Back at home in the states I usually bring my lunch to work and eat at my desk. Here in HK the lunch hour is something very special and it seems that everyone heads out to a restaurant of some type. At exactly 12:30 – not 11: 45, or 12 or 1 – everyone seems to head for the exits producing long waits and queues at elevators and restaurants. People take an hour and a half to two hours. So far I have been involved in this ritual as part of the introduction and welcome process. In a couple weeks, when I am ten pounds heavier, I will have to devise some strategy to make myself scarce and unavailable. But then I may be stigmatized or, better yet, written off as a quirky Westerner.
Apparently this social habit is under threat from the forces of global capital competition.
Yeah, wouldn't want them to think of you as some quirky Westerner. Keep the truth hidden. Well hidden.
ReplyDeleteAmericans seem to have a singular affection for the solitary lunch eaten at the desk. This is troubling socially as well as nutritionally. It also leads to dirty keyboards.
ReplyDelete