It was my birthday recently, and my darling husband gave me the best gift that anyone can give to a woman with a one-year-old child: some time off from mothering. Which could only mean one thing — I was going downtown.

With nothing in my handbag but my money, keys and phone (usually my bag has diapers, wipes, snacks, tissues, a change of clothes, a baby hat, etc etc etc), I jumped on the ferry, and took a leisurely stroll around Central, before meeting some girlfriends at a wine bar.

Ah, the smells of the city. The crowds. The noise. The action. The collective energy of millions of people going to and fro. The crowded street markets. The tiny Chinese noodle shops next to trendy expat boutiques. I love living in the countryside of Mui Wo, but it sure was great to get a shot in the vein of the vibes of the city.

Here are some pictures of my flaneur downtown.