Little things that make the world go round

A sunny, early evening in London after the first day of the Courtauld's Intersections: Architecture and Poetry conference brought welcome, fresh air after stuffy lecture theatre sessions. They operate the air conditioning till the speakers start and then have to put it off as it is too noisy! Can some philanthropist help this worthy institution out of their misery? We were all wilting from a lack of fresh air and the heat. However, there was an interesting talk by Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu who explained their design solutions drawing from natural geometries that kept some of us awake.

Outside, it was a glorious summer's day and people were running and splashing in the courtyard fountains surrounded by bronze Chinese zodiac animals. Liquids of another kind were flowing on the terrace overlooking the Thames. There was a very noisy tent from where drinks were served, but sensibly, the eastern side of the terrace was left open. A young Chinese girl sat at a table with four chairs - it was very busy and full - and I asked if we could share the table. She was very emphatic about not sharing, as she was waiting for her date! Amused, we managed to scrounge chairs from elsewhere. Nothing like sharing a drink in good company in beautiful surroundings. This little urban encounter made for a pleasant day.


Other little things that I picked up in London that give pleasure in China are blonde hair elastics that cannot be bought there for love or money and a naff-looking, curious silk powder foot spray that eliminates the need for those dreadful, nude, creeping liners in summer shoes. And another thing, back in Hong Kong, I am so grateful to block out the never-ending, reflecting, flashing lights of IM Pei's Bank of China Tower at night, not with an eye guard, but by drawing curtains.