第3章 Preface by Professor Wong Yin-lee

Christine, originating from France, is the wife of Professor Cheung Yan-leung. In 1986, she came to Hong Kong and has been residing here for 30 years since then. Not only can she speak fluent Cantonese and Putonghua, but she has also been learning Chinese writings for many years. She has worked for various organizations, devoted herself to volunteer work, and mingled with people from different walks of life. She made efforts to harmonise with the Chinese city which she calls home.

Though not an old acquaintance of hers, I, when reading her words which are written in a sincere and tender style, feel like her old buddy, one that echoes with her curiosity and enthusiasm about this unfamiliar city. I could imagine how difficult it was for an expatriate woman to blend into the exotic Chinese culture, even with the support from her husband and family members. As soon as Christine set foot on this city, she had decided not to confine herself to a small social circle. She has worked for a jewellery manufacturer, being the only foreigner in the company. Another interesting thing is that she enjoys hanging around in the wet market, an eyesore for many modern housewives, but for her a wonderland.

Her short stories describe her everyday life with a touch of nostalgia. Daily life is indeed the most practical and thorough way to integrate into the local community. Facing a brand new living style, she keeps an open mind to explore all the novelties that are brought by the cultural differences. She learnt folk customs such as temple worship and postnatal recovery food. With a distinctive perspective, she has discovered unusual facets of the city.

The warmth of her Hong Kong story probably comes from her acute sense as a woman–tender yet powerful like water, slowly seeping through the soil and eventually nurturing the land. For years she has been serving the community through volunteer work. By helping others, she brings hope to the lives of the underprivileged and also happiness to herself, which is her most satisfying reward.

Christine has been living in Hong Kong for almost 30 years, during which the city itself has passed several milestones in its development, including various hurdles and the return of sovereignty to China. Being not only a French expatriate but also a local for 30 years, she observes and feels. She reminds us that there are a lot of fine people and happy things around us in this city.

I am glad to write the preface for her new book. When turning the pages, I feel as if I am listening to the bosom talk of a newly-met old friend. At the end, she mentioned that if the communication network 30 years ago had been as advanced and convenient as it is today, perhaps she would not have felt the cultural differences and that she would not have had the motivation to learn Cantonese and discover the Chinese culture. Looking back, we understand that hardship can sometimes be initiatives in disguise. Let us look forward to Hong Kong moving on to greener pastures.

Wong Yin-lee

Honorary President,

Modern Chinese History Society of Hong Kong

Editorial Committee Member, Hong Kong Writers