I DON’T know why the caged bird sings

 I’ve not read Maya Angelou’s book but intend to do so one of these days. The title of the novel I know why the caged bird sings very literally came to mind when we were walking through the Bird Market this weekend. Songbirds are bought and sold here and it’s also a tourist attraction, as well as a place for bird enthusiasts to gather and do whatever it is that bird fanciers do. The birdsongs were lovely, and their proud owners had all manner of special feeding bowls and cages for them. But I found the lowly sparrows, the happiest of the birds in that market because they were the only ones that were free. 

The Flower Market was a much sunnier place –colorful, full of variety and texture to delight the senses. Also the Ladies Market, where you can pick up a pair of cotton pajamas for U.S. $4.00! and I did. Many locals shop at these themed markets. Entire streets are devoted to selling specific kinds of goods-like computer products, curtains, sports shoes, toys, wedding gowns etc. etc. So for instance if you were looking for kitchen utensils you would go to Shanghai St. in the Mongkok area, which is reputed to be one of the most densely populated places in the world. Our worst experience was in the Golden Computer Arcade –a real death trap if a fire ever broke out there. 

The street shops are a sharp contrast to the many, many, upscale malls that sell only luxury brands. I have never seen so many designer bag shops as I have in this city – Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Fendi, Coach, etc. etc. Hordes of shoppers from China descend into Hong Kong daily to buy these luxury brands and they come ready with large suitcases to carry their precious purchases home. There are even special outlets near the airport where mainlanders can fly in, shop and then leave all in one day. The appetite for luxury goods is voracious. It would be nice to see more American-made brands and goods here but the fact is the U.S. has a trade surplus with Hong Kong. 

Bob says that he experienced something like this while growing up in a Jewish neighborhood in Queens. Many members of his parent’s generation were newly affluent like the mainland Chinese visitors to Hong Kong and had a great desire for the material benefits as well as for the symbols of success. Of course, no one is like that anymore in America (!)  

I should also mention that there are various department stores, probably thousands of boutiques, night markets and even shops in tiny lanes and alleys, where one person can barely pass through. Enough of these market observations!  I find Wordsworth’s lines “in buying and selling we lay waste our powers” very centering in these materialistic times. 

Stay well and stay warm. 

Naseem and Bob