A
n encounter today made me reflect on the usage of money as a form of exchange. We have been taught either in economics courses or even in basic school education that money is far more superior than barter trade. Modernity that we enjoy today can only be achieved with the convenience, efficiency and power of money creation. Yet, has money reduced human communication and devalued the personal touch and contributions of people?
n encounter today made me reflect on the usage of money as a form of exchange. We have been taught either in economics courses or even in basic school education that money is far more superior than barter trade. Modernity that we enjoy today can only be achieved with the convenience, efficiency and power of money creation. Yet, has money reduced human communication and devalued the personal touch and contributions of people? 
I w
as heading to Chun Yeung street near to Java Street market (closest MTR station is North Point) to get a working trouser cuff sewed. This area has very traditional chinese vendors and stalls. I approached a lady who sits at a booth with a sewing machine to check if she could sew the ends of the pants since the thread came out. She said HKD$20. I said I was quoted by another stall the other d
ay for HKD$10 for 1 cuff. She said alright, she would do it for HKD$10 if it is only 1 cuff. I actually bought too many apples earlier and had a bag of apples with me. So I thought of returning the gesture of giving her the bag of apples since its too many for me anyway. Plus, charging only HKD$10 means she is being kind to charge the local price to me. I said thanks so much, let me treat you to some apples. She said no need. After 5 minutes she completed sewing the cuff of my tro
users so nicely. Then, she said in Cantonese, "wow, are you treating me?". I said, "Yes, but I am going to pay you HKD$10 as well and you can treat your friend". (A friend with a child was standing next to us chatting with her earlier). She suddenly felt so touched by my gesture and probably thought the gesture was timely to offer her friend a gift she did not had the time to buy. She refused my payment and said, "Please keep it for the order next time". I insisted and left half of the money and made a friend.
as heading to Chun Yeung street near to Java Street market (closest MTR station is North Point) to get a working trouser cuff sewed. This area has very traditional chinese vendors and stalls. I approached a lady who sits at a booth with a sewing machine to check if she could sew the ends of the pants since the thread came out. She said HKD$20. I said I was quoted by another stall the other d
ay for HKD$10 for 1 cuff. She said alright, she would do it for HKD$10 if it is only 1 cuff. I actually bought too many apples earlier and had a bag of apples with me. So I thought of returning the gesture of giving her the bag of apples since its too many for me anyway. Plus, charging only HKD$10 means she is being kind to charge the local price to me. I said thanks so much, let me treat you to some apples. She said no need. After 5 minutes she completed sewing the cuff of my tro
users so nicely. Then, she said in Cantonese, "wow, are you treating me?". I said, "Yes, but I am going to pay you HKD$10 as well and you can treat your friend". (A friend with a child was standing next to us chatting with her earlier). She suddenly felt so touched by my gesture and probably thought the gesture was timely to offer her friend a gift she did not had the time to buy. She refused my payment and said, "Please keep it for the order next time". I insisted and left half of the money and made a friend.
It
does seem unnecessary to be getting into conversations when you are paying a paid transaction. At least, the Japanese would prefer to keep a distance as someone is expected to do a job and the price has been named. Its inappropriate to be giving a gift to someone else if you do not know that person, or have spent enough time with the person to understand what type of present is most suitable for the r
ecipient of the present. But, its this distance that is making our society less personal than it should. These then have ill effects to accountability and making decisions to cater for the needs of the people around us. In other words, it renders members of the society to be more selfish and self-sufficient. By simply going an extra mile to get a gift handy always and strike a conversation out of the ordinary, we attempt to make this place a better place. And who knows what you could get in return.
does seem unnecessary to be getting into conversations when you are paying a paid transaction. At least, the Japanese would prefer to keep a distance as someone is expected to do a job and the price has been named. Its inappropriate to be giving a gift to someone else if you do not know that person, or have spent enough time with the person to understand what type of present is most suitable for the r
ecipient of the present. But, its this distance that is making our society less personal than it should. These then have ill effects to accountability and making decisions to cater for the needs of the people around us. In other words, it renders members of the society to be more selfish and self-sufficient. By simply going an extra mile to get a gift handy always and strike a conversation out of the ordinary, we attempt to make this place a better place. And who knows what you could get in return.
D
o you pack extra small gifts in your bag in case there is an occasion for giving? I know a pastor would have balloons ready to make balloon sculpture that could lighten up other peoples' lives. Come to think of it, these are almost cost-free ways to build bridges with others and connect with the society. I can't make a balloon sculpture, but that did not stop me from my nice encounter.
o you pack extra small gifts in your bag in case there is an occasion for giving? I know a pastor would have balloons ready to make balloon sculpture that could lighten up other peoples' lives. Come to think of it, these are almost cost-free ways to build bridges with others and connect with the society. I can't make a balloon sculpture, but that did not stop me from my nice encounter.
(Photos show Nan Lian Garden next to the Diamond Hill station, is one of the best Chinese gardens in Hong Kong built in the classical style of the Tang Dynasty. A gold pagoda is featured almost like the gold pavilion temple of Kyoto, Japan together with many bonsai plants and age old rocks.
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