Saturday, March 11, 2017

Stereotypes

For those who are unaware, Chungking mansions is not a place where locals want to visit. Infamous for being a ghetto right smack in the centre of Hong Kong, Chungking mansions comprises of several apartment buildings to house the hundreds of budget hostels and persons with no official identity.

It was actually my second time entering Chungking mansions; the first visit being to try a restaurant known for authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. We felt so insecure then, with all the all eyes focusing on these 3 lone Asian ladies scuttering along the aisles of the building looking for the restaurant. Thankfully, the local security officer stepped into our way and pointed us to the correct direction in a jiffy.

This time, I came to attend an event organised by my classmate H. Although I had my reservations, I know how much it means to H and her clients for the presence of locals to actually come forward with an open-mind to learn about their cultures. Look at all the yummy food prepared by these ladies! Truly thankful to H for the invitation and it was a great time of fellowship with the ladies and other local guests.

Chungking Mansions is easily accessible by MTR (Tsim Sha Tsui Station) or almost all the buses heading to the Tsim Sha Tsui. The go-to place for money exchange and South Asian food.

Also, get a glimpse into the life of Chungking Mansions by reading my favourite anthropology book:

Ghetto at the Centre of the World: Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong
By Gordon Matthews
University of Chicago Press, 2011