Shek O

It's hard to believe you are in Hong Kong when you visit Shek O. Shek O is a small village on the "other" side of the island, away from the skyscrapers, the crowds and the buzz. It is a place of peace and of tranquility. As my friend Winnie and I drove there yesterday afternoon, I couldn't believe how much the scenery reminded me of the West Coast of Canada. I remembered a romantic weekend I spent with an ex-boyfriend on the Sunshine Coast of BC. The rolling lush mountains and the rocky shores were all very reminiscent of that time.

I am on the downward slope of my time in Hong Kong. I have less that 8 weeks left in this city. It's hard to believe that my time here is coming to a close. When I first arrived, there were moments that I wanted time to speed up. There are times now that I want it to slow down. Last night was one of those times.

Winnie and I walked along the beach and then explored the houses and neighborhoods of Shek O. We hiked up to the top of a small peak (in our flip flops) and watched the sun, the elusive orb that has been hiding from me for months, set behind the mountains.

Our next stop was a small beach front bar, where we drank beer, ate peanuts, watching surfers come in from their day in the waves and gossiped until we were surrounded by the dark and quiet night. It felt as though I was on vacation at a beach resort, but there was something familiar about it. It has started to feel like home here. Getting up to purchase our second round, I met a French woman at the bar and we started to talk in her native tongue. I stumbled through the language - it's been a while since I've spoken French. She asked if I lived here, and I said, "Yes, right now I do." As we conversed, she told me how brave I was to work and live in Hong Kong. For me, there is no bravery involved, just a desire for change, for something new and a thirst for knowledge. I have realized what drives me to travel the way I do, to embark on adventures that most wouldn't consider. I have an endless desire to know more, to learn, to meet people that come from different backgrounds than me. I'm not searching for anything, except to learn how we all fit together on this very large (and very small) planet. I truly believe we are all connected, and I love uncovering all the ways in which we are.

Following dinner, Winnie and I went to the local corner store, bought some cans of beer (classy I know) and headed to the beach where I taught Winnie how to make a meditation sand seat, and we sat and talked. Winnie was born and raised in Hong Kong - she has lived abroad, but this is her home. I told her stories about my home, about my friends, about past relationships and experiences. I told her about my family and the things I miss about my home and the things I love about Hong Kong. She shared many of her experiences - strangely some of which were eerily similar to mine. I also knew last night that Winnie is one of those people that I want in my life for a long time. It may not be beer on the beach forever, but she is definitely a friend for life.