Grandpa 's Journey

After writing yesterday about the unexpected Al Di Là moment, I suddenly remembered another wonderful surprise from our BBQ karaoke gathering. That evening, it seemed hidden talents kept appearing one after another. Besides the popular English and Cantonese songs, one gentleman suddenly picked up the microphone and began singing traditional Cantonese opera songs — 粵曲 (Yuet Kuk). What made it especially enjoyable was not only his singing. As he performed 臥薪嘗膽 , his body movements, hand gestures, facial expressions, and rhythm all came alive naturally. It felt as if we were no longer inside a simple karaoke room, but watching a small live stage performance. Many of us were impressed. Some quietly smiled with admiration. Others watched with great attention. The atmosphere immediately became different — lively, cultural, and full of energy. I realized something that night. Many ordinary people around us quietly carry amazing talents and passions developed over a lifetime. Ye...

  Yesterday’s BBQ karaoke gathering brought me an unexpected surprise — one of those small magical moments in life that cannot be planned. Many years ago, when I was a young Form 1 student at La Salle College in Hong Kong, I once sat in the school assembly hall listening to a Form 7 “big brother” singing an Italian song called Al Di Là . At that age, the senior students looked so grown up, confident, and talented. I still remember being deeply impressed by the melody and emotion of the song, even though I did not understand Italian at all. Strangely enough, that melody stayed somewhere in my memory all these years. Fast forward to yesterday. Our ping pong friends had organized a BBQ karaoke party. The atmosphere was warm and lively. There were good singers, good food, laughter everywhere, and many hidden talents suddenly appearing one after another. Nobody expected the gathering to become such a success. Then it was my turn to sing. I chose Al Di Là . Honestly, I do not kno...