The Find:Crazy Ceramic Egg with Divertive Bean
Final price: $10
Where found:Tai Yuen Street Market, Wanchai

As I walked through the Tai Yuen Street Market looking for a bargain, the first thing that caught my eye was an unusually large egg. Although I am not a fan of eggs, especially not ones with crazy eyes, I felt compelled to pick up the heavy object and inspect it. Sensing my curiosity, the shopkeeper informed me that a divertive bean (whatever that is) would grow out of it – I must crack its head open, add water, put it in the sun and then watch the bean grow. Although I am not a keen gardener, the idea of growing a bean from a weird egg in three easy steps seemed appealing. Without a second thought, I made the purchase and excitedly ran off to find a spoon. After a few minutes of intense beating, I cracked open the egg, added water and placed it on the windowsill, my nurturing maternal instincts suddenly running wild. Now all I have to do is sit back and watch my baby grow….

Upon exiting the Shau Kei Wan MTR station and looking about you, you might think that this at times rather careworn portion of Asia’s World City must have seen better days. But when you consider that the northeastern section of Hong Kong Island, whose present name literally translates as either ‘rice basket bay’ or ‘pail bay’, also used to be known, along with Aldrich and Buffalo bays, as Ngor Yan Wan (Harbour of Starving People), you may realize it has been through much worse times. Formerly the traditional haunt of fisher-folk (it is the location of famous Tam Kung and Tin Hau temples as well as the home of a wholesale fish market and typhoon shelter), Shau Kei Wan was plagued by piracy in the 19th century. Then, during World War II, the fort at nearby Lei Yue Mun was overrun by the Japanese military, one of many events you can learn about at the site in the wake of its conversion into the HK Museum of Coastal Defence. And today it also boasts great views that regularly delight photography buffs and others who make a day visit to the area’s attractions.

1.Charles, Media Director
Cherish my friends more and be more grateful to those around me.

2.Gary, Regional Service Manager
Prosper both financially and emotionally.

3.Kevin, Food and Beverage
Live very happily with my lover.

4.Simone, Model
Lead a healthier life.

5.Tamia, Consulate Officer
Have a more sociable year, with more friends coming to visit me in Hong Kong.