YPHH Extra - Stories
The subjects of YPHH Stories vary from lifestyle, cuisine, travel, fashion to funny stories about life in China, etc.During the past months we have published stories by our devoted writer Frederick Malouf. Frederick however has left China to return to his masters: the Sun and the Ocean.
If there are people who like to see their stories published, please contact us!
My Return to Freedom
It has been along time in coming, but it has to happen. I bask in candlelight at a humble hostel on Gulang Yu, Xiamen, that reminisces of Mediterranean simplicity. It is fitting that this story is written in such a place.
No more celebration of black automobiles. No more expounding of the virtues of a flavoursome dish at an extraordinary price. No more web blocks to disuade me from the temptations of knowledge. No more compromise of civility unless there is something in it for everyone.
The paradigm shift is over. I am going home.
My last 2 months has seen sojourns through Hangzhou, Shanghai (at last), and Xiamen. There is much more to see, but the gentleness of being still amidst a cacophony of movement is a rarity to forego. The journey has afforded me the joys of seeing Chinese people surprisingly happy in their environment, of being, making, a part of a city's identity, and that this does not come with a compromise to achieving quality. If only the rest of the country could see that and take it with them.
There are a few people that I can never forget, where place in the heart is not dependent on place of abode. That this story is published uncut acknowledges one of these people: Many thanks, Piet, for allowing me the opportunity to publish my stories through you. There is also Robin at Souk, the one restaurant like no other in style or food where the art of relaxation is not lost. And to forget Li Chen at Le Palais, who compliments her sweet creations with coffee of no less quality than in Europe, would be a travesty.
All experiences leave a part of one's heart behind, and in China, it resides in one woman who will never be less than my angel, who endures the devil I give her still, my leaving being her last challenge. I love you, Liu Di. My Addy :) Your integrity, beauty, and mind, are to respect and honour. Your face is everything. You are like no one else on Earth.
I have to go and return to my masters. The Sun. The Ocean. It can be anywhere in the world, but now I will never leave it.
Meet me there.
