The bells of Portofino

Not too long ago, Shenzhen was a small, backwater fishing village with a relatively sparse population. When Hong Kong was still a British Crown Colony, people in China use to come to Shenzhen for a chance to enter Hong Kong illegally by swimming across the narrow body of water that separated the two cities. Many were bitten and killed by sharks that infested this area or drowned by the rip tides.

Nowadays, this ex-Tijuana of the East has become one of the major centers of China's high tech industries, attracting overseas Chinese from America and Canada and expats of all nationalities who make their homes here. Most of these foreign newcomers live in Shekou (Snake's mouth) which is just 15 minutes from Nanshan. For the prodigal sons and daughters of China returning from America, Canada and Taiwan, there is the Disneysque OCT (Overseas Chinese Town) in Shekou. Inside OCT is a small oasis called Portofino. It is a prestigious, gated community of homes, shops, cafes and restaurants built to resemble Portofino, Italy. There is even a miniature lake in the middle of the complex. By the lake is the town square complete with its own bell tower whose ear-splitting bell strikes every hour on the hour. Quasimodo would feel quite at home here.

Last Sunday evening, Richard and I decided to "go on a date" at the Portofino. We arrived in the late afternoon and strolled around. We bought freshly baked croissants and French jam for breakfast and foccacia bread, Barilla pasta and tomato sauce for dinner the next day. The entire complex was fully handicap-accessible with ramps everywhere. This is the first time that we've seen ADA facilities in Shenzhen. However, some shops and restaurants still have steps and thresholds that are challenging for the mobility-impaired. We spent the rest of the evening dining al fresco at an excellent restaurant with a view of the lake. It is amazing what a nice evening out can do for the soul.

My sister, brother-in-law, Aunt Lucy, Uncle Robert and cousin Mei Ling all came to visit us today. We're very lucky to have relatives locally. My sister and brother-in-law are visiting from Toronto, Canada and we were overjoyed to see them since it has been some time that we've seen them last. We are eagerly waiting for Richard's last stem cell injection by LP tomorrow. Wish him luck!