4.19.2003
Despite what many people may think of Hong Kong, there is actually a fair amount of green space in the city's centre near the Peak and of course in the New Territories. One of the most beautiful places to go to is the aviary within Hong Kong park. I walked under the green netting that forms the bird cage suspended high above the tropical trees to see some beautiful birds flying around us, perched on boughs of the trees, or solemnly looking back at us from the edges of the wooden walkway that curves through the trees they roost in. I could see the skyline formed by the towering office blocks around the Bank of China Tower in the horizon.
"It's beautiful," I said to my companion.
"Mm," he agreed, "but it's sad they are still trapped underneath the netting."
I felt my musings on the amazing juxtaposition of nature against cityscape had been a bit anthrocentric.
But this is Hong Kong - a big, brash place which is unapologetically 'city'. If I really thought about it, I would have to walk everywhere instead of taking the well-air conditioned taxis which are so abundant here for HK$15. I do try to avoid using the air conditioning at home, though.
All the same, I do feel a pang of guilt knowing my contribution to spoiling this planet. So I have dug up this link - 22nd April is Earth Day. Please spend a moment at least thinking about the havoc you may be wreaking on your environment. Or better still, consider the errors of your ways and change them!
What is your ecological footprint?