Take a Hike

When everyone else has plans, sometimes you gotta just do ya own thing.

Emily and I started the day slow, with a nice picnic in the park. I made my famous three ingredient banana, oat, and egg pancakes, and she made some jelly toast. I also whipped up a tomato avocado salad and brought some celery, golden apples, and star fruit. We chatted there for hours and looked out over the pretty mountains.

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."

Afterwards we had a mini fashion show to see each others' new clothes we bought, then I changed and grabbed my backpack. Today was my solo hike day!! I've been to Tai Po Kau several times with friends but today I wanted to do something by myself--not the smartest or safest idea (I know, Dad), but it was totally worth it!! It takes about 3 miles or so to walk to the park, then another mile or so to get to the actual trail. I chose to do the "3 and a half hour" trail since it's the longest one there. Soooo glad I did!! It had the most beautiful views and went soooo high up the mountain! The other times I've been here we did the hour trail which was okay but nothing crazy. This one was more strenuous. For a while I played music out loud and would sing to myself, other times I just appreciated the silence or said hey to other hikers. I stopped for a solo picnic on a rock and enjoyed a homemade quinoa salad and the view.

The whole hike was much needed, especially the part of being by myself. A lot of times I feel the need or desire to be with others as much as possible, but this allowed myself a lot of time to self reflect. We've been in Hong Kong for over a month now, and time is flying!! I want to make the most of every moment, and part of that requires the uncomfortable thoughts that only occur when you're by yourself. It was so fun overall!

I loved how some parts of the trails had views that I run by a few times a week (but now looking at them super high up), and other times it was just ferns or bamboo all around.

I stumbled upon something that looks like a WWII remain too.

The trail ended at a nature exploratory garden, so of course I checked that out.

Even got that golden hour glow selfie😂

Legs beat, I made the final walk to Tai Po market, seeing that my total mileage for the day was 15 miles!! I didn't even run that day haha. I put in my headphones and bought dinner for myself (sushi, shui mai, and a taro pastry). I felt like I was in my own little movie and the soundtrack was playing as I enjoyed the sights of the locals. I got sooo many stares since Tai Po is very un-westernized (aka I was like the only white person there). Also I'm a tall blonde, which is uncommon. I've been here so many times with friends tho so I didn't feel that uncomfortable, and the MTR station is right there so I hopped on it when I was ready to go. Such a great hike and experience by myself!

xoxo