bibsey mama On February - 22 - 2012

The travel desk over at SAHDANDPROUD is rewriting the map of the world 80 words at a time and here’s how. In my usual dithery, too-many-places-and-enough-time, style I have procrastinated far too long about my entry.

And so now, in 80 words, for those are the rules, I shall attempt to transport you to Lamma Island, Hong Kong circa 1997…

Lamma Island: The scene of our last goddamn crime Thelma

Dubious jewel of the South China Sea. Land of the typhoon party and scene of the most wantonly misspent part of my youth. Home of Club Dreams, the thinking wastrel’s after-party of choice. Accessible by sampan, ferry or heli depending on time of day and state of health. Overlooked by power station chimneys and short-changed by the iron fist of grocer Granny Chan. Birthplace of enduring and treasured friendships and opening chapter of my own and many a love story.

The Felix Bar, Peninsula, Hong Kong Christmas 1996

Apologies for the fact that this is a very personal and indulgent memoir and also for the fact that it will in no way help you decide where to eat or stay while in HK. You see, that was then and I have no idea about now. Going back now would just about break my heart with fond memories.

Fancy another trip in 80 words or taking part in the travel writing revolution? Get yourself over to SAHDANDPROUD today.

 

  • Odettelister

    Ah such memories. … my heart goes out. xx

  • Middle-Aged Matron

    You did that beautifuuly. Not sure those chimneys lure me though!

  • http://www.bibsey.co.uk Bibsey Mama

    Darling Tequila Grapefruit, I thought that I could lure you onto my blog with talk of Club Dreams. When will you be opening your doors again?

  • http://www.bibsey.co.uk Bibsey Mama

    Thanks. You do get used the the chimneys after a while. At least we always know we were getting off on the right island. And we needed all the help that we could get…

  • Odettelister

    doors always open to you sweetie. xxx

  • flippertie

    Granny Chan? Legendary!  She’s still alive and kicking in a home in Aberdeen. Aged 92 at the last count.

  • http://www.bibsey.co.uk Bibsey Mama

    Hello. Wow, another Lammaite. I used to live around the corner from Granny Chan’s shop… she was my last port of call on the way home the morning after… 

  • flippertie

    I still live behind granny’s and the tennis court. Still Lamma, – a bit more noisy and built up than in the 90′s but still quieter than HK proper.

  • SAHDandproud

    Personal is good innit. A fantastic entry. And if you want to do any more then please do!

  • http://www.bibsey.co.uk Bibsey Mama

    I took ages to getting around to writing this – that whole ‘I didn’t have time to write you a short letter so I wrote you a long one’ thing – but I really enjoyed it. I have a story about a dingo and a Blundstone that demands an airing…

Rss Feed Tweeter button Facebook button