Author: Ashley Yao
Origin: http://www.singpao.com/20070709/feature/924173.html
Translated by Daydreamer on July 18, 2007
My friend asks me why I call myself "Ashes". I said it was part of the English name of a movie, the one played by Leslie Cheung called "Ashes of Time". My friends said, "Well, you sure love Hong Kong movies very much!"
Yes, I love Hong Kong, its movies and music; especially, I love the movies and songs of Leslie Cheung. It had been my wish for a long time to go to his concerts. However, before Hong Kong was taken over by China, going to Hong Kong was very not an easy thing to do. It required extremely complicated process and verification. Besides, money was another issue. It was a luxurious idea merely to think of it. In the year 2000, Leslie Cheung held its Passion Tour concerts. My friend in Hong Kong managed to get me some good seats in the 2nd row and how much I wanted to go. However, to do so, I had to submit an application with the signature of five senior officials, join a tour, and then spend RMB1900 to apply for a Hong Kong and Macao re-entry permit. In addition to the air fare to Hong Kong of some RMB5,400 and other expenses, my half year’s salary would be vanished.
Therefore, I told my friend in Hong Kong that I would go a few years' time. With Hong Kong having been taken over, our distance would become closer and closer. Besides, Leslie would definitely hold another concerts again.
Now, Hong Kong is getting closer. This year, after spending RMB100 to apply for a re-entry permit, I went to Hong Kong. There was no need to join a tour. I could get myself an air ticket and easily enter into Hong Kong. I may freely go to places that I want to go: shopping at Causeway Bay, viewing the sceneries of the Victoria Harbour, going to Hunghom Stadium to watch concerts…..
I may also go to the Avenue of Stars and say to the star: Leslie, how are you?
