupation with space, location and views in the city is a result of our recent flat-hunting in Hong Kong. Now if London real estate was a humbling exercise, this is a shattering one as the market is inflated, the prices high, and stock at a premium. Unrenovated properties translates into property speak as 'original'. We are putting in an offer on an old (1962) colonial property next to the Bowen contour road - great for walking and running. Now let's see if everything goes according to plan.