Contrary to my original assumption, it turns out that there is an African community in Hong Kong. Although it is very small, it still exists! A few months ago an African looking man approached me on the MTR (the train system) and gave me his business card for his barber shop. Over the weekend I finally called him and decided to take a few of my friends to get a hair cut. After getting lost, we finally get to the barber shop and I noticed that the owners of the shop are speaking a familiar Ghanaian language. I listen closer just to find out I can understand everything they are saying. By the time it was my turn to get a hair cut, I asked the guy whether he was from Ghana and whether he was speaking Twi and he responded yes. I must admit I was pretty excited but a piece of my excitement was robbed by his indifference toward the fact that we both found another Ghanaian brother. Oh well.. at least I know I'm not alone and I know where to start my search. When I told my mom, the first thing she asked me was whether they know where an African market is so I can get groceries to start cooking for myself, since I always complain to her about home cooked meals. After calling the owner of "ZUCOMA HAIR DESIGN CO. LTD." it turns out that there is a small African community in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), a stop on the red line.
Little did I know that this wouldn't be the end of my encounters with other Africans. During the International Festival organized Hong KOng Baptist University, my study abroad university, there was a group of African drummer that performed. After their performance I talked to their leader and I found out that the entire group came from all over African, but two of them were from Ghana. He gave me his business card which was clearly headed "African Community Hong Kong." Talk about getting straight to the point. At least now I know where to get my fix of authentic Ghanaian food and people I can talk to about my experience in Hong Kong from an African perspective.
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