HK trip 2026: Doing things differently
Every year has roughly the same number of days, hours and seconds. Yet no year is the same. On average, we win some and lose some. So 2026 is no different, but what I want is different. Admittedly, most of my previous trips to HK are quite similar, but it isn't always down to personal choice. Commitments and available time has an impact. Friends think I have been to and seen everything in HK, but that is far from reality. This year, it has to be different and no easy options.
For somebody who teaches Tai Chi, Qigong and encouraging people to do it often. For 2 weeks, I did none. Why? Well, I train pretty much every day and I'm already quite active. I was also very active whilst I was in HK. I have also advised people to look at other forms of exercises and do other things. Because doing more Tai Chi and Qigong is not the be all and end all. No matter how good your practice is, there is more to life. So I'm not being a hypocrite.
One of thing things I wanted to attend is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon dance. I've not been for some 8 years. We Chinese really know how to put on a show and festivals are no different. You do have to go early to bag a space on the front row, then stand for about 2 hours. This year, the crowd control has been much better. This was my 4th time and I've still got enthusiasm for future attendance.
HK is more rural than it is urban. There are some fantastic hiking trails, from beginners and beyond. I think only Seoul, South Korea has anything similar, in terms of mountains, hiking trails and conveniently close to civilisation. The last hike was 2 years ago, to go up Castle Peak. The mountain, not the psychiatric hospital. The plan to go up Tai Mo Shan, the highest mountain in HK did not happen, due to illness. I think somebody was telling me, I wasn't ready.
This year, I did hike up Tai Mo Shan and Rooster Ridge. Both were considered challenging and it felt good. I've also completed the famous Dragon's Back. This wasn't as challenging was people say, but it was good fun. The sights were impressive. Demon Hill perches above Yau Tong and is the location of a small redoubt. The last section wasn't easy, but in my mind, I wouldn't count on anything being easy. As you may not be mindful of dangers or challenges. After all that, to reflect on the journey. So whilst, I did not do any Tai Chi and Qigong, there were other challenges. Hiking is good for you. The fresh air and the use of muscles you don't usually use. Hiking provides time for reflection and know that there should be mindfulness in every step. Some might think Tai Chi practitioners have an abundance of peace and don't need to seek anything more. This is not true. We have our own challenges in life, it is just that we keep things into perspective.
There were still many things I planned to do, but did not get time to. That's life, but I did see and do a lot of new things. The objective was to do things differently and that I did. I'm content with what I have been able to do. To change, you have to want to change and you have to take the first steps. I often encourage friends to visit HK and seek experiences. These are memories money can't buy.
Many people who have visited HK have not really enjoyed the best it can offer. Shopping is still popular, but it depends on what it is you want. My advice it to buy what you can't get at home. HK has a good public transport network, but overcrowding can be a problem. My advice is to plan your day. Avoid rush hour and certain locations during public holidays. Getting about and finding a place to eat can also be challenging. Some tourists have no regards for other people. The locals are very tired of this. Be decent and you will be liked and welcomed.
I like to think I have a positive outlook. The years has not ended and anything can happen.
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