Broke Spoke, Central
The Dictator rules: For once, I can’t find anything I don’t like about your question. What you’re doing is great for the environment and great for Hong Kong on many levels. First, by repairing instead of tossing it, you’re sparing our overflowing landfills. Second, you’ll be supporting a dying breed of local artisan. Believe it or not, there was a time when people actually had most things repaired instead of immediately discarding them for a newer model. (Men in the midst of a mid-life crisis, please take note.) Yes, I have just the man for you. Mr Ho Hung-hee has been in the umbrella repair business since the 1940s. You may have even passed his little shop, Ho Hei Kee, housed in a classic green hawker stall in SoHo (74 Peel Street, tel: 2778 4306) without realising that excellent repair services were provided right there. The repair of a spoke should be no problem for this expert, who is now in his 80s. And don’t be concerned when you see the certificate proving his 1994 Guinness World Record for making the world’s most expensive umbrella; your repair will only cost you about HK$20, give or take.
I was stuck in SFO after my flight was cancelled over the holidays, but I used my time wisely with some surprisingly good shopping for books, chocolates, make-up and more. One of the best things I got was a really cool eye pencil by a brand I’d never heard of – Susan Posnick. Now I want more! Where can I get it here?
Posnick a Question, Pok Fu Lam