Chapter Select
Follow Me:
Notes on Ch.1
(presented by Mimi)
Hello, I’m Mimi and your guide to some of the more local aspects of Hong Kong culture that are (or not really) central to Cathy’s story. Let’s get started!
1. The subway system: Known to the locals as MTR (Mass Transit Railway), it runs through most of the districts in Hong Kong. Its trains and stations are relatively clean compared to many subways of the world, at least I’d like to think so!
2. The school we go to, St.Enda Girls’ College, is heavily inspired by the real-life counterparts Ying Wa Girls’ School and St. Stephen’s Girls’ College in Hong Kong. Traditional blue “qipao” uniforms are worn (depending on the school’s summer/winter dress code). We’re supposed to tie our hair up above our shoulders too. (Jennifer doesn’t do it here, but it’s summer! Give her a break!) Both unisex secondary schools (middle plus high school) are situated halfway up the mountains, overlooking parts of our city.
3. Summer “catch-up” classes and Public Exams: To get into our desired university, we have to pass two public exams: one in the latter half of Form 5 (Grade 11) and another in Form 7 (Grade 13). Given the volume of material we need to study for, extra classes in the summer were not uncommon. Since 2012, the two exams have been combined into one that is to be taken in Form 6 (Grade 12), and Form 7 no longer exists in favour of one more year of university. Cathy’s story takes place in 2011 though.
4. Japanese light novels: Japanese pop culture plays a large role in our lives! A lot of us grew up with the cartoons, dramas, films, and literature too. I just don’t get why Japanese light novels have the longest and most whimsical names.
5. Wait, I still haven’t talked about fish balls! We love our street snacks (at least I do!), fish balls is just the perfect comfort food when dipped in curry or plain old soy sauce.
6. Boxed soy milk drinks??? Cathy loves it.
I guess that’s all for this chapter! That was fun, let’s do it again for the next one.