Behold the frozen wastes of Hong Kong ! The terrible barren tundra in the depths of winter!
I've told you all on here about the
perils of the Black Rain warning, and the scourge of the hoisting of the
Typhoon 8. But now, we are undergoing another kind of weather event, even more
terrible than those unforgiving foes.
THE COLD WEATHER WARNING!
Yes, that's right. Hong Kong has
another set of protocols for when it gets cold. Care to guess how cold?
15 degrees.
In the UK, at certain times of year,
this would pass as balmy. You would consider getting away with donning just a t-shirt.
And so, it's very odd to watch what has happened here this week since the
warning has been in force. To be fair, before I gently mock, it is genuinely a
bit of a shock compared to how warm it usually is. I have had to resort to
jumpers for the first time. And running in it isn't hugely pleasant. Nevertheless...
The Government issues a barrage of
guidance that is played over and over on TV, radio, the newspapers and in
lifts. Its strictures are pretty funny as a European, where we are used to
spending months without it topping 15 degrees and not turning a hair.
Wear appropriate clothing at all
times!
Don't go out unless you must!
Don't expose yourself to wintry winds
for too long!
Check on elderly neighbours [NB, a
nice thought, but can anyone really freeze at 15 degrees?]!
Don't light fires indoors to stay
warm!
If it gets very bad the Government
will open temporary shelters!
Wow. And people have taken it to
heart. Staff in my office have started coming in with 4 layers on (shirt,
jumper, jacket, huge thick coat), gloves and hats. The most common Canto phrase
I keep hearing over and over is 'Ho dong, ah!' (It's very cold!). I have heard
no fewer than 3 separate people on public transport shivering
out loud. As in, audibly making
'Brrr' noises with cartoonish chattering teeth. When I waited at the bus stop
this morning in just a shirt, I was asked by strangers if I was not very cold.
Meanwhile, any staff - like those in the hotel opposite - who work outdoors are togged up like they are about to launch a guerrilla campaign in the depths of a Russian winter - big liveried hats, thick gloves and heavy coats that reach their ankles.
Utterly bizarre to behold. But hey,
I'm not complaining. For the first time since we got here, I can stride about
wherever and whenever I like without immediately dissolving into a sweaty
mess...
No comments:
Post a Comment