The one thing that intrigues me and yet frustrates me over and over again is the use of umbrellas when the sun is shining and there is not a drop of rain to be felt. The simplicity of the photo below speaks just that.
It was a beautiful day. My parents and I went for lunch in Ap Lei Chau and decided to go for a walk after indulging in cheap seafood goodness. As I walked past this lady, I stopped and just stared (Sorry, that’s probably a bit rude but she couldn’t see me anyway). Of course, my first thought was, this would be an epic instagram shot! Followed by, how is the umbrella so still? It doesn’t look like she’s holding it steady with her hands because her hands are on the book shes reading. How odd. I took the photo, smirked and walked away as if that was not an unusual sight.
Which as a matter of fact, is true. It wasn’t an unusual sight. I’ve grown up in HK and it still blows my mind when I see 50% of the people out on the streets holding an umbrella when the sun is shining. Don’t get me wrong, I get it. I understand they don’t want to get dark and it gives them more of a breeze with the umbrella. But that doesn’t stop me from getting frustrated and angry when I’m trying to walk down the street and these umbrellas are smacking me in the face left and right.
Even if you’ve never been to Hong Kong, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. A lot of Chinese people do the same everywhere they travel. Although I wish it didn’t occur as much as it does, I’m proud of it and merely laugh about it. As long as they don’t get in my way, I’ll be okay.
So the next time you walk down the street on a sunny day with an umbrella, think of me and maybe you’ll close it and embrace the sunshine. You won’t regret it.
Joanne Lam 