HK Trip 2024: Never expect the unexpected
No holiday is the same, even if you're heading to the same destination again. Like many people from Hong Kong who live overseas, we travel home to see relatives. I don't find this to be tedious at all. Hong Kong has enough to keep you busy. If you can't find something to do or you're blaming the distance or the cost, then that's just you. I don't have this problem and there are still many places I've not yet been to.
This year, life has been rather busy and I certainly needed a break. I had plenty of ideas and places to go. I was even psyched up to go on some interesting hikes and see the city differently. But due to illness, I only manage one proper hike. I wasn't well enough until the last week. Unlike the UK, you can't get badges to sew onto your backpack to prove you've been up a mountain. Hong Kong is a fantastic location for hiking, and there is something for everybody. Leave the urban areas and be surprised. Some of the islands like Lamma Island and Tung Lung Chau are not heavily inhabited. This is especially true regarding the latter and are great for walks. Just remember to bring enough water, insect repellent and a bag for your rubbish.
Despite how I was, I did manage to go to a number of places I've not been to before. These include Tzs Shan Monastery, Castle Peak (the mountain and not hospital) and the abandoned statues at Waterfall Bay. There are many spectacular waterfalls in Hong Kong and they're one of the city's best kept secrets. I did manage to visit Wang Long Hang, which is a stream that flows down a mountain and via a number of waterfalls. The water feels fresh and it is safe to take a dip. The further you go, the better and quieter it is. All you hear is birds and flowing water. The experience feels like something out of Jurassic Park. There are locals who collect the water from the streams to make tea. This doesn't sound like the Hong Kong the media about and perhaps that is a good thing. Is this something I'd do in the UK? Maybe, but not with the current sewage problems. Hong Kong isn't perfect and if not uncommon to see overflowing bins or litter being left behind. It is a matter of social and moral education. If you're wondering about safety, it is fine and don't believe what the BBC tell you.
One of my objectives for this year's trip is to meet up with my Qigong master Joe Lok. I met him a few times and it was very constructive. I got the feedback I need to improve my Tai Chi & Qigong journey. I have a lot to work on. No matter how experienced you think you are, there are always things you can polish up on. If you're honest, you'd know this to be true. What I have learned, I will pass on to my students.
I come back to Blighty with good memories. Yes, it was sad I couldn't do all the things I wanted to. After some 6 years, I would have liked to see the Fire Dragon dance, but I couldn't. I looked at the peaks I did feel some sadness. But there are reasons and perhaps one is held back until a more suitable opportunity arises. Illness is a teacher. You learn to appreciate your health and you seek the motivation to get back doing what you love. Whilst at the time, I didn't enjoy the situation I was in, I did understand and so think positive.
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