Bad Walkers, Fake Fox Tails And Exercise Parks For The Elderly...

The walkway between Hong Kong and Central MRT stations during rush hour – Photograph by minalism 

It's my second day back in Hong Kong after my winter vacation. I'm eager to get back into my routine, so I immediately throw myself back into work, also throwing myself back into the crowds of Central and Hong Kong MTR stations. All or nothing, straight into the deep end. Within a week I'm reacquainted with Hong Kong rush hour manic walking. Bad walkers to put it lightly. Anyone who has lived in Hong Kong will know what this expression means. Walking on pavements, around the many shopping malls, in MTR stations, strolling in parks, around sports fields, walking to the supermarket, walking through the many back and side streets, running for a bus.... bad walkers everywhere! If you're like me, most of the time you remember these moments with a smile and have a chuckle about it. But when you're trying to get to a destination at a particular time, BEWARE! Add at least an extra 10 to 15 minutes to your journey time for bad walkers! 

What is it with hanging fake fox tails to ladies handbags? It's been a mere week since I've been back, and I've seen six so far. Bushy looking furry things attached to ladies handbags. I can't help but cringe at this freaky choice of accessory. The first time I noticed one I nearly jumped sideways off the moving walkway in Hong Kong MTR station. I could feel my skin crawl as I tried to understand what exactly that furry looking animal-like carcass was doing hanging off this young woman's handbag. I like quirky and unique fashion, but fake furry fox tails? A little too tacky and weird for me.

Fake and furry fox tails in H & M, down Central shopping parade in Hong Kong – Photograph by minalism

Caught in the act! In Sheung Wan MRT station going down the escalators to the train – Photograph by minalism  

And finally, If you were to take a walk through any public park in Hong Kong during the wee hours of the morning you'll come across the daily gatherings of the senior members of society, happily socialising away sharing Tai Chi tips. Tai Chi (literal translation,"Supreme Ultimate Fist") is an ancient martial art sharing concept with practices of Taoism and Confucian Chinese philosophies. It represents the fusion of "Yin and Yang" into a single "Ultimate" within oneself. It's very well known in Hong Kong that the elderly congregate in the small, quiet corners of parks to exercise, usually early mornings, but also less commonly throughout the day.

While taking a midday walk through Tsing Yi park, I stumbled upon a most unusual treasure. A small area within the park dedicated to the fitness of elderly people. An exercise park for the elderly, sign posted and all. From a distance it has all the colours of a conventional playground, but once you get a little closer you will understand the true nature of the designs of these playground-like structures. This park has given the older members of the Tsing Yi community an opportunity to exercise without the worry of burdening the rest of the park users, while socialising with each other at any time of the day.

Exercise park for the elderly community of Tsing Yi, Hong Kong – Photograph by minalism

Hong Kong never ceases to surprise me. ᐂ