Being Tourists in Our Own Home
It was due to the Covid-19 pandemic that Chestnut Writers had to take on a new direction for Chestnut Journal. When Chestnut Journal began its first chapter, we have meant this blog to be mostly about international travels. Although we did intend to write about Hong Kong, it was somewhat of a lesser importance than international destinations.
The pandemic has put all travelling to a halt. As a result, we looked to local interests in Hong Kong to be the mainstay of our research and writing. We have therefore concerned ourselves mostly with the nature, culture and heritage of Hong Kong since 2020. In other words, we have become tourists in our own home.
And surely, Hong Kong did not disappoint. In this process of transition into a blog about local travels, we have found many lesser-known stories in the people and places of Hong Kong. Hiking also became a main theme since. Having hiked regularly for two years, we have gathered some thoughts to share with you here.
Hiking anywhere requires quite a bit of thorough research. This is not any less important in Hong Kong, although many hiking trails lie within the city. Missing an exit anywhere can result in many more unplanned hours of walking before one reaches another exit.
To Hike, To Life
There are many, many hiking enthusiasts in Hong Kong. It seems to us that many that hike regularly here are mid-aged Hong Kongers. It is no different for us, and we have come to appreciate the parallels between hiking and life.
With each plan to see the wild, we start first with some research. The hiking trails of Hong Kong are mostly well-trodden, and we certainly can rely on sources online to get a pretty good idea what this hiking journey would be like.
But like life, once you embark, the journey can present many unexpected possibilities. Sometimes you make mistakes in observing the trail. You can become lost when you have ventured off-course. Sometimes you would stumble upon gems that were not discussed by the other hikers. No matter how prepared you are in being guided by your predecessors, each journey is unique to your own experience. You will not see the same grasshopper that some others found. You will come across weather and natural conditions differently, and therefore each journey can come with different views, even if you are on the exact same path as the last hiker.
There are also people you meet on the way as well. As in life, these fellow hikers will walk with you for a part of it. Then they will leave for their respective destinations. Sometimes fellow hikers tell you new things about the trail that you did not know from research. Your journey is how you make it to be, even if it is a path well-trodden.
Some of us at Chestnut Writers like to do solo hiking. Although we do not advise readers, especially those who have just begun to hike, to do this even in the well-known trails of Hong Kong, we often find the experience to be rewarding. One does notice more of the environment when he or she hikes alone. Hiking without a companion, you pay full attention to the cues that nature gives you. As such, one does experience the natural stimulations in a more focused way when hiking alone. The trail itself is perhaps better-remembered as well.
When we do decide to do solo trips, we pay much greater attention when we research. Being lost in the woods in Hong Kong, especially when you are alone, can be a very stressful event. We also tend to prepare more water, snacks and warm clothing for the sake of contingencies.
We enjoy hiking for its adventurousness. With each new trail comes the excitement of having seen something new and having trekked unfamiliar terrains. The sensory pleasures from being in touch with nature have kept up our spirit throughout this pandemic. Hearing waves, meeting creatures, smelling trees and receiving sunshine are the standard experiences of all hiking journeys. Sometimes the trails entail quite a bit of exploration, and the sense of accomplishment often propels us to make bolder attempts for more rigorous trails.
Our Hong Kong Feature is Here to Stay
Although Chestnut Journal’s transition into a local travels website grew out of the unfortunate Covid-19 pandemic, our writers have decided that the local bent is more-than-worthwhile and it will be a permanent feature of this blog. In fact, it is our estimation that we will take about three to four more years of mindful exploration in Hong Kong before we can say we have substantially covered most bases here. As of now, and as with the past two years, we seek out the hiking trails, heritage sites and historic dining establishments perhaps two to three times a week regularly. Hong Kong really does have that much to offer.
Please see below the editors’ choice on Hong Kong Lesser Known, our Hong Kong feature, for 2020 and 2021.
2020:
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Beautiful Sha Tau Kok – The Abandoned Village of Yung Shue Au |
Temple Street and Its living Memories
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2021:
