Rich People Make Me a Sad Panda

Outside of my regular purchases of clothing and consumer goods here in Hong Kong, I am on a side quest for cultural things I can bring back from China to the states. Jade. Sculptures. Paintings. Books. Something that is more long lasting than any tie or shirt I buy at a boutique.

I've had an inkling, since an episode in a park, to purchase a Mahjong set. I don't play Mahjong - my grandmother did though. I use to construct things out of her Mahjong tiles.

It's a memory I have of my Grandma that I cherish. My Mom and Dad are about to go down memory lane.

However! I haven't been able to find one. I've not looked very hard though - I've put off buying cultural items for awhile because I don't know where to buy it, and I don't want to buy cheap rip offs. I also don't want to spend a fortune at a store near the Mandarian Oriental either. So I haven't found a Mahjong set, not one.

So ... to my story:


I was shopping in Central, which is what I do on almost a religious basis. There's always some designer brand flagship store I can walk into and made to feel small, poor and unable to afford this stuff ever because I am a business reporter, not a businessman.

I walked into the Gucci flagship store in Hong Kong. It's literally brand new - opened on Oct. 14. It's three stories and absolutely stunning. I have two items from Gucci - and love both of them.

Anyways, I look to my left, and in a glass case is a Gucci Mahjong set.

... yes.

Traditional Mahjong Set, meets:

Well, I had to see this for myself. Now, a bit of background. I walked into Gucci with a Chanel Bag. I bought a tie at Chanel (yes, I bought a man's tie at Chanel, yes it cost a fortune, and yes it was totally worth it). Chanel gave me this huge-ass bag, and I am dressed quite well today, so I look like I am some rich-ass American with taste.


"YES! I command thee, oh, Gucci store people. Show me the Gucci Mahjong Set."

Well, let's just say if I had HK$22,000 and no soul, I would buy it. They had five in the store. What else could be more unique than a Gucci Mahjong set? I asked to see it, and because I had my Chanel bag qualifications, they pulled out a set for me.

Well, I know my Xmas gift for myself. Let's not send Ken to Tibet, China, or Thailand. Let's buy him a Gucci Mahjong set. YAY!

You know Grandma would be proud.

Please Mind the Gap - and my souless behavior.

Ken

This Post's Covet Item:
In honor of the consumerist culture of Hong Kong, I shall build my Holiday Wish List with each post I put online from here on out.

Well, the Gucci Mahjong Set, obviously. And a Chanel J12 Watch. Black - the small one.