This blog was written a few weeks back but technical issues occurred... In one of the most technically connected cities in the world.
Being in Hong Kong is an experience I can't truly understand yet. It's a city where there is a very fast- paced modern feel that won’t let go of its traditional roots. It's as if they are constantly clashing. However for the tourist you can experience both if you choose to. It's a place for elite professional shoppers to get the new pajama style work suit (actually saw this being modeled). It's also a place where you can sit in an open air food court just off the street and eat some authentic dishes. We did this once and because the options were not in English, we ended up choosing some random dishes. We got a cooked chicken with the head still on apparently meant to be eaten, some mushed fish stuff and beef noodles. Overall I couldn't call it a gamble that really paid off!
I find big cities curious, but the hustle and bustle a bit tiring. If you're in Central then you have to keep pace otherwise you might get swept up. If you stop for a minute, it’s pretty hard to hear yourself think, things have to get done and if they don’t, then you need to move a little bit faster. Just like London, it's a rush in and out on the tube, people don't even wait for the passengers getting off the train. You get used to this and it's just another part of living in a well-functioning, densely populated city. You take it on the chin, I neither love it nor hate it.
The craziness of the city, the buzz... It's all very exciting but can be seriously overwhelming. I remember our second day here, me and Michael took a trip to look around parts of Central. I felt like a complete stranger who was hopelessly lost in a city full of people knowing exactly how to operate it. We sought out a pier so we could stop and make sense of it all. It was startling how money drives this place, but is it a root to happiness? Big brands shoved in your face, it gave me a headache. Bearing in mind this was after we were seriously jet lagged and not much positivity exuding from the pair of us. Coming from the remoteness of Uganda, it all seemed like a lot to take in. You have to catch your breath, in Hong Kong you can suffocate in the relentless heat and energy.
It took a while but, once we settled here, I could start to appreciate the city for all it has to offer. Now I can enjoy the city because each time I experience it, there is something new that captures the imagination; it's certainly full of texture. It’s a maze of brightly lit streets with dark but enticing alleyways that keep you connected to the sprawling vibrancy. Your head is constantly being turned as you don't want to miss anything at all. For me, staying away from the shopping malls is my number one priority. It's partly random where our opportunities in life take us and here I am in Hong Kong. Why Not? There is so much to do! It's great, but only if you put your mind to it.
In Uganda I saw people expressing themselves with football, like an art similar to music and dance for example. Football gives the opportunity for anyone to be creative, so that enjoyment becomes a bi-product that can be boundless whilst playing. In Hong Kong, it seems more structured, topics for every aspect of technique and team work. I agree, technique should be taught but I also feel more freedom should be allowed. Fun games, that can incorporate everyone moving, getting confident on the ball, but most importantly discovering new possibilities.
Even playing in my first 7 a-side match here I was told constantly to just play it simple, pass the ball and don't do anything risky. Well surely there can be more fun with risk? Anyway, everyone knows winning 5-3 is more exciting than a well thought out 1-0.
Coaching has been enjoyable and certainly varied. We have sessions in five different districts, with the astro pitches either engulfed by high rise buildings or with a back drop of looming and often misty hilly peaks. Being able to coach four different age groups also stretches our coaching tool box, but this is good as it poses more challenges. It’s still a fantastic experience to execute a well-planned out session, when you and the kids are both feeling motivated. Here's to many more of those!
Strolling round the city and getting lost in a maze of brightly lit streets is exciting… in small doses. Thankfully, Hong Kong offers alternatives to this. The other day I went on a hike and discovered much beauty and peacefulness away from the crowds. A feeling of enjoyable flow in movement and thought came over me as I walked the tree covered hill called Dragon’s Back. This feeling certainly put my impressions of Hong Kong into a much more positive perspective. I love how the natural surroundings of Hong Kong compliment the fast pulse of Central. Around 75% of Hong Kong is made up of these natural landscapes. You would ruin your experience here if you neglected it. I'm thankful that Michael (our main coordinator in Hong Kong) also prefers these outdoor activities. He is also probably the only person in Hong Kong to ride a bike.
Now I'm off to watch the Euros- Espana V Czech Republic at our local across the road.