British television, I felt, kept me in touch with my native culture, if you can call it that. Strangely, I did not feel the need so strongly when returning to the UK after 28 years.
Now, of course, a bewildering variety of shows from around the world is instantly available. But I was surprised to find that one programme I used to enjoy as a kid is still running.
University Challenge is an institution. This quiz show has been pitting teams of students from British universities against each other since 1962. The format has barely changed at all and there have only been three presenters in all that time.
Justin Lee, a chemistry undergraduate, who appeared on the show wearing his trademark hoodie, lived in Hong Kong until he was 17, studying at La Salle College.
Adam Jones, a computer science undergraduate, was born in the city and attended Chinese International School before heading to the UK.
They both played an impressive part in the victory, having beaten Trinity College Cambridge in the semi-final.
Part of the fun of watching the show has always been to marvel at the ability of the bright young contestants to answer questions of extraordinary difficulty on a wide range of subjects, from art to history, science and mathematics.
As a child I watched in awe, unable to answer any. Now, I thought, I would fare much better. I was wrong. I could not answer a single question in the final.
Hong Kong’s skyline is best in the world; London, Shanghai just don’t compare
Hong Kong’s skyline is best in the world; London, Shanghai just don’t compare
This, for example, is the gentle opener to ease the competitors in: Believed to date to the first century CE, the practice known by the Latin term interpretatio germanica, or German translation, refers to the naming of what common set of proper nouns? No Googling, please.
But there can be surprises. The winning team was, according to one member, stumped when suddenly faced with a bonus round of questions on football!
Congratulations to Lee and Jones, who have done Hong Kong proud. As for me, I think I will stick to EastEnders.
