My expectations of Hong Kong did not include much in the way of natural beauty. I was pleasantly surprised to discover, however, that there is a very green presence within the density of the built environment. There are lovely landscaped parks dotted throughout the city as well as incredible country parks seconds from the central business district. I was most surprised to find that the city is well planted with trees.

Some of the more incredible trees can be found clinging, almost defiantly, to stone retaining walls. Through the smallest opening in a masonry wall, life will spring; the weather seems to be quite favorable for spontaneous growth. In a city that is sometimes depressingly gloomy with smog, it is amazing to discover that you are surrounded by so much green.

-Liz