Hemlock's Diary is one of the best Hong Kong blogs. Hemlock knows Hong Kong like the back of his hand. He is keenly observant, and uncommonly unpompous for a Brit. His blog is witty, entertaining, and informative, all rolled into one, even occasional wisdom. Don't let his acid tongue fool you, he seems to genuinely care about the city he calls home.

        The reviewer says, Hemlock is a rare breed.




Please Note:   the above review on HEMLOCK'S DIARY, now known as BIG LYCHEE, VARIOUS SECTORS, was written years ago. Many things have changed in this fast-moving city during the intervening years.

        After more than a decade since the Handover, in terms of HK politics, the reins of power, rightfully so, rests in the hands of the Chinese; any meaningful political influence of the Brits in HK is now nonexistent. As it should be, under majority rule, Hong Kong politics of any importance nowadays are conducted by the Chinese.

        Judging by the comments and the majority of their writing style -- indirect, sinuous, bitter and sarcastic -- in this blog, one should keep in mind that the people who frequent this blog are in a minute percentage of the HK population. Traditionally, they have little or nothing to do socially with HK's majority population. Because of their political and soical isolation, they likely hold minority views and may be out-of-step and out-of-touch with Hong Kong's mainstream.

        The steady decline of their political clout -- what little they still have -- and the shifting of political wind combined with their legendary exclusive nature only further increase their isolation from the everyday life of HK's main population.

        This blog, BIG LYCHEE, is a magnet for the "sour grapes" and "has-beens", incessantly talking about a people they care little to talk with.