Yes, I made my decision and I pulled the trigger, in a manner of speaking.   I’ve decided not to buy the Nikon D700.  I’m going to wait awhile because I think 2010 will see a replacement/refresh of that camera.   Plus, once I make the move from DX to FX format sensors, I’d need to get some new lenses.  So I can start off now with new lenses, see some “upgrade” from that, and then be ready with these lenses if and when I do make the transition.

I bought the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens. This is a huge lens – it weighs in at 900 grams/31.7 ounces.  Definitely not the lightest lens for casual walking around but can’t wait for the next time to use it in the studio or for when the weather finally clears and I can get some nice shots around the Sai Kung harbor area.  I shot some random stuff last night; haven’t had a chance to unload the files to the computer and take a look at them yet.

I bought the lens in Hang Hau.  They only had one in the shop and didn’t want to unwrap it and let me play with it until I said, “Yes, I’ll buy it.”  I can sort of understand that – it’s an expensive bit of gear.  I knew I wanted it – but all I had to say was, “Yes,” and it was on my camera before I handed the guy the credit card.  He was clearly nervous.

This lens has received exceptional reviews so I’m excited to have it.  Ken Rockwell:  “My tests show this 24-70mm f/2.8 is the sharpest normal zoom ever made by Nikon. The 24-70 is an exquisite hunk of solid metal that just makes pictures with no fiddling. It feels as if it was hewn from a single solid ingot. It just works, and doesn’t grate on you all day shooting with it.”

My gf and her best friend were already in Hang Hau shopping so we met after that and went over to Ajisen Ramen.  Japanese-style prawn curry with rice, miso soup and some tasteless veg cost $45 and hit the spot.  I quite like Ajisen but I had the feeling that they might use a heavy hand with the MSG in the food.   I noticed some Chinese place, no English name, logo is a cartoon of a small girl holding up a fish in each hand, right across from them in the mall, lots of noodle dishes and small plates in the $30 range, so will probably try that next time I’m there and have people with me.

Then last night, out with some friends, visiting some watering holes that I hadn’t set foot in for quite some time.  I bumped into some reminders of my old life, a little bit more than I’d expected.

We started the night at Bar 109.  A good crowd there including a number of younger, very attractive women.  We had the front table, right out on the street, and settled in there for around 3 hours.

Following that, we went over to Joe Bananas.  I couldn’t tell you the last time I’ve been inside there.  For those of you who’ve been reading me for more than 2 or 3 years, this will be meaningful.  About 15 minutes after we got there, who should come in but T’s sister.  She saw me as soon as she walked in, nodded to me, but didn’t come over – probably because I was with a group of people, female as well as male.  When I went outside for a cigarette, she joined me moments later.  I asked her how T was doing, she said fine.  “She stay in Thailand now, she doesn’t want to come back to Hong Kong.”  “Does she have a husband or boyfriend now?”  “No.”  “I see you’re still coming back to Hong Kong though.  You okay?”  “Yes.  I come back December 25.”    Okay.  And then we wished each other a happy new year and she went off to some other bar.  What can I say?  It felt more than weird to see her but certainly less weird than if it had been T instead of her.

Looking back on those days of self-destruction, I think I understand T a bit better now and understand the mistakes that I made.  I wonder if she realizes the mistakes she made?

Anyway, back inside JB’s, a couple of other girls from my past came in.  I won’t get into specifics, but lots of memories of a different time and a different lifestyle went flashing through my head.  One noticed me and nodded her head, the other either didn’t notice me or didn’t acknowledge me, not that it would have made any difference.  I didn’t go over to say hello to either of them.  Let the past be the past I figured.

And then, in a major anti-climax to the evening, some of us made the decision to go check out Neptune.  I think it’s been more than a year since I last descended those stairs, maybe even two.  One of the bartenders not only remembered me but remembered my standard beverage as well.  At least one woman at the bar recognized me.  Girls in that bar used to ask me where I lived and I’d answer, “Right here and I’m waiting for all of you to go home so I can get some sleep.”  Still basically the same band playing basically the same uninspired covers of crap pop – a shame because some of the guys in that band can play when given the chance.  The drummer is the son of Willy, lead guitarist from Icebox.

The place actually wasn’t too busy.  I stood there, scanned the room, looked to see if I could spot any other faces from my past.  If there were any, I didn’t see them.  After about 15 minutes, curiosity fulled satisfied, I said goodbye to my friends and left.  Found my girlfriend, who was in another bar with friends, and we went home.

Of course tonight is New Year’s Eve and we’ll be out together.  The plan is Indian food at a spot in Wanchai I’ve never tried (but has some good reviews on Open Rice) and then a bit of bar-hopping.  No, I won’t be carrying the D300 and 24-70mm lens with me tonight, this will be a night for my much more pocketable GF-1.