Unexpected Places

 “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow”

When I left New Zealand seven months ago, I had very little plans beyond climbing in Spain and a Full On season in Italy. As I said in my 1^st photoblog “After that – I’ve a few options and ideas up my sleeve but in all reality… I haven’t a clue”

Today is the day that I leave the place that has been ‘home’ for the last three months, a place that I had never thought to go, much less live and work for an Outdoor Company.

Hong Kong is a large irritating city, crammed with people who speak overly loud to the person next to them, line up at the ferry door long before it’s berthed, then proceed to walk incredibly slowly off and through the streets (infuriating for a man of my long legged pace) and a place where just breathing is like smoking three cigarettes as day.

However, it’s also a fantastic, diverse and unique place. A place where an easy MTR, quick (and cheap) taxi can see you on your way to as good a crag as most in the world for some multi-pitch action.

Or a ferry ride can take you from your island home to another island to spend the day rattling and floating down trails on a bike. I’ve come to learn that the unexpected is the element most needed. Whether it’s an unexpected adventure, an unexpected place or an unexpected adventure in and unexpected place! The last year has have been filled with plenty of the above and once again it’s a little sad to leave. But the next unexpected adventure awaits so time to pick up the snail shell again, join typhoons and great people to head off to the Philippines.

Once again, thanks to all the great people of the last few months here. To those who are on the Philippine bandwagon, let’s get started!