Shop Log: Let's Not Talk About Food Now

Shop's Log.  Halifax NS.  April 21st, Easter Monday, 15:23.  Weather: Sunny, 10℃.

In the course of my conversation with a customer, I found out that he originally had come from Hong Kong.  I lived in Hong Kong for 3 years and have fond memories of the place...notably all the eating establishments.  

Hong Kong is a place for a gourmand.  Cram in multitudes of restaurants into a highly competitive market and you end up with very good food indeed.  So, naturally I spoke about food...Chinese food in particular.  I said I missed the restaurants in Hong Kong and my mind began reminiscing...from yam-cha to congee, from Fook Lam Moon to that little hole-in-the-wall in Central that served super delicious beef brisket curry. 

So, I assumed that he must be missing really good Chinese food too.  Compared to Hong Kong, there's not too many choices in Halifax.  I asked him what he thought and it surprised me that his reply was politely evasive. He said that Halifax has its good points too...closeness to nature, abundance of space, etc. He mentioned he liked playing tennis...and our conversation then moved on to other topics.

As he was about to leave, we exchanged business cards.  His card said "Manager", So-and-So Chinese Restaurant...right here in Halifax.  Somebody take my foot out of my mouth now, please!

Transformation Complete

So there it is...my very own Canadian passport.

I waited two hours at the Passport Canada office just to hand in my application.  Many people were complaining.  I didn't. Not even after I had to make a mad dash to my car to add more coins to the parking meter.  Call me crazy but I would've waited longer for this privilege.  Sitting in the waiting area, I was an "insider" now.  No foreigner could get to see the inside of a Passport Canada office.  Heady feeling! :-)

I'd like to thank my friends who readily became my guarantor and references. I don't take the gesture for granted.  I am glad I have earned your trust.