Tokyo

A deliberate visit to Tokyo with the purpose of syncing up with a friend who happened to be passing through Japan. Turns out another mate also was in Tokyo the same weekend, so it made the trip even more worth while. Still haven't figured out the best way to travel to Japan, again it was the red eye in Haneda, which given the proximity to the centre of Tokyo and Akasaka made traveling much less of a pain than a trip into Narita. That being said, disappointment would soon subside upon hearing the news that Tomita of Ramen Head fame had opened up a Narita Branch. I'll have to make the journey to Narita at some point.

Leisurely trip with a good mix of eating, sleeping and hanging out. Actually, I retract that, I ate way too much. The first day was the most productive: Managed to check out the new Fish Markets and caught the tail end of the tuna auctions, wandered Team Lab, sampled a colleague's favourite ramen joint, dinner with friends, dessert degustation, baseball batting cages, 1 Oak followed by some late night Ichiran. The second day, was mostly eating.

Currently reading: "When Breath Becomes Air"

Moving scenes

Sunday, if you are to believe reports saw an even more united stance against the Hong Kong Government. Some sources report up to 2 million people marched on Sunday with the protest no longer about the extradition bill, but the youth of Hong Kong protesting about the future of the administrative region and the bleak future for those who call it home. Unfortunately it also saw the death of a 35 year old protestor who tragically fell to his death.

Incredible scenes here in Hong Kong. It's one of the first times I've felt moved living in Hong Kong. There's a sense of fragility and unity that makes me proud to be in this country. The most powerful scenes have come after Sunday. Peaceful protests, people helping out strangers with water, homage to Leung, cleaning up the mess. It's truly moving to see the resolve and consideration of the people who are putting up a fight. Also, the trending music on Spotify for Hong Kong proves to be an appropriate soundtrack.

"I won't be silenced You can't keep me quiet Won't tremble when you try it All I know is I won't go speechless" - Noami Scott

Another one

4 pm, 6 employees stand and leave the office. It's quite the movement and draws attention from around the office. The crew, contains a spread of key personnel from the company, not enough for key-man risk, but definitely enough to leave a gap. It's the second trip with colleagues. A motley crew of travellers with a weekend trip away the target.

Our flight is delayed an hour at Hong Kong International Airport, and the knock-on-effect is followed by a meaty 40 minute immigration line in Taoyuan Airport. We clear customs, find our driver and check into our hotel by 11 pm. An ex-colleague (Yan the man) meets us, 20 minutes later, his flight was almost 1 hour after ours'. 7 hours door to door, which is counter to the initial reason why we selected Taipei. In any case, we hit Tonghua Night Market for 30 minutes of frenetic eating followed by a couple of drinks around the area. Coincidentally bump into Kyall, it's a small world.

Current reading "More Money Than God"

BCP

Last Sunday, while nursing a pretty epic hangover, Hong Kong citizens rallied from Causeway Bay in a peaceful protest to the Hong Kong Government Buildings in Admiralty. Depending on who you ask, up to 1 million people gathered voicing concerns about the proposed extradition bill. Fast forward three days, respective officials were scheduled to come together to move forward with the bill. Hong Kong locals had a different idea; to frustrate access to the Government buildings. Rain falling, the crowds slowly gathered. Endless streams of people dressed in black walking past Queensway throughout the day.

By 4 pm, offices around Admiralty were instructed to go home to avoid crowds. Our office exercised BCP and encouraged employees to go home. TV footage shows images of some protestors moving barricades and exhuming bricks. The rain continues to fall, the umbrella, the symbol of Hong Kong resolve is littered through the crowds. In flashes, the police press the crowds and there's a melee. Tear Gas. Rubber bullets. Bricks. The protesters, have the numbers but are out muscled, but this is only the beginning.

As offices close, the crowds mobilise. All main arteries around the city are congested. Taxis. Buses. Trams. Stand still. The busiest roads are reduced to pedestrian only thoroughfare. Nearby malls are closed. I walk home. There's a familiar feeling of the occupy movement, but this time there's numbers, the crowd continues to grow.

Occasionally, my eyes will become irritated and itchy. It stings, I have to blink. My throat will tighten up and become scratchy. The police warned all groups that tear gas will be used. The tear gas innocuously moves through the air, occasionally hitting groups of people without warning. I see why this is the most effective way to disperse riots and groups.

My commute home is eerie. The protestors come from of all walks of life. Majority are students, some are foreigners, some are the elderly, some have come straight form work. All are from Hong Kong. It's a strange feeling. People are yelling, people are washing their eyes with water, others are giving out water to strangers. There's a sense of fever and camaraderie and despite the obstructions, everybody knows in which direction to head.

Ivy ball

What screams status and overachieving in Hong Kong? An Ivy League based black tie event (oh, and MIT too)...