One Pen Ma -- Reunion

Source: Clear Newspaper
Date: 1/19/2012
Column: One Pen Ma
Writer: Steven Ma

Reunion - 「團聚」
During Spring Festival(CNY),some Hong Kong people may choose to vacation outside town, others choose to spend the holidays in Hong Kong. I have always place great importance on the Chinese festivals especially Winter Solstice  and Spring Festival. If can, (I)would remain in Hong Kong for family reunion.

Chinese people celebrating Chinese festivals is usually all about family getting together, even if it is just for a simple home cooked meal, because what is eaten is actually the feel, the affection that can only be felt within family! Family reuniting, mutually affirming own safety; that warmth is more moving and delicious than expensive delicacies.

Festivals often brought on homesickness for people away from home. In Hong Kong, this small size space, to meet with family is relatively easy, but of course, excepting those who have migrated elsewhere. But in the mainland, (people) wanting to go back to their hometowns to celebrate the festival with family is truly easier said than done!

Many people because of livelihood have to leave home to work. If want to go home? Air ticket, mass transit ticket, want to book or buy? Easier said than done!

Some friends because they could not get air tickets have to detour to Shenzhen and then drive 10 or so hours to get home; some have numerous plane transits, train transits, and on top of that, take a bus; some are still on wait list, hoping to get a ticket.

Spring Festival is almost here, besides wishing in advance everybody peace and good health, more so wishing all friends who wish to return home can successfully accomplish that and be reunited with family!