人間故事

A Story of Life

Amid the hum of the airport lounge, I sat quietly and overheard two friends chatting nearby.

They spoke of an elderly friend in her eighties, who lives alone. Her children have settled in Spain and England, separated by vast oceans and unable to tend to her in person. With advancing years, her self‑care has grown harder, and her memory fades bit by bit. She spends most days confined to her home, coping as best she can. Within their means, the two friends check in on her each day and offer what comfort they can.

Then they sighed and agreed that we ought to savour joy while it lasts.

This casual snippet of conversation, overheard while waiting for a flight, invites quiet reflection. Time pauses for no one; we cannot count on endless chances to meet and be happy. Loneliness and frailty in old age are one of life’s sober truths.

We so often put life aside for “later”, unaware that time will not wait. To savour joy in the present is not reckless indulgence. It is to cherish the companionship and days we still hold.

人間故事

機場候機大廳人聲熙攘，我靜坐一旁，聽見鄰座兩位友人閒談。

他們談起一位年逾八旬的舊友。老人家獨居，子女分別定居西班牙與英國，遠隔重洋，難以近身照料。年華老去，她的自理能力日漸衰退，記憶也慢慢消散，多數時候獨守家中，凡事只能自求多福。這兩位朋友在能力所及之內，每日都會探問她的情況，送上關懷。

話說到這裡，二人慨然：人生，要及時行樂。

不過是候機時偶然聽來的一段閒話，卻引人深思。歲月從不為誰停留，相聚與歡愉，都沒有無限的預留。晚年的孤獨與無助，是漫長人生裡一份沉重的真實。

人總習慣寄望於以後，卻忽略時光不待人。這裡說的及時行樂，不是縱情放逸，而是把握當下，珍惜尚且可以擁有的陪伴與時光。

Let go

放下所愛。適時退場。

Let go of what you love. Know when to step away.

Deixa o que amas. Sabe quando te deves retirar.

《喀耳刻》（Circe）

 Circe, written by Madeline Miller, is a breathtaking literary retelling of ancient Greek mythology. Centered on the infamous witch of Aeaea, this novel reshapes a well‑known mythic villain into a powerful, deeply human heroine, exploring themes of loneliness, growth, female empowerment and the true meaning of freedom.

In traditional myths, Circe is merely a cruel enchantress who turns men into beasts. Miller completely rewrites this stereotype. Born as an overlooked, weak‑sounding daughter of the sun god Helios, Circe is ignored and belittled by her cold divine family. After discovering her forbidden gift of witchcraft, she is exiled alone to a deserted island by Zeus. For centuries, she endures total isolation, faces visiting heroes, monsters and sailors, and slowly masters her own power. From a vulnerable outcast, she grows into a fearless, self‑sufficient woman who controls her fate rather than being controlled by the gods.

What makes this novel extraordinary is its profound emotional depth. Miller contrasts hollow, eternal divine immortality with warm, fragile mortal humanity. Gods live forever but remain petty, cruel and unchanging; mortals fade fast yet experience love, pain, growth and devotion. Circe’s final choice—to abandon endless immortality and become mortal for genuine love—becomes the most courageous decision of her life. It reveals a touching truth: eternity without meaning is empty, while a limited life filled with love and autonomy is truly noble.

The writing style is elegant, lyrical and immersive. The pacing is steady and reflective, allowing readers to witness Circe’s slow yet striking transformation from insecurity to quiet strength.

Overall, Circe is more than a mythic story. It is a timeless journey of self‑discovery. It teaches readers that true power does not lie in immortality or status, but in independence, kindness and the courage to define oneself. I highly recommend this inspiring, beautifully crafted novel to every reader who appreciates classic mythology and emotional growth.

《喀耳刻》（Circe），作者瑪德琳·米勒，是一部動人的文學重寫本，取材自古希臘神話。書中把傳說裡惡名昭彰的艾亞島女巫，從單純的反派形象，重塑成一個飽含人性、一路自我覺醒的女主角，探討孤獨、成長、女性力量，以及自由的真義。

在傳統神話裡，喀耳刻只是一個會把男人變成野獸的殘酷巫師。米勒推翻了這個刻板印象：她是太陽神赫利俄斯備受冷落的女兒，在冰冷的神族之中一直被輕視、貶低。當她發現自己擁有巫術這份禁忌力量後，宙斯將她流放至荒島，獨自度日。漫長歲月裡，她飽受孤獨，陸續遇見各路英雄、怪物與航海者，慢慢掌握自身力量。從一個自卑、無助的邊緣者，蛻變成能夠掌握自己命運、堅定自持的女性。

這本書最動人之處，在濃厚的情感層次。作者對比了空洞的神之永生，與溫柔卻脆弱的凡人生命。諸神長生不死，心胸卻狹隘、殘酷、一成不變；凡人生命短暫，卻能感受愛、悲傷、成長與忠誠。喀耳刻最後的選擇——放棄永恆的不死之身，成為凡人，去換取真實的愛，是全書最勇敢的決定。它道出一個動人的道理：沒有意義的永恆只是空虛，有限卻能夠自主、充滿愛的生命，才更珍貴。

文筆詩意優美，節奏從容沉靜，讓讀者細細感受喀耳刻由不安走向內在堅定的漫長轉變。

總括而言，《喀耳刻》不只是一則神話故事，更是一場永恆的自我追尋之旅。它告訴我們，真正的力量不在長生或地位，而在獨立、善意，以及勇於定義自己的勇氣。推薦給喜愛古典神話、重視心靈成長的讀者。

一場巴士小插曲，看盡人情百態

A Small Bus Incident That Reflects Human Nature

While riding Bus 101 today, I witnessed a subtle yet thought-provoking incident that perfectly mirrors the diverse sides of human character.

Shortly after I boarded the bus, a young woman occupied two priority seats designated for senior citizens. She did so solely out of necessity, as her bulky luggage required extra space. At that moment, an elderly woman approached her in an impolite tone, reproaching the young woman for taking reserved seats and insisting that she immediately give them up. The young woman remained completely unresponsive, either confused by the sudden confrontation or choosing to stay calm amid the unreasonable blame.

The awkward atmosphere soon drew attention from other elderly passengers. Surprisingly, another senior woman spoke out fairly and gently. She pointed out that rude accusations did no honour to older people. True respect, she said, comes from polite communication, not from acting presumptuously because of age. Age never equals privilege. Her reasonable words were immediately echoed and supported by other elderly passengers, who agreed that kindness and courtesy should always come first, while also kindly reminding the young woman to offer her seat when feasible.

This ordinary yet touching episode offers a profound lesson about humanity. People’s manners and tolerance are never defined by their age. Some carry years yet lack grace, while others grow older with wisdom and gentleness.

In just a brief moment on public transport, I once again witnessed the countless faces of life: sharp-tempered impatience on one side, and forgiving understanding on the other.

今日搭乘101巴士，途中遇見一場微小卻耐人尋味的生活插曲，短短數分鐘，便映照出最真實的人情百態。

上車不久，車廂內發生一段小小的爭執。一位獨自乘車的年輕女生，因為攜帶大型行李，一時佔用了兩個長者專座。其實她並非刻意霸位，隻是行李體積龐大，一時無處安放。

此時，一位年長長者上前，語氣不友善地責備女生，直言她不該佔用長者優先座位，要求她立刻讓位。面對長者的嚴厲責問，年輕女生並沒有爭辯，也沒有明顯反應，或許是來不及反應，亦或只是沉默應對。

就在氣氛略顯尷尬之際，車上另一位長者主動出聲調解、出言公道。她坦然表示，同為長者，更應懂得體諒與禮貌，讓位從來不是義務，更不是長者恃年齡優勢的理所當然。與人相處，以禮待人、溫和溝通即可，無需動氣指責，更不該有「長者大晒」的心態。她直言，動氣責備的舉動，反而讓長者群體失了體面。

這番通透溫柔的話語，立刻得到車上多位長者乘客的一致認同。大家紛紛附和，認同體諒、禮讓、溫和溝通，才是人與人之間最珍貴的相處之道。

一場小小的巴士風波，瞬間平息。

世間人情，從不分年齡、不分身份。

有人倚老、執著己利；亦有人通透善良、心存體諒。

原來真正的修養從不在年歲長短，而在人心寬厚。

一樁平凡小事，讓人再次看見：人生百態，冷暖自知，善解與包容，永遠最動人。

Raise Me High @ HK airport 2026.11.11

 

Line dance - Amazeballs

 

《克拉克森的农场》

Clarkson’s Farm

Clarkson’s Farm is a popular British reality documentary streaming on Amazon Prime. It follows Jeremy Clarkson, a well‑known TV presenter with no real farming experience, as he tries to run his own large farm in the countryside.

Expecting a relaxing rural life, Clarkson soon faces endless troubles. Bad weather, expensive machinery, complicated official rules and uncooperative animals keep causing trouble. With help from his young farmhand Kaleb and land agent Charlie, he struggles with sowing crops, raising sheep and opening a farm shop. Even after hard work through the whole year, he barely makes any profit.

This series is full of funny moments, yet it shows the harsh reality of modern farming. It lets audiences see how risky and tiring farmers’ work is. I really enjoy the natural humour and real‑life stories. The only small downside is that some farming policy details may be confusing for foreign viewers.

《克拉克森的农场》

英文：Clarkson’s Farm，亚马逊高分纪实真人秀，也有同名书籍。

故事梗概

主角杰里米·克拉克森，是知名汽车节目《Top Gear》的主持人，完全不懂种田。他在英国乡下买下一大片农场（Diddly Squat，戏称“一毛之地”），原本雇别人打理；原农夫退休后，他决定自己亲自经营农场一整年，全程拍摄记录。

他本来想象浪漫田园生活，现实却是一地鸡毛：

1. 种地处处踩坑：买昂贵兰博基尼拖拉机却不会操作；播种遇到特大暴雨、春天大干旱，又碰上疫情；辛苦忙活一整年，全年净赚仅144英镑，几乎白干。

2. 饲养动物状况百出：养羊、养猪、养蜂，羊乱跑、猪越狱、蜜蜂追人；要接生小羊、剪羊毛，经常被动物折腾得哭笑不得。

3. 团队搭档：

• 年轻本地农夫 凯勒布：懂农事，经常吐槽克拉克森的外行操作；

• 土地经纪人 查理：天天提醒法规、预算，疯狂泼冷水；

几个人一边吵架一边合伙硬撑农场。

核心讲了两件事

1. 打破都市人的田园美梦

田园不是悠闲治愈，农业极度辛苦，要看天气、受市场、政府法规层层限制，投入巨大，利润微薄，失败是家常便饭。

2. 欢笑之下看见真实农民处境

用搞笑的外壳，讲英国现代农业困境：极端气候、官僚审批、物价成本上涨、补贴政策、环境保护和农耕之间的矛盾，让人笑完又会同情普通农民的难处。

后续季发展

一季又一季，他继续折腾：开农场商店、想开餐厅被政府驳回、接手乡村酒吧、尝试高科技农机，不断碰壁，但仍然坚持经营这片农场。

简单一句话总结：一个有钱的外行大佬下乡当农民，不断翻车、爆笑，同时揭开农业残酷现实的纪录片。

《Incendies 》(2010)

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad’s play

Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign Language Film

Incendies is Denis Villeneuve’s breakthrough masterpiece. It begins with a cryptic will: twins Jeanne and Simon must trace two unknown family members from their mother’s past. As they journey through a war‑scarred Middle Eastern country, flashbacks reveal Nawal’s brutal life amid sectarian conflict. The shattering revelation binds the father and the missing brother into one person, a fate steeped in ancient tragic structure. Villeneuve avoids loud melodrama; his calm, precise visual style makes the pain land even harder. At its core, the film asks whether hatred and trauma pass down bloodlines, and if confronting unbearable truth is the only path to stop repeating violence. It is haunting, intellectually sharp and emotionally exhausting.

（《焦土之城》）

《焦土之城》是丹尼·維倫紐瓦的代表作，改編劇本，入圍奧斯卡最佳外語片。一對加拿大雙胞胎珍寧與西蒙，在母親納瓦爾離世後，收到遺囑的離奇囑咐：分別送一封信給他們以為早已死去的父親，以及從未聽聞的哥哥。姐弟回到母親的祖國，在內戰殘留的土地上拼湊真相。結局的真相極為震撼，是一則現代希臘悲劇。導演風格克制、不刻意煽動血腥畫面，探討宗派仇恨、跨代創傷，以及唯有直面難以承受的真相，才有可能斬斷仇恨的循環。氣氛極沉重，不適合放鬆觀看。

愛情百態，終歸人心

人世間最耐人尋味的風景，往往不在遠山長海，而在情義之間的抉擇與堅持。本週旅途之中，我聽到兩段歷經數十年的愛情往事，溫柔執著，讓人看見平凡感情裡的長情；轉眼一則熱議新聞，又使人直面人性的幽微與無常。短短兩日的對照，引人重新思索愛情的本質。

一位友人年少時已有交往的戀人，日子平穩，卻少了靈魂契合的共鳴。一次偶然相識，她遇見另一位異性，短暫交集後便斷了音訊。兩年之後，二人意外重逢。男子明知她身有歸屬，仍以真誠相待，心意坦蕩。這份相待，促使她靜下心審視原本的感情，權衡內心真正的嚮往。她選擇結束不合適的關係，奔赴懂得珍惜她的人。這一次清醒的抉擇，成就一段數十年的姻緣，二人攜手至今，歲月安寧，情深不移。可貴的從非一見鍾情的轟動，而是辨明本心、勇於取捨的通透。

另一則故事，始於大學課堂。一名山東女子在基礎物理課上，結識來自珠海的男生。青春時光裡，二人各選專業，她修讀師範，他研習工程，前路看似漸行漸遠。畢業後男生返回珠海，千里相隔，在旁人眼中這段情愫多半無疾而終。她卻不顧家人反對，不懼地域遙遠，獨自南下奔赴所愛。一腔赤誠跨過山海，一份執念抵擋質疑。兩人終成眷屬，相伴走過半生，如今雙雙退休，安享平靜晚年。

兩段故事樸素無華，沒有跌宕戲劇，卻足以動人。它們說明，穩固的感情從不靠一時熱烈，而在專一、堅持與珍惜。

正當我為這份長情所感，一則商壇新聞，帶來強烈的反差。長久以來，黃仁勳在公眾印象中，是事業有成、家庭和睦的代表，與妻子相伴多年的形象，一向被視為互相扶持的典範。然而風波傳來，昔日美好的濾鏡隨之破碎。世人方知，縱使站在名利頂峰，擁有旁人難求的一切，人依然可能抵不住誘惑，背離婚姻的承諾。

平凡布衣，無聲無名，卻可以用一生守住諾言；身處風雲中心，萬物具足，也未必能守住最簡單的專一。

愛情從無貴賤高下之分。它可以是跨越山海的奔赴，成為一生溫柔的歸宿；也可以在慾望面前輕易崩塌，化為虛幻泡影。感情最終考驗的從不是境遇，而是人心。

見過長情相守，也見過中途離場，才慢慢懂得：可貴的從不是轟轟烈烈的開篇，而是歷經歲月磨煉、面對種種誘惑，依舊願意守護同一個人、守住當初的諾言。

情態萬千，人心難測。

唯有真誠，方能抵過漫長流年；唯有自持，方能守得住一世安穩。

Love Takes Many Forms, and It All Comes Down to the Heart

The most illuminating moments in life rarely unfold amid grand scenery. Instead, they emerge from the quiet choices and steady resolve that bind one human being to another. On a trip this week, I heard two love stories spanning decades — tender, grounded testaments to long‑lasting devotion in ordinary lives. Soon afterward, a widely discussed business news item laid bare the fragility and unpredictability of human nature. The stark contrast between these encounters, within just two days, invites deep reflection on what love truly means.

A friend of mine was in a relationship in her youth. Her days were stable, yet the bond lacked genuine spiritual resonance. By chance, she met another man; they connected briefly, then lost contact for two full years. When they met again, he knew she was already in a relationship. Even so, he greeted her with sincere, unreserved affection. His honesty prompted her to examine her existing partnership and listen closely to her inner voice. She ended the ill‑fitted relationship and chose the man who cherished her. That thoughtful, courageous decision grew into a marriage that has endured for decades. They still walk through life side by side, calm and devoted. What makes this story precious is not the thrill of love at first sight, but the clarity to recognise one’s truth and the courage to act on it.

The second story began in a university lecture hall. A young woman from Shandong met a boy from Zhuhai in their introductory physics class. As their studies progressed, their paths diverged: she pursued education, while he specialised in engineering. After graduation, he returned to Zhuhai, leaving thousands of miles between them. Most observers would have assumed their youthful fondness would fade with distance. Against her family’s objections and the uncertainty of starting life far from home, she travelled south to follow the man she loved. Her earnestness bridged the miles, and her determination stood firm against doubt. They married, journeyed through half a lifetime together, and now enjoy peaceful retirement.

These simple, unremarkable narratives carry quiet power. They reveal that enduring love does not depend on fleeting passion. It rests on commitment, perseverance and care.

Just as I was moved by such faithful companionship, a headline from the business world offered a sharp counterpoint. For years, Jensen Huang was widely perceived as a successful leader with a harmonious family. His long marriage was held up as a model of mutual support. The scandal that surfaced stripped away this idealised image. It reminds us that even those who have climbed to the heights of fame and fortune can still surrender to temptation and break their marital vows.

Ordinary people, without fame or wealth, can honour their promises for a lifetime. Those living in the spotlight, surrounded by every comfort, may still fail to uphold basic fidelity.

Love bears no ranking by wealth or status. It can be a crossing of mountains and seas, a lifelong haven of gentle belonging. It can also crumble before desire, dissolving into nothing but illusion. Love is ultimately tested not by circumstance, but by the human heart.

Having witnessed lifelong devotion and sudden betrayal, I have come to understand: what matters most is not a dramatic beginning, but the resolve to stay with one person and honour one’s word, through passing years and every temptation.

Love takes infinite shapes, and the human heart remains unfathomable.

Only sincerity can outlast the march of time; only self‑possession can sustain quiet, lasting peace.

《Swiped 》

 Swiped, 2025, biopic, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Lily James

Swiped traces the true story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, co‑creator of Tinder and later founder of Bumble, the dating app where women send the first message. After she helps build Tinder, she faces dismissal, harassment and erasure in a male‑dominated tech circle. Driven by that bitter experience, she builds Bumble to rewrite the rules of online dating.

Lily James delivers a steady, grounded performance. The film moves at a neat pace and raises thoughtful questions about power, gender and who gets credit for innovation. Its weakness is that it softens the harshest edges of the real story, sometimes slipping into familiar inspirational biopic clichés. It is not as sharp or layered as The Social Network, yet it remains an accessible, engaging watch about resilience and reimagining a broken system.

《Swiped》改編自惠特妮·沃爾夫·赫德的真實經歷。她是Tinder的早期創辦成員，後來創立Bumble，這款約會App規定由女性主動發出第一訊息。

她協助打造Tinder之後，在男性主導的科技圈飽受職場騷擾、成果被抹煞。這段傷痛經歷推動她創立Bumble，嘗試改寫線上交友的遊戲規則。

莉莉·詹姆斯的演出沉穩自然。電影節流順暢，帶出關於性別、權力與創新背後功勞歸屬的思考。缺點是它淡化真實事件裡最殘酷的細節，有些地方落入傳統勵志傳記片的套路。它不像《社群網戰》那樣銳利深刻，但仍是好入口、有感染力的故事，講述女性在網路世界重新爭取自主空間。