The Shaolin Mafia

Dragon Dash, a unique urban challenge for charity that takes you across Hong Kong in search for "The Dragon" (reference, official website). The description appealed in many ways, it was spoke to me and my insecurities. It (the description) knew the selfishness of Hong Kong life and the self-centred drive of the Hong Kong local. It also knew that I had probably seen less than 20% of Hong Kong and that I was more than happy living within the confines of my Hong Kong Island bubble. It was a no-brainer, and took very little convincing to assemble our team of five, the Shaolin Mafia.

The maximum team size for the event was five people, with the restriction of at least one female and at least one male. The Shaolin Mafia, 2 males and 3 females were up early on the Saturday morning and ready to find 'The Dragon' with the team moto "Let's not come last". The event turnout was amazing, a sea of red t-shirts converged in Admiralty for the start of the event. Smartphones would be a requirement with the clues and guidance being streamed to each team via the mobile site.

I really wish I had documented the day better, the reality of it all was that it was a mad, frantic rush around Hong Kong. We found ourselves looking for clues in Admiralty, Mongkok, Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon Walled City, North Point and Happy Valley. The clues ranged from "Tall Africans", to Hello Kitty trinkets, novelty ties, photo challenges, running around MTR stations, fruit challenges, 3-point challenges, physical activities, planking, looking for buskers, steps, so many steps, counting challenges, reading plaques, decoding riddles and plenty of trains, cabs and steps.

Excellent day, tremendous amount of fun, laughter, moments of stress, defeat and elation all done with a close group of friends. After what appeared to be a tragic start we somehow rallied and managed to come in 3rd place. The elation was short lived when we, well, I realised that I had dropped the tie along the way - We had been disqualified!