Virtual Travels
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Aug 11, 2020
- 3 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. SITTING ROOM - DAY
PETER checks the Quora App.
PETER (V.O.): A Quoran asks me how will I promote tourism in Hong Kong, China, after the pandemic.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Such promotion has to be done now, not after the pandemic.
PETER checks an incoming mail with the caption: Harvard Alumni Travels
PETER (V.O.): Explore at home: Danube River region.
Peter taps a red "Exploring the Danube" button.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When was the last time I visited the region? 1980s? 2010s?
Reading some texts.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): River Danube runs through 10 countries. Originating in Germany, it flows through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've been to Germany, Austria, Hungary and Croatia only. But my mind won't break off from my travels.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My first impression of River Danube was in the 1980s. When I visited Croatia in 2017, I didn't know the River actually passing through it.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Anyway, now's the time for me to take my virtual travels, at home.
Act 2
INT. SITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Peter watches a video clip: A day in Belgrade.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Mixed with historical and modern buildings, the Serbian capital looks special.
Peter then watches another: Kolo - traditional folk dance.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Having dancers' hands around each other's waists, the steps of the Serbian circle dance should be easy to learn.
Tapping a key, Peter then listens to some classical music.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yes, the Czechs and the Slovaks share the same musical culture of their former Czechoslovakia. In 1987, I met up with a Czechoslovakian lawyer-turned refugee. He was trying his luck to find a human rights-related job in Strasbourg.
Peter then watches another clip: Why Budapest is the Thermal Bath Capital of the World?
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I didn't know about that. I made a day trip from Vienna to Budapest in the summer of 1989, when Hungary was still closed.
FLASHBACK
INT. BATH, ENGLAND - DAY (2004)
Roman bath house. Peter and his FAMILY are walking around a re-built super bath tub with water running.
PETER (V.O.): No one can do a bath though. I've been here more than once. My family should have a feel of the Roman Britain around 2000 years ago.
END FLASHBACK
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And since then, we've been checking in onsen hotels in Japan and Taiwan.
Peter then watches another clip: How to dance the Viennese Waltz?
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh yes, it has its origin in Vienna. The last time I was there was 2012. I spoke in a conference for Hong Kong, China, not a pleasure trip.
Scrolling down his phone screen, Peter sees: History - The Habsburg Empire.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Hmm, the name doesn't ring a bell.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The feudal Habsburg Monarchy ruled from 1282-1918. Its empire encompassed the present-day Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and large parts of Romania and Poland, and even some parts of Italy.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Its capitals were Vienna and Prague.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Having ruled for 650 years, the Empire began to decline due to the rise of nationalism, and later, it was defeated during World War I.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I once compared Vienna with Wanchai where I worked for over two decades. How limited was my knowledge on European history!
Thinking
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But I've learned from history that every empire has its life cycle. The Habsburg Empire, like other Empires here and there, have gone for good.
Peter is distracted by a TV story.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Those in authority in Lebanon have resigned en masse. They've defeated themselves through poor governance.
Act 3
INT. SITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Well, the Harvard Alumni Virtual Travels do make a difference. Great things can come from comfort zones.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.): I'm going to create a mini one myself, using simple and practical texts and eye-catching photos to promote Hong Kong, China.
Peter types: Hong Kong, China; Where to Stay, What to See, Where to Go, How to Travel, Where to Eat, and What to Buy. He then inserts images and clicks: Submit.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Although tourists can't visit Hong Kong, China, now, they can imagine how exciting and delightful it will be when they're here.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I expect mass vaccination will begin in Spring 2021 and activities including tourism should resume in Summer 2021.
Checking his Quora contents.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Wow! So many views within such a short time. I've already become their virtual local guide!
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Those who want to invest in themselves can't wait. Anticipation of pleasure is a pleasure in itself. I might have opened their hearts in pandemic times.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): For me, the travel memories I have are some of the best things in my life.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): At the centre of historical conflicts between the world's super powers, Hong Kong, China, is definitely worth visiting after all.
THE END
FADE OUT.
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