Excerpt from ” The Mountain Breathes” by James Jackman

Photographs by Carson Sanders

” The Mountain was angry that day my friends. The rocks proved weak as we grasped them to pull ourselves higher up the steep incline. The gravel and sand beneath our feet caused us to slip and slide as we slowly trekked up towards the top. This slipping and sliding may have also been caused by our lack of proper footwear. I think Carson was the only one that was actually wearing some sort of athletic shoes. We eventually made it to a large flat landing surrounded by enormous boulders that were bigger than any rock I had ever seen before. This is where we would eat lunch. Sitting on top of the boulders looking out over the mountain and the climb that we had just completed was extremely rewarding. Looking up towards the rest of the mountain that we would soon be climbing was much more stressful. We enjoyed the packed sandwiches and chips. Washed the meal down with various flavors of tea and sports drinks. By the time we had completed lunch it was 2pm. 4 hours in and we still had at least another 4 hours to go. Water was running low as only myself and Carson packed full water bottles, each person was suppost to bring their own. Mike and Taylor stripped off their shirts in order to get some sun. Carson and I followed suite and we started our long climb to the top. The sun was blazing down and the heat felt surprisingly nice on my back as I faced the mountain and continued to climb. Carson led the way for the most part, sometimes getting so far ahead that he was able to stop and take breaks as he waited for the rest of us to catch up.”

Below are various photographs that I have not posted in the other district posts. Taken as I explore HK with my good friends. I will never forget the memories that have been made here over the last few months.

Tin Hau is not a formal district but only an area called by some HK citizens. To be more formal in indicating areas of causeway bay which is near to the MTR station, Causeway Bay  is used.Most definitions of Tin Hau include areas in southeastern Causeway Bay, Hong Kong surrounding the MTR Tin HauStation, so named due to its proximity to the Causeway Bay Tin Hau Temple. The term Tin Hau is also used to describe places like Queen’s College and the Central library and the causeway bay sports ground which is located in the wan chai district. Several government offices and facilities such as Causeway Bay Market are located there.

Scanned memories is a project that I first started during my trip to Hong Kong in the fall of 2011. I made high-res scans of my favorite candies, treats, and snacks. I am working to compile images from that trip, and this trip, into one publication titled “Sweet Tooth”

Below are selected images that I have made during my second trip to HK (Jan-Mar 2013)

Below is a collection of writings that I have made during my second trip to Hong Kong. Some are positive, some are negative. They reflect the feelings and emotions that I have had while in this magical place. Going home to America is bittersweet to say the least.

Gold Coast is the home of the SCAD dorms in Hong Kong. I consider this close to a 5 star resort. The landscaping is fresh everyday. Ladies watering the flowers keeps them beautiful every single day. The sauna and steam room is a daily routine and the maids come every wednesday and saturday. I love this place. It does not feel like I am in school. I feel like I am on vacation as I soak in the steam room and then take a dip in the heated pool. America is great and I cant wait to get back. But I will miss Gold Coast and the many luxuries that we have here. Full time SCAD students are very fortunate to have a place like Gold Coast to call home.

Gold Coast is the home of the SCAD dorms in Hong Kong. I consider this close to a 5 star resort. The landscaping is fresh everyday. Ladies watering the flowers keeps them beautiful every single day. The sauna and steam room is a daily routine and the maids come every wednesday and saturday. I love this place. It does not feel like I am in school. I feel like I am on vacation as I soak in the steam room and then take a dip in the heated pool. America is great and I cant wait to get back. But I will miss Gold Coast and the many luxuries that we have here. Full time SCAD students are very fortunate to have a place like Gold Coast to call home.

Quarry Bay is located on the Island line on Hong Kong Island. Over the past 2 decades, Quarry Bay has become known as one of the most popular commercial districts in Hong Kong. This area is densely packed with large factory buildings, as well as high rise residential properties of all kinds. Construction seems to constantly be taking place here. There is always a road in need of repair, pipes needing to be replaced, or new buildings quickly filling up the small amount of undeveloped space that is left.

Tuen Mun is located in the New Territories and is where SCAD housing is located. This district is large and is mostly undeveloped. Surrounded by water and mountains, this district is very beautiful and offers many activities including hiking, swimming, and biking. I have spent many days exploring Tuen Mun and the surrounding areas. My favorite place to explore is the Reservoir located near the SCAD dorms. Many hiking and jogging trails wind through the hills that lead up to the reservoir. I have taken some of my favorite photographs here.

Yuen Long is located off of the light rail system in Hong Kong. This area is very widely spread out. No tourists, locals only. I felt like an alien as I walked through this district with my camera. It seemed as if most residents here had not seen a westerner in a very long time. The food in this district is delicious. Many small local restaurants are serving up fresh food on the street and when I sat down the owners were happy to serve my friends and I. Fresh noodles and veggies that were most likely purchased just across the street at the large outdoor markets. I will be returning to Tai Po for many more adventures and whenever I feel like escaping the tourists in Hong Kong.

Tai Po is located in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It is very far away from Central and other popular parts of Hong Kong. You will not find many tourists here. In Fact, I didnt see a single other weterner or other foreigner while exploring this district. The districts is large and spread out, as are most areas in the New Territories. Parts of the district are densely packed with factory buildings, other parts are widely spread out with large houses and mansions occupying the land. Shopping is very popular here just like the rest of the country. Tai Po Mega Mall is one of the largest malls I have ever been in. I got lost exploring the different sections of the mall.