#OccupyHK: The Umbrella Revolution 2014

WARNING!

The following images and/or content may cause 

clashing views and opinions of some viewers.

The sole purpose of this post is to allow viewers to follow the situation from our eyes.

Viewer discretion is advised due to content and possible offensive language. 

This post is collectively written by Sohgail and I.

Somewhere between late September and early October, Sohgail and I went on a vacation to Hong Kong during our study break from school. The last time I went to Hong Kong was at least 5 years ago and I can't really remember how was it like or what I liked about that place. So being all spontaneous, we booked a flight out of our sunny island...

... to another sunny island.

A more elaborate post for the 'MUST-GO' and 'MUST-EAT' places will materialise in the near future.  When we are less busy from school work, quizzes and assignments. For now, it would just be the experiences and state of the demonstrations we witnessed in Hong Kong.

Some may say I've travelled to Hong Kong at the wrong time, but to me, seeing history unfold before my eyes is unique. We were there for a week and I was able to photograph the contrast before and after the protest was brought to the streets. 

As you all may know, Hong Kong has been under the rule of China since 1997 and part of the residents are unhappy with the way they are treated(with regards to voting rights and autonomy). 

The following images were taken before the protestors took over the major roads in Hong Kong.

Trolleybus, Hong Kong 2014

Busy streets of Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 2014

Jardine's Crescent, Hong Kong 2014

Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 2014

Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 2014

Causeway Bay after night fall, Hong Kong 2014

Images shown from here were actual events that took place in Hong Kong during our trip. The people called themselves the 'Umbrella Revolution' and you can spot them distinctively by the umbrellas they used to shelter themselves from the sun and rain (and also tear gas) as they stood on the roads for days and nights. 

They occupied the major areas in Hong Kong like Central, Admiralty and Mongkok while a state of negotiations took place with the government. We were fortunate as we did not encounter any violent moments and even spotted many voluntary work and charity taking place at the venues. Many protestors took the initiative to collect rations, sort out recycle materials and trash, and even offering muffins to children.

HK National TV, 1st October, Hong Kong 2014

Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 2014 

Rubbish?, Hong Kong 2014

It started out with peaceful protestors' rallies...

 

Residents sharing their opinions, Hong Kong 2014

Then roads were blocked...

Empty streets, Hong Kong 2014

New way of using bins, Hong Kong 2014

Flyovers were left vacant, Hong Kong 2014

Support groups came...

Preparation against tear gas, Hong Kong 2014

Supplies free for all, Hong Kong 2014

Free muffins, Hong Kong 2014

Support headquarters, Hong Kong 2014

Distributing yellow ribbons, Hong Kong 2014

Little girl collecting trash with her mom, Hong Kong 2014

The masses came... 

'X' marks the spot to avoid, Hong Kong 2014

Shops were closed, Hong Kong 2014

"Keep cool" service, Hong Kong 2014

Stranded buses, Hong Kong 2014

 

Peace. Calm., Hong Kong 2014

Medicated patch believed to relief heat, Hong Kong 2014

 

Media came along...

HK Mafia also came...

Using trucks to block the road, Hong Kong 2014

Tourists too... 

 At locations that were taken over by protesters you could easily spot umbrellas, food and water supplies, tourists with huge cameras, medias with even larger cameras and not forgetting quotes pasted everywhere.

Protesting messages everywhere, Hong Kong 2014

I <3 HK?, Hong Kong 2014

#OccupyHK, Hong Kong 2014

#OccupyHK, Hong Kong 2014

Apologising for the inconvenience, Hong Kong 2014

Support from elsewhere, Hong Kong 2014

Not forgetting the bulk of the protestors who are students...

Meanwhile, amidst all the commotion and protesting, 

we spotted a scene very much like our own Lucky Plaza.

Young at heart, Hong Kong 2014

Disclaimer: Our sole purpose was to capture moments we thought were history unfolding in front of us and sharing with it everyone so you guys can feel like you were there with us (without the risk, sweat and sunburn). Do stay tuned for our more light-hearted (we hope) posts on where to eat and where to go during your stay in Hong Kong and Macau!

All photos belong to me and are copyright. Do not repost or share without permission.

Check out www.projectweekends.com, Singapore's One-stop lifestyle portal.

Till next time...

Jem