And just like that...

It's been a muggy, humid day in HK - which seems to be pretty standard for this time of the year, to judge by my experience.  The sun's been out but low, slate-gray clouds are ever present and a typhoon is on the way, due to arrive tomorrow (although that may change - the weather can be capricious). The humidity settles on everything like a warm, damp blanket, soaking everyone in a slight sheen of sweat.  If I'm charitable, I'd say some people glow - others just drip.

I ventured into Central to meet S for lunch, in a tiny little place in a back street which served delicious Japanese food.  I'm not sure what the dish was called, but the pork, egg and rice concoction that I had was fantastic - exactly the kind of meal that I wouldn't have had, if I hadn't have been with my very own local guide.  I should have taken pictures, really - I will if (when) I go back - but I was too busy enjoying the meal and catching up on the gossip with S.

From there, I dodged the rain showers and headed back to Central MTR station and headed north, across the harbour and up to Lai Chi Kok (no sniggering at the back).  A short (but frustrating - quick tip to everyone else in HK: why not put your phone away and look where the hell you're going? Just a thought.) walk took me to an anonymous government building.  Three escalators led me into a packed room, full of noise and people.  I handed a piece of paper to a wiry old woman behind a glass screen: she took my thumbprints, scribbled on the piece of paper and handed me a small piece of plastic.

And just like that, on just another ordinary day, with no fanfare or ceremony, nothing to mark the moment in anyway, I received my ID card and became a "proper" citizen of Hong Kong.