pianomania: IF YOU LOVE BOOKS... AND CATS, HERE'S THE PLACE!

If you love books and cats, here's the place you can visit. And I'm not referring to my apartment. You'll have to travel to Hong Kong, and stop by this basement bookshop on King's Road. It's called Sam Kee Book Company, and the second-hand bookstore has gained a worldwide reputation as a place you can browse for books in the company of friendly felines.

In our most recent Hong Kong trip, we were greeted at the staircase to the basement by a wondering cat, and before you know it, the bookstore is staring us in the face. There are two units to this store, one nearer the stairs, and the other further down the corridor separated by a beauty parlour. There are cats in both shops, the first only has Chinese books, while the second has a small selection of English titles.

The cats look healthy and well-fed, and have their own relaxation spots. They don't fight among themselves, and there are no hints of smells, and they mostly mind their own business. If they choose to retire, they just jump into a small loft hideaway in the ceiling.

Looks like Janet has spotted the cats'
secret hideaway in the ceiling,
and the cats know that too!

There are signs indicating to visitors not to come just for the cats, but to find a pre-owned book to purchase. And I duly obliged, with a copy of Charles Rosen's The Classical Style. I don't know where my original copy went, so a second copy will prove most convenient. I also bought a novel and a CD of Mozart's Double Piano Concertos with the ill-fated Duo Crommelynck on the Claves label.

How many kitties can you
spot in this picture?

Do not be put off the surly young man manning the shop who thinks the world owes him a living by keeping it open ("Don't touch the cats!", "There are no English books!", "CDs not for sale!"). However, the young lady with piercings is far more friendly and obliging.

So if you have the time, take a short trip to King's Road at Fortress Hill MTR station, cross the street and head towards the State Theatre, and the entrance to the basement is on the left at Power Street. Just go downstairs and Sam Kee Book Company awaits.