HongKong is one country that I visit at least once a year, and this trip sees me spending 2 weeks in this familiar city. Well, maybe not all too familiar, because there are so many unexplored territories and undiscovered gems. The past week had me exposed to numerous places that I have not been before - some made me feel very strongly, and I want to mark this self-actualization (sort of) with a different perspective of the HongKong we all otherwise know.

A day trip to Sai Kung brought me out of the city landscape that I was so used to, and formed before me nothing but a peaceful fabric of unparalleled beauty, humbling enlightenment and a reminder about the essence of life's minimalism. Seemingly the Menorca of HongKong, Sai Kung is a hidden beauty with so many facades of life - all sporadically filling every pathway and corner, and forming an awe-inspiring incoherence that weaves into a song without words.

So picturesque Sai Kung is, so tender its song sings.

As we crossed the public pier, I saw for the first time a sight that I would never forget - plain and old-looking boats form a linear, and in every boat a local fisherman peddling his catches of the day, promoting his best fishes and scraping the fish scales off arduously. The sun was blazing and merciless, and the hagglers seemed to have more fun bargaining than actually purchasing. And my heart sank.

Life is so tough for so many people out there in the world, and survival means slogging their guts out under the harshest conditions - yet, we have so many first world complaints and gripes. Lately, I feel sick just thinking about some of the unfortunate events that happened to me. I feel sick because there are bigger things in life that we should channel our awareness to, but people are manifesting their emotions in the most horrible ways and indulging in integrity betrayal. I feel sick because there is more to life than killing for (so-called) fame, but people are forgetting that the true essence of living lies in earning all the values to fulfil yourself and not to impress anybody.

So many times, when I am down and cry to myself over all the problems I face, I ask myself - how many would gladly trade their problems for mine? How many would be happy to deal with my shit and instead, be immeasurably grateful towards a life like that?

What would life be like if we could all be compassionate and always appreciative of all that we have - both good and bad? What would life be like if we could be honest and live with a clear conscious? What would life be like if we could all hate less and love more?

And this, made me even more determined to change what I can and to help as many people as I can - even if it was in the smallest ways.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting their own battles."


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Outfit: White Shirt, Random // Knit Jumper, H&M // Faux Leatherette Skater Skirt, Hollyhoque // TCL Suede Wedge Trainers, The Closet Lover // Perspex Clutch, Random // Ring, Forever // Earrings, Swarovski // Macrame Bracelet, Pandora // Bangle, H&M x Isabel Marant


Photography: Brad Lau @ladyironchef