Lost Horizons

An unhealthy interest in typhoons

When I came to Hong Kong, for my reconnaissance visit in February, I was given a “cultural briefing” by the agency tasked with finding me a home. This briefing was done in their office near Lang Kwai Fang, and consisted of the manager of the agency showing me on a calendar how many public holidays there were in Hong Kong, and then showing me all the different weather warnings, and telling me that every year we lose about 5 days work due to typhoon warnings. I have since found out that this is an exaggeration, but I have developed an unhealthy interest in typhoon warnings for the area.

So far I have been disappointed in the lack of typhoons heading for here. This year, so far, we have only had Chanchu, which merited a typhoon warning level 3, and Jelewat where we got to level 1. However, I have an inkling that the next one may do a little better. Tropical depression 7W is just east of the Philippines and is forecast to track towards Hong Kong. It should be called Prapiroon, when it develops into a hooly, but the Philippines have already named it “Henry”.

So, why this interest in Typhoons? Well, I am just looking for some time off, I suppose. My first experience of a Hurricane was about 25 years ago in the Gulf of Mexico, and that was exciting. The next was a few years later, in Mauritius, which caused the airport to be closed, and delayed my first visit to Hong Kong. Since then I have managed to avoid them.

I know that they bring damage and injuries, even fatalities; and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, but it is a fact in this world that there are destructive natural forces – and if it brings me some time off – then bring on Prapiroon!

posted by Luke @ 2:35 PM