I love the BWCA... the actual Boundary Water Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota. I have been camping there every summer since I was two years old, have traveled to all 7 continents and yet it is my favourite (notice the Lobster Tail's influence in spelling) place in the entire world. However, when the idea sprang fourth to go camping in Hong Kong and other CNETs learned I had brought my tent with me, many laughed, then a couple agreed and soon we had about 10 CNETs headed for a beach to celebrate someone's birthday.
What started with great anticipation for a rugged, outdoor hike headed to the most rural part of Hong Kong soon became the gross realization that half of the commute was by bus and the second half was on a concrete trail. Upon arrival we found two bustling restaurants filled with westerners and more tents than are in the BWCA at any one time. And while the beach was filled with folks that I was not expecting, it was remarkably clean while the sand was postcard-worthy.
The first night was a late one.
The first morning was not far behind. Two hours after we had fallen asleep, we were awoken too watch the sunrise. It was completely worth it...
The day seemed unbearably hot and all of us were kissed by the sun, but some got more red lipstick than others. When night finally fell, all we could show for the day was sand in our hair, salt on our skin, hemp bracelets around wrists and ankles and a new appreciation for shade.
The second night was just as late as the first one followed by another early wake up call. I had a meeting with a professor I had at my university who was visiting Hong Kong while on sabbatical. I had to get up at 6 to be in Taikoo (the same location as my school) by 11:30. Ed, my roommate, and Donna came with me. Luckily for all three of us, we avoided awkward glances from other campers and what has been described as the scariest rides of a lifetime on a boat traveling from the beach to a bus stop. The boat ride was filled with laugher, tears and vomit. I probably would have jumped out halfway through instead of trying to survive a crash coarse in speed boating.
Along the hike we ran into MASSIVE spiders. Upon further research they seem harmless and unaggressive... but try telling that to the skull on the back of it's thorax. Take a look...
However, if you still don't believe me, I found a primary research article talking about these guys.
With this update I bid you a good night...
PS: Brief update since last time: found a flatmate, found a flat, started school, like it, had an awkward meeting, joined a gym, I've learned 6 out of 500+ student's names I help teach
