I am in a minority. No, not the nerdy expat Hong Kongers minority. An even more persecuted group exists. I am a fountain pen user.

This is a world built around the ball point pen. They are ubiquitous and boring. They have little style and reflect a conformist mentality. They are the junk food of the writing world. Pencils have their place but are really too specialised to be of general use. Pencils, to continue the analogy, are the side dishes of the writing world. Fountain pens are the cordon bleu, the creme de la creme, the finest and most exquisite of cuisines. They require intimate handling and need to be appreciated as they are being used. They require effort and love. They are not disposable, throw-away forgettable and unlamented objects. They are a tool of trade, an instrument of great power. They are a mark of maturity and sophistication and need to be appreciated like a fine wine.

Once you use a fountain pen you will never go back. Do yourself a favour and start using one today.

Yes, it's a slow day and I'm hungry.