Advertisement
Advertisement
Cliff Buddle
SCMP Columnist
Cliff Buddle
Cliff Buddle

After escaping Hong Kong for the English countryside, a trip to rainy Venice has me missing the city I left behind

  • Cliff Buddle used to get away from the heat, crowds and pollution of Hong Kong by taking relaxing breaks, preferably on a quiet beach
  • Since leaving Hong Kong for rural Britain, he misses the hustle and bustle, and a recent trip to rainy Venice had him thinking wistfully of the Asian city

Hong Kong is energetic and exciting, with life lived at breakneck speed. But it is also crowded, noisy and prone to pollution.

When living there, sanity seemed to depend on occasionally getting away. The inability to take holidays during the pandemic took its toll. No wonder there was an exodus over recent the Easter and “golden week” breaks as weary residents snatched their first trip overseas in years.

After returning to Britain last August and spending months looking for a house, I was ready for a proper holiday, my first since 2019.

When in Hong Kong, I sought an escape from city life, preferably crashing on a beach. Now I live in the countryside, city breaks are what I crave. I long for bars, restaurants, art galleries and museums.

The interior of the Higher Council Hall at the Doge’s Palace in Venice. Photo: Shutterstock

My choice this time was Venice. My wife and I had planned to spend our anniversary there last year, but were frustrated by Covid-19. This was our revenge holiday.

Our arrival was a magical experience. We were whisked by water taxi away from the airport and along the Grand Canal, entering a renaissance wonderland complete with basilicas and gondolas. The sun was shining.

I saw Hong Kong’s democratic struggle. Britons should value their vote more

Sadly, that didn’t last long. We brought the British weather with us. Hopes of sitting in the sun with a spritz soon evaporated. Thankfully, there were plenty of indoor options, notably the impressive Doge’s Palace.

People said Venice would be crowded. They have clearly not seen Central MTR station at rush hour. After Hong Kong, it seemed quiet, especially away from the main drag to St Mark’s Square.

The gondolas were fully booked when we tried to take the classic canal trip. But we did enjoy a very brief, shared journey in one across the Grand Canal. A bargain at €2 (US$2.50) each.

People say Venice is crowded, but it can’t match Central MTR station in Hong Kong. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Our gondolier did not match the stereotype of a handsome, bronzed young hulk. He had a beer belly rather than a six pack, wore flip-flops and couldn’t sing because he was too busy puffing on a cigarette. You don’t see that at the Venetian in Macau!

here were very few Chinese tourists. Maybe they are not yet venturing this far. The Italian seafood and the cheeky waiters were great, although I was sorely tempted when we walked past a dim sum restaurant.

The sun finally emerged on our last day. But we lost the last morning in Venice. Our flight was cancelled and we had to take an earlier one. A strike at the airport was to blame.

The writer was tempted by a dim sum restaurant while in Venice. Photo: Shutterstock

It is not only British workers who are restless.

My next holiday destination might be Hong Kong. For once, I look forward to returning rather than escaping. A city break rather than a break from the city.

9