Loving Hong Kong on China's National Day (Photo-essay)

I spent time today -- day four of Occupy Central Hong Kong (which also happens to be China's National Day) -- in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Admiralty, Central, Mongkok and Tsim Sha Tsui -- all areas, together with Sheung Shui, that currently are home to pro-democracy and anti-government protests by Hong Kongers.  

Early in the afternoon, I met a friend in Causeway Bay who asked me, "can you smell something in the air?" -- and before I could answer, proceeded to tell me, "It's the smell of freedom!"  

Other things that were discernible out there today: the goodwill, fellow feeling and largesse of protestors -- members of whom variously offered me yellow ribbons, bottles of water, towels, packets of biscuits and candy; the quiet determination of people who were there to be counted (upon); and the resolve to ensure that the protests would stay civil and good natured in a way that is characteristic of Hong Kong pro-democracy demonstrations.  

As I trust the following photos will help show, I also saw Hong Kong as I had never seen it before -- with some sections of roads full of people and other stretches of roads (access to which have been blocked) eerily empty, of people along with vehicles.  In any case, what is clear is this: people power is being enacted -- and it's an absolutely beautiful thing to see.

Lots of people were out in Causeway Bay in front of Sogo 

-- and not many of them were there to shop!

 This was a day when one could walk without fear

of being struck down by a vehicle along long stretches

of normally majorly trafficked streets

  Wan Chai as few people have ever seen it before!

A sign erected near the Central Government Complex in Tamar

that expresses what (hundreds of) thousands of Hong Kongers feel

 Umbrellas are -- of course -- among the items being

proferred to whoever wants them at supply stations

set up at various points in the protest areas

In Mongkok, anyone who wants to have a say gets 

two minutes to do so -- and an audience that politely listens

Outlets exist too for those who wish to express their feelings

by way of writing -- and in whatever language they wish 

Barricade in Tsim Sha Tsui -- but people (mainly mainlanders

from what I could observe) were free to shop in the stores on 

either side of the road if they so pleased