Thank you, Asia "Stairs" (61 days left)

 I suppose a blog about stairs sounds like a silly thing.  But I will say that each summer we have been home, I have noticed how my stair climbing goes way down.  It's not that I like it very much, but I do know it is good for me. . . 

so much so that when we lived in Korea there were several weeks that I only used the stairs to get to our 15th floor flat.  At the time I was a part of a "biggest loser" challenge with other staff members.  That was tough!  At first I could walk up five flight before getting winded, then eight, the 10, and finally I could make it the whole way without stopping.  I couldn't do that today! (See blog "My old nemesis: stairs" from Nov. 5, 2011 for more.)

Goodmorning Hill apartments - all 25 stories tall.

However, since living in Hong Kong I have completed what I perceive to be a huge stair challenge: The Twins.  There is a hike here with beautiful views that crests twin peaks.  To get to the top of the first, rumor has it that it is a 1000 stair climb.  I didn't count them, but it certainly challenged me big time!  Once at the peak of the first mountain, there was no view!  It turns out you must go down a bit and then up MORE STAIRS to get to the view.  I managed to do it once.  (Others "run the Twins" weekly or more.)

A not-so-flattering selfie while climbing the stairs of the Twins

And that's not all to the stairs.  At both KIS and HKIS there were stairs to climb on the campuses.  I believe I was on the fourth floor at KIS.  Here, my classroom is on the 7th (but only two floors above the main 5th floor).  However, if and when one has a class in the "dungeons" - that is the first floor - and then has a class on the 7th or 8th floor. . . well, you certainly get a workout.  In the case of our students, there are times when they go down to the field and then up to classrooms; that involves about 15 stories to climb.  

Adam on the HKIS high school stairs

The middle school stairwell

Some of the steps from the field to the HS

So, too, the city itself is replete with stairs.  So if you are out and about just walking around the city, you are almost guaranteed to climb some stairs.  Sometimes they are quite interesting.  All are unique.  Also, there are certain apartment buildings built several decades ago that are six stories with no elevator.  Imagine living there - lugging your young child, your groceries, or yourself on crutches.  

out and about in HK

Photo credit: Russell R.

Photo Credit: Russell R.

Steps to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island

At the Lion King entrance

In Macau 

In Central, HK walking district (more stairs)

Perhaps I am not completely thankful for stairs in Asia, but in the end, they have done more good than harm and have led to many amazing views.  

Stairs from the catchment to Tai Tam Country Park

Photos by © Brenda Brayko.  All rights reserved.