THE DREAM IN ACTION

“It seemed an advantage to be traveling alone. Our responses to the world are crucially molded by the company we keep, for we temper our curiosity to fit in with the expectations of others. They may have particular visions of who we are and hence may subtly prevent certain sides of us from emerging… Being closely observed by a companion can also inhibit our observation of others; then, too, we may become caught up in adjusting ourselves to the companions questions and remarks, or feel the need to make ourselves seem more normal than is good for our curiosity.”
–Alain de Botton, The Art of Travel, (2002)

These words of Alain de Bottom couldn’t be more true of my last day in Hong Kong. This day, the crew decided to split up again. I decided to avoid taking the more traditional tram to the Hong Kong International airport over on Lantau Island. This tram (that we took into town) cost $100HK and took about 40 minutes time. I decided on the more adventurous journey… to take a ferry from Hong Kong Island to the rural town of  Mui Wo (on Lantau Island), then the bus to the airport (so I thought). Plus I planned to see the huge Buddah on Lantaue before my trip to the airport (again, so I thought).

On the ferry I met some Brits on Honeymoon and exchanged engagement sentiments, always fun to relate with foreigners from the west when submerged in the east. In my Fodor’s travel book of China, it stated the ferry should last about 25 minutes. It totaled near 45. Then when I arrived in Mai Wo there was about 80% less English on signs and buildings than on HK island. This turned out to be an issue. I found out via the Brits that there was no way I would make the bus to the Buddah and back, and still make my 19:30 flight, so plans changed for the first time.

The airport bus directly from Mui Wo was supposed to arrive at 16:20. At 17:00 it wasn’t there and the first bit of worry that I was going to miss my flight crept in to my head. I’m sure you’ve experienced the feeling of missing a flight, let me just tell you, it’s worse when you’re in China and don’t understand a damn thing people are saying.

I decided with the help of an English speaking American/Chinese backpacker that I should take a bus to Tang  Tung then make a transfer to the airport. Again, this means I have to read more signs and introduce more variables into making my flight. Not good.

As I was getting onto the bus to Tang Tung I had no idea of the price. I stood at the entry for a full minute trying to make out the fare of the ride until the entire bus just got fed up with my non-Chinese shinanigans and began yelling. I figure I’m the luckiest human alive because right about that moment, an English speaking South African “bloke” walked in behind me paid my fare and said he would explain the route to me for the rest of the trip.

I followed the South Africans directions to a T and found myself arriving at the airport with about 40 minutes to spair before my flight. As I was checking in I had a grin from ear to ear. I was worried much of the afternoon about missing my flight out of Hong Kong but as I realized that I was fine, I had time to reflect on how much fun I had blazing the path on my own! Traveling in this environment solo has got to be one of the most fun experiences I’ve had. 

As I finish writing this post, I’m sitting in my hotel in Shanghai. Much more to come from Shanghai soon. Be well.