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

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.

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!