Growing up in Hong Kong, I have always been a city girl. I worked so hard until I was burnt out. I once had 3 part time jobs plus school in the same time, and I threw up on the bus after work at 3am eventually. From that moment, I started to think,
Why am I doing this to myself?

 

A few months later, I got an opportunity to join an exchange programme to Budapest, Hungary. I believed that would be great for me to spiritually and emotionally renew myself. I enjoyed every single moment in those months and I am so grateful for that.

 

I did not have homesick problem, but I admit that I really missed Hong Kong's food during those days. Except for that, I feel like i am healed. The pace was slower, there were smiles on people's faces, I had time to go to gym, the better air quality, the view of the sky, the coffee shops... I found myself happier. This experience had totally changed my attitude in life.

Growing up in Hong Kong, I have always been a city Hong Kong girl.

When I was back to Hong Kong,  I tried to keep the same lifestyle, I still go to gym, to work at coffee shops, have some "me" time... Although everything is just way more expensive than in Budapest, I feel better. I am still me, but I feel better when the perspective is changed. I always think of the days in Budapest, as an encouragement to remind myself not to sink into the stressful lifestyle and do not be too harsh on myself. Sometimes, I remember the bars in Budapest, where I hung out with my friends or met amazing people.

I found the sense of scent is special as it could only stay for ~60 days in our memories, not like images perhaps could stay for whole life. 

Therefore,  I wish to create this artwork to remind myself of how I was reminded by my root (my taste of food) when I was in Budapest and the beautiful days I missed about Budapest when I am back to Hong Kong.
Also, to let the audience "feel"(smell) the scents as a metaphor to "feel" my feelings.