On a walk through Happy Valley, passing the Hong Kong Jockey Club, an inquisitive pedestrian might glance up at a large poster announcing a contest for the most popular horse and jockey.
Who will it be: Bullish Luck or Perfect Partner? Felix Coetzee or Anthony Delpech? I know little about horses, and even less about jockeys but, still, I took a long look at the banner. This is probably because contests have always triggered a deep-seated emotional response in me. It is like happening on the Miss Universe or Miss World pageant while channel-surfing and being sucked in, watching every minute, and keeping up a detailed running commentary, as if one is a guest judge. I am almost surprised when the panel of real judges inevitably disregards my arguments and crowns the worst finalist. I have no doubt that I know better than such a panel of idiots.
Does my zeal for such vapid television need psychoanalysing? Why do I find beauty pageants so engaging? Perhaps it is because, aside from a chance to dissect aesthetics and beauty, the contest also provides an opportunity for me to give vent to some of the hidden sarcasm that can find no outlet in my daily routine.
Now that I think about it, I am always holding some sort of contest in my mind. Strolling through the city centre, I invent criteria and pit things against each other: the top five pavements in the category of decorative obstructions, for example. Then there is the best building in the city. My eyes fix on the Ritz Carlton hotel. Compared with the tumours and phalluses that comprise the lofty shapes of modern architecture, it is not grandiose; just quietly confident.
When it comes to architecture, I often feel that my tastes are akin to those of Britain's Prince Charles; they lean towards the nostalgic. For example, I like to linger at the Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware in Hong Kong Park, once the official residence of the Commander of British Forces in Hong Kong. The elegant mansion does seem dated, but the touch of time has added an ineffable sense of peace and well-being.
I also associate things with happiness. I associate HSBC's headquarters in Central with childhood happiness because it looks like a giant's Lego construction.