May 22, 2023
- Anonymous
After weeks or even months of gloomy, rainy, and weary weather, the sun and blue sky are now starting to appear, improving my mood and spreading positivity everywhere. I am more excited to set my travel plans for the upcoming weekends. The first one on the list would be the upcoming festival in an island. However, this Sunday was just spent somewhere in the city because I had a task to complete.
I went to Central again this Sunday, particularly to office for Filipinos to do something before wandering around the neighborhood. In all honestly, I've been visiting Central for years but never explored the whole capital city yet. Since the location was somewhere at a not-so-familiar street, I took the chance to see what else was ahead of the streets and on the corners.
Tucked behind those skyscrapers was this small green park surrounded by trees, various bushes, and blooming flowers. There were rocks and an artificial water stream on the side. It feels good to see that despite being in the middle of the big city, I can still feel the nature-vibe and see greenery, not just tall modern architecture. That is something I like about Hong Kong.
At the end of it was a footbridge with a scene overlooking this enormous buildings. I can name some of them as they are iconic. The tallest one, for instance, is the IFC building, the second tallest building in Hong Kong.
There were occasionally passing trams. They are among the city's attractions. When you wish to explore Hong Kong's main streets, those are convenient to ride. Additionally, it is more enjoyable to ride on because the fare is less expensive than that of other public transportation. Additionally, a tram's second deck provides a greater spot for photographing metropolitan streets.
I went down the footbridge to cross the pedestrian because I spotted an interesting architecture from the distance that seem to be old and historical. I thought it'll be great to explore the place for my blog.
I was right at all. By looking at its physical features, I can tell that it's a historical place. The backyard has an array of banyan trees which is typical to see across Hong Kong. They are Chinese banyan trees that grow outwardly and enormously. They somewhat serve as shades for passerbys and sanctuaries for birds.
I was excited to explore the place as I thought it was a heritage museum. Many historical buildings here were converted into tourist attractions and museums. Unfortunately, upon reaching the entranceway, I found out that it is closed to the public and it isn't a museum but Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. The reason it is off limits to the public is clear just by its name.
The archway on the side should have been perfect for photoshoots. I remember some photos I saw online taken in this place, so if I am not mistaken, this was open to the public before. It was just closed for some reason.
You might wonder about the title, why is this road closed on Sunday? I'm not referring to Hong Kong's court of final appeal but at the back of it.
This is Chater Road. Because of the overwhelming number of Domestic workers gathering in this area, it become closed every Sunday and public holidays. I should point out that the government is being overly considerate by closing some main roads so that domestic workers can congregate and enjoy their day offs. Every Sunday, other roads in Hong Kong are temporarily closed as well, not just this one.
Every public holiday, this is just a typical scene from the streets of Hong Kong. The majority of the domestic employees along Charter Road are Filipinos. They would typically get together on Sundays with friends and have picnics in parks or even on closed roadways. They can even play their music and move to the beat at any time. So it's more like, there are parties in streets of Hong Kong every holidays.
Many are at the subways, and I am certain that Filipinos here could identify that those people in photos are fellow Filipinos, lol. The public holidays are also their chance to do some what we called rackets or sidelines. Some others offered their services for payment, including massages, pedicures, manicures, brow shaping, and make-up.
Filipinos are very interested in anything that could provide them additional income, decently, for their families back home. They also do it for personal reasons since they send the big percentage of their salaries to their families. In addition, living costs are high in this country, so having side jobs is absolutely beneficial to meet their needs (and desires, lol). And it is the main motivation behind my blogging, haha. I'd prefer to work side gigs online since I can't do what they can offline.
So behind those tall fancy buildings in Central and other parts of Hong Kong are Filipinos and other domestic workers trying to make a living and enjoying their holidays up to their content before returning back to real tough life at the end of the day.
Documenting such story is my way of showing to the world and my co Filipinos how tough OFW life abroad is because many people have this misconception that when you are working abroad, you have a better life. Unbeknownst to them, we are those experiencing all kinds of difficulties while some families abroad are just lavishly spending the fruit of our labor, lol.
We must therefore learn how to balance work and life while working abroad in order to avoid sinking into the deep well of stress and depression. And to enjoy the little break before returning to reality, we gather with friends, have fun, and travel. And sometimes, it isn't bad to self indulge because we deserve it.
That's all for today. Happy new week everyone and to all Filipinos abroad!
Thanks for stopping by.
(All photos are mine)
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