Whisky is no more and those egg tarts are out of bounds
What is the link between whisky, untouched egg tarts and sharks in Government House's swimming pool? The answer could only be Chris Patten.
Returning to the city for a second time in nine months to promote his book Not Quite the Diplomat, Hong Kong's last governor was neither drunk, too full nor suddenly afraid of water when he started his first day of book signing among crowds of fans.
Despite the smiles, Lord Patten did come bearing sad news about a recent death in the family: Whisky, beloved cousin to his late Norfolk terrier Soda, has died.
'Whisky died three months ago. He was a lovely little chap, very spunky, fightsy and brave. Being 141/2 years old, he lived to a good age.' Soda, who became a media celebrity after going missing in 1992 but was later found after frantic searches, died in 2001.
Whisky survived a run-in with the Bowen Road dog poisoner four months before the handover, after the dog ate some poisoned chicken, and was close to death when a vet injected an antidote with minutes to spare.
Lord Patten had more sad news for Hongkongers who are familiar with his love for food, especially his favourite snack - egg tarts. 'I am not having egg tarts this time because I am too fat,' he said after declining a tray brought especially for him to a book-signing session by Au Yeung Tin-yun, baker of the Tai Cheong Bakery, which was his favourite.
He said his wife Lavender, who is also visiting Hong Kong with him but was out shopping, had decreed that he go on a diet. 'Also, every time I came I saw newspaper photos of me burying my face in egg tarts.'
While Lord Patten said he was looking forward to meeting Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen for tea in his old home on Monday, he seemed shocked when told that Mr Tsang did not like swimming in the pool at the back garden to avoid being watched by those in the surrounding high-rises.
'There must be sharks,' he said. 'Or perhaps he has gone fishing.'
