This will be my last night in Hong Kong. It's been a wild ride, but this gritty town and it's nonstop energy has become wearisome. I've seen plenty, but when i return in September I'll still have a few islands to visit. I took a ride on the traditional Chinese junk boat, another nice mellow break from the crowds and car horns. Here are some pics from the big, Big, BIG Buddha. The monastery below also runs a vegetarian cafeteria, and I have to admit it was amazing. There's even camping allowed on some parts of the island, and lots of [View Full Entry]

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At least, in Southeast Asia in the summer it is. Today was mostly spent lounging on the shores of a tiny fishing island off Hong Kong, soaking up sun and swimming in the bathwater sea. Ferries go everywhere here, and only cost between $.25 and $1.50 US. I rented a rusty bicycle and cruised around, seeing temples and shrines in unexpected places. Life on these little islands is lived at a leisurely pace, and stopping to smell the roses is the favorite local pastime. It's a much needed relief from the noise and mayhem of inner-city Hong Kong a short 20 [View Full Entry]

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Hong Kong is intense. Over the last couple of days, I've been taking time to see the sights and sample some of what this busy place has to offer. I've gone to the scenic viewpoints and taken the ferries around the islands. I've tasted the food and gone to the markets. I've seen the museums and the parks, and it's all beautiful. But you know what? Those aren't the things I really came here for. My most vivid impressions of this place so far have all been with the people, both native and tourist. The hawkers swarm the sidewalks, relentlessly insisting [View Full Entry]

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Made it. 18 hours is WAY too long to spend in an airline seat, and I'm too bushed to put in a decent entry. I'm now in a sweltering tiny hostel room with 8 other 20 somethings from around the world, all clicking away on computers. It's perfect. It's only 8:30 pm here, but I think I'm gonna call it a day. More tomorrow. -Tim [View Full Entry]

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Like I said.. woah. It's hard to believe that a few short months ago I spontaneously decided to vacate the country, chase the solar eclipse and get lost in Asia. Now here I am, sitting in the airport in Vancouver BC about to board the long flight (18+ hours!) to Hong Kong. It's been kind of a blur. But first, I have to mention my utter amazement at the help and support of my friends. I've been the humble recipient of generous gifts, extraordinary effort, and unwavering confidence in my mission. I cannot possibly list you all, but you know who [View Full Entry]

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