Shark fin soup is an extremely popular delicacy in China, as it's also an outward expression of wealth and social status for those who can afford it. But it's interesting to note the wide difference in public opinion about the consumption of shark fin soup between citizens in mainland China and many Hong Kong residents.
Though there is some heated debate in Hong Kong about the sale of shark fin soup, most residents are ambivalent when it comes to forming an opinion about the practice used in harvesting shark fin. I remember several years ago there was criticism aimed at Hong Kong Disneyland for including shark fin soup on its menu. Once activists discovered this it was only a matter of time before Disneyland officials bowed to pressure and completely removed the item from its menu. Nearly all large restaurants in Hong Kong still serve the delicacy.
In contrast, there is little to no fuss about the consumption of shark fin soup in mainland China. This most likely isn't a true reflection of all opinions though, but there is stark contrast in attitudes between the Chinese in the mainland and Chinese in Hong Kong.
Though I'm a unable to remember the source, there is a saying about Chinese culinary habits to the effect that the Chinese will eat almost any kind of animal. But it's important to note that this was not communicated to me in a perjorative sense, especially as it was a local person in Hong Kong who revealed this to me. Rather, it's meant to communicate the love affair between the Chinese and food, as well as the colorful and rich culinary skills of a people keen to sample exotic cuisines, and shark fin soup is no exception.
From my point of view I would have to say people in China, including the elderly, are more keen on fitness than many of their western counterparts. Physical education in school and the overall mentality of the culture really seems to give some legitimacy to the importance of having an active lifestyle. I could probably walk through any park in Hong Kong or Guangzhou in the morning or afternoon and find children, parents or the elderly engaged in some form of simple exercise.
Numerous facilities in Hong Kong offer working men and women an assortment of activities to choose from, everything from yoga, Latin dance, football (the beautiful game), badminton and the list goes on. However, interest in yoga has seen a steep decline since the beginning of the year.
But today while I was riding the MTR, I noticed an advertisement for a sport I had never witnessed in Hong Kong called parkour. I had heard of parkour before and have seen it performed gracefully by French practitioners.
Then it got me to thinking about space restrictions here in the city and that how even pedestrians are somewhat limited in their movement, especially given the day-to-day construction. Personally I find parkour an exciting sport (if it's acceptable to call it that), but wonder if enough room exists in our urban environment to accommodate parkour enthusiasts.
