Hong Kong-based diplomats share their travel secrets and books, films and songs that remind them of home
- Consular officials recall their best loved holiday destinations in the countries they represent
- From Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon to Kruger National Park, in South Africa, there is plenty to inspire
Diplomacy, it’s said, is the art of letting somebody else have your way. But putting professional duplicity aside, what do some of Hong Kong’s 100-plus consular officials feel about the country they represent, and where do they like to kick back when they get home?
A dozen diplomats let us in on some of their not necessarily best-kept travel secrets, as well as a book, film or song that they feel sums up their native land.
Canada: Patricia Elliott, consul and senior trade commissioner
“My Grade Three teacher would read Lost in the Barrens [1956], by Farley Mowat, to us during the last 30 minutes of the day and it tells of both the beauty and the dangers of northern Canada. It also highlights many Canadian characteristics: love of the outdoors, respect for our environment and the diversity of our communities. The book was also made into a movie.
“One of my favourite places to visit is Tofino, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It’s a magical place with cathedral trees, giant waves on long beaches, fabulous hiking and kayaking, and delicious food – fresh salmon, crab, blueberries – and craft beers.”
Laos: Phimmasone Inseng, vice-consul
“The Most Secret Place on Earth [2008], produced by the German director Marc Eberle, is riveting and gives a good insight into our recent history. The film deals with the secret operation waged by the CIA throughout the 1960s and early 70s against communist guerillas in Laos, particularly in the city of Long Cheng.