My Hello Kitty likes and dislikes

One of two Hello Kitty-fied trams currently running

in Hong Kong courtesy of Eva Air's marketing department

My Hello Kitty in Oz beach towel that I got back in August 

and have used at more than one Hong Kong beach since :)

A while back, a friend who occasionally reads my blog told me that I should write an entry about the Hello Kitty products I like/want and those that I don't.  It would help your friends to figure out what to buy for you (and what not to), she told me.  Since we were back on this subject at lunch today, I've decided to finally oblige her -- so that, if nothing else, she no longer will have an excuse for buying me the wrong Hello Kitty products!

First, what I like/love: wonderfully soft Hello Kitty plushies (and blankets and beach towels), and useful items like Hello Kitty handkerchiefs, and Hello Kitty clocks and watches.  Hello Kitty attired in overalls, shorts or trousers -- rather than skirts or dresses -- but I'm also okay with Hello Kitty dressed in ethnic garb such as kimonos and hanbok. Hello Kitty not dressed in pink and/or posed in front of a non-pink background.  (Those unfamiliar with Hello Kitty's design history should check out this video on Youtube to see that Hello Kitty really isn't always to be associated with the color pink!)

Conversely, I really dislike: Hello Kitty-shaped edibles -- because, come on, I don't want to eat her!  Also, items like Hello Kitty floor mats -- because, you know, I don't want to wipe my feet on her!! -- and Hello Kitty toilet paper and pantyliners -- and yes, I do find it absolutely horrifying that such items actually exist!!!

Additionally, since Eva Air relaunched their Hello Kitty-themed aeroplanes at the tail end of last year (and with one of the routes being between Hong Kong and Taipei), I've been asked by several people whether I'd fancy going on one of the Taiwanese airline's Hello Kitty Jet flights.  After some thought, I have decided that I actually wouldn't -- for a number of reasons.  

One reason is that I'm not sure I could prevent myself squealing out loud -- and frequently -- during the approximately two hour flight.  A related reason is that I'm not sure I could deal with the sound of multiple Hello Kitty fans squealing loudly over the course of the flight!  Also, have you seen the food served on board those flights?  For yep, you guessed it -- quite a few of the items that the passengers are expected to consume are Hello Kitty shaped!!! ;(