1/10/18:
Today, we explored a 500-year old walled village year 元朗. Having only travelled for about 20 minutes, I was surprised at the stark difference in environment between the relatively modernized area I’m living in and the dilapidated buildings that compose the walled village. The red paper taped on doorways for good fortune and clothes hung out to dry reminded me of the villages I used to visit growing up in China. Every lecturer we’ve had so far has described Hong Kong as a city of opportunity and ambition, where people come to make their dreams a reality. This ambition can cause dreamers to become rushed and aloof. But here, in this remote part of Hong Kong, I experienced a completely different feeling, one that I can best describe as simple. Yes, this place is simple, but it’s idyllic and I can see why some people prefer this lifestyle over the one only a few train stops away.
