Three whole weeks of no computers, no phones ringing, no emails... coupled with some gorgeous beaches in Thailand and the super fun chaos of Hong Kong... it was gorgeous. We caught up with some very special friends and and saw some incredible things - both disturbing and beautiful. There was so many things to be in awe of and as many things that broke my heart. Taking a walk down the streets that specialize in peddling deer feotuses, shark fins and the like is nothing short of disturbing and upsetting. To see shop after shop stocked full with thousands of shark fins is a sight I am thankfully not used to seeing on a daily basis. Dave had just come back from the Great Barrier Reef where he had been educating students in marine conservation for three weeks so it was especially raw for him. We aren't at all naive to not realize that at the core of humanity is a rugged fight for survival, but to have it there smacking you in the face really hits a nerve. The picture here is from Getty images, but it's identical to what lines the shelves of hundreds of stores through Hong Kong. If you wish to read more about the tragedies surrounding the harvesting of shark fins you can do so here.
Despite the complete disregard for animal welfare in Hong Kong and the overwhelming poverty that lines the streets of Thailand, there were many, many positives. We met so many beautiful local people who smile so brightly in the face of adversity, and were able to experience some truly serene landscapes and fascinating history and culture. And of course, the best part was some down time with the cutest boy in the world, Dave. Now it's back to work, and with some big things on the horizon, I'm going to be one busy little lady xxx