It has been my third week here in Hong Kong, and I can’t help but think of how fortunate I am. I have been thinking a lot about this, because we are just about to finish lunar new years celebrations! I have never seen so many dragon and lion parades in my life, and although I have no family here to celebrate, I feel so fortunate to have been able to explore so much during the new years break. Back in Boston, my family doesn’t really celebrate major Chinese holidays besides the occasional festive food during dinner time, but I had learned about all of these traditions growing up. It didn’t hit me until the announcement of a full week off from school, that I would actually be able to see what I’d been missing out on, like fireworks and parades. This new years felt extra special; a new, prosperous start!
In keeping with the theme, I’ve discovered a lovely sit spot that I am very excited to return to. Now that I’ve gotten the basic geography down, let me help you picture it. Hong Kong is actually made up of many different parts, including big and small islands. The part that is connected to mainland China is the biggest part, which consists of New Territories in the north, and Kowloon Bay in the middle and south. Then, the next major part is Hong Kong Island, a very very short $5 HKD ferry ride from Causeway Bay in Kowloon. This is where I spend the majority of my time, as Hong Kong University is to the upper left, and my dorm is at the bottom middle part. I drew a very rough map haha. During the new years break, I went on a seaside stroll from my dorm and discovered a path that passes by Ocean Park (which supposedly will house some panda cubs within the next 2 weeks!), covers 2 beaches, and ends at Tin Hau Temple. It is winter here in Hong Kong, and supposedly very cold, but is more comparable to fall in Boston. It was also slightly humid as it had rained the day before. The path that I took had quite a lot of local people, especially with this part of Hong Kong being made up of the wealthier population. On my walk, I passed by lots of dog walkers and joggers, old couples strolling on the beach, a popular public barbecue area, a mini buddha watching over a small waterfall, and lots of old fishermen. I witnessed a very cute moment where an old couple on the beach were competing with skipping stones, and the aunty was able to skip them very far.
As for the sit spot itself, I stopped in the middle of the trail because I saw a sampan service that was carrying locals back and forth from Hong Kong Island to Middle Island. In that area, there were massive rocks that I saw children climbing, so I wanted to join in on the fun. I picked a rock that was a few yards away from a quiet fisherman and began to sketch. I had picked up a few shells that were scattered everywhere and felt very much at peace. This was a beautiful sign for the new year, and I was feeling especially lucky in having spotted that buddha statue. The water was super clear, some of the rocks were pink-ish, and I could feel and smell the sea breeze. Alas when the sun started setting, I realized I would not make it to the temple that day. No worries, I greeted the buddha statue on my way back, and also was able to greet a stray cat that was perched on the rocks.
Happy lunar new years! 恭喜發財 gong xi fa cai！萬事如意 wan shi ru yi！
