Story time.
Today I decided to have a little hike on the hills above Lam Tim / Tseung Kwan O. I needed to leave the couch and to have some outdoor time without a mask.
I was really looking for some tranquil & bucolic time.
I was *not* expecting the WTF moment that followed.
Today I decided to have a little hike on the hills above Lam Tim / Tseung Kwan O. I needed to leave the couch and to have some outdoor time without a mask.
I was really looking for some tranquil & bucolic time.
I was *not* expecting the WTF moment that followed.
One path I really like is in this « valley » like area. The few times I passed through there not much people around. Older stone stairs without cement snaking down. Below a little streams running down. And like often on HK hills, some chairs/ resting area could be found. 
But today as I was closing in I started to hear some music. I thought at first, interesting maybe some elders trying to enjoy the “great outdoors”.
Then the music got really loud and down below, closer to the stream, few women dancing, near some makeshift construction from which a (cooking) fire was clearly coming out.
Then after some “中国加油” I knew I was in for a WTF “treat”.
Then after some “中国加油” I knew I was in for a WTF “treat”.
Sound?
Glad you asked. Enjoy!
I am still in shock. It has been a bit of a surreal encounter for me. I am still unsure of what is going on here.
Glad you asked. Enjoy!
I am still in shock. It has been a bit of a surreal encounter for me. I am still unsure of what is going on here.
More?
Sure. There you go!
Sure. There you go!
A last bit?
If you insist, just for you.
If you insist, just for you.
As it is rather sensitive I won’t judge... I could almost find it “cute” (20 years ago when I first arrived in Mainland).
I will judge the fire though, few weeks ago rather large area nearby burnt... so yeah, fire in the hills is a no go for me...
I will judge the fire though, few weeks ago rather large area nearby burnt... so yeah, fire in the hills is a no go for me...
Last december, few fires did some damages in the area.
Can’t help but find a certain comfort to witness life back after a few weeks.
I also took the chance to check the different water sources around. You know, just in case.
Follow up.
Don’t get me wrong I actually think it is good for people to use open spaces. Really fond of finding these hidden places around the hills in Hong Kong. Resting places, fitness area, small gardens...
Don’t get me wrong I actually think it is good for people to use open spaces. Really fond of finding these hidden places around the hills in Hong Kong. Resting places, fitness area, small gardens...
Of course as long as they don’t jeopardise the safety of people/fauna... and don’t deface the vegetation and terrain.
In that in mind today I went back. Specifically to check the fire situation and why not to try to know more about what was going on.
In that in mind today I went back. Specifically to check the fire situation and why not to try to know more about what was going on.
No one was around at the time I visited. Clearly it is not a daily thing. But I could check the place and clearly it has been there for quite a while. There is very little chance for a fire to propagate as it is made from a constructed ‘stove’ only surrounded by stones.
Also a pond with plenty of water is at arm’s length. Before reporting I still think it is important to know more about who use / need the place.
Can’t say for yesterday whether some shady business were taking place (like in some parks with mainland ladies entertaining local men)... maybe we will know more in the future.
