Jan 15, 2017 – [Sunday] WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Ambience

Hong Kong, China, taken on December 31, 2016

Hong Kong is a wonderful place to travel, but it’s easy to get weary from the extremely fast pace of the city. On new year’s eve, I hopped on a mini-bus in Causeway Bay, one of the busiest areas of Hong Kong, and in 20 minutes arrived at Stanley, a touristy but much quieter place to enjoy my evening. The ambience of the entire place made me feel relaxed and I almost thought I wasn’t in Hong Kong anymore. Combined with a gorgeous sunset and magnificent night views, it was a perfect end to my 2016.

Jan 08, 2017 – [Sunday] WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Names

Montreal, Canada, taken on May 17, 2016

I’ve had several names growing up. Zhe, meaning “philosophy” or “wisdom” in Chinese, is my native and official name, though I go by Annie in everyday life. To avoid (or add?) confusion I sometimes go with “Zhe Annie” or “Annie Zhe” on paper. At the World Biomaterials Congress last year I had to wear a name tag that showed who I was, where I was from, and what I did, and I was…Zhe Annie, though please, just call me Annie.

Jan 01, 2017 – [Sunday] WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Resilient

Toronto, Canada, taken on October 13, 2015

Salmons are resilient creatures as they must swim upstream against violent currents to spawn. While strolling along the Don River with my dad one autumn day we saw HUGE salmons in the river, jumping fiercely against the current but failing to reach the high point time after time. Then after a few minutes, they tried again, failed again, and prepared again to continue trying. Keep going, buddies!

Dec 25, 2016 – [Sunday] WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Path

Badaling Great Wall, China, taken on December 9, 2016

Before this year, I had been to the Great Wall of China twice, in 1995 and 2004 (I don’t remember the latter but my dad insisted that we did go). This current extended China trip had to include my third visit because I wanted to experience the Great Wall at least once as a grown adult, how ever touristy it may be. The path of the Badaling Great Wall was at times rather steep and difficult to climb, but that didn’t stop the many (already very few compared to holidays!) people that were determined to conquer this section. Life sometimes takes you towards unexpected roads that take stamina and perseverance to conquer, and sometimes you’re going to need a rest. Just take a break and when you’re ready, charge on again! The rewards is in sight!

Dec 18, 2016 – [Sunday] WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Anticipation

St. Andrews, Scotland, taken on November 26, 2016

Anticipation is a form of motivation that drives me to go forward and gives me hope for a better tomorrow. There is always something that I am anticipating, making me feel that I am alive and that my heart is beating. Last month, I saw the most beautiful clouds after a sunset in St. Andrews with a dear friend. Though I am not sure when I will see him again, I am sure that I will, and I am already looking forward to the next visit. And that is the anticipation that keeps me optimistic until the reunion 🙂