In mid May, 2017, when I was in Osaka, I received an invitation. The Government was inviting me to attend major celebration events of the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As I was enjoying my happy moments, I did not follow up right away.
When I was home and suddenly recalled the matter on the third week of May, I realized that the one week notice had come and gone. "No big deal." was my initial reaction. But when I recalled how hectic I had worked for Hong Kong 20 years ago, I thought I should seek indulgence from the Coordination Office.
I got a reply the next morning that the Office would like to collect my personal data return "the soonest possible". "That should be easy." I thought, and then I read about the need to submit a recent photograph, and a digital version of it in certain technical format in a CD-Rom! Anyhow, I managed to find the professionals to have them done, and immediately advised the Office of my personal delivery of the stuff the following day.
So, around the time when it was raining dogs and cats, I went to the Office and had to check in with my name card at the reception. After delivering my promise and checking out, the receptionist remarked: "That's a beautiful name card!" What a pleasant surprise as the artwork with my name and personal touch on it was appreciated by a stranger!