Maobitou Park, kenting

When Mother Nature can't decide between being a sculptor or a painter.

After marveling at the cliffs, I decided to follow the pathway that seemed to promise an even closer encounter with the edge. You know, because standing at a safe distance and appreciating the view like a sane person just wasn’t thrilling enough. The pathway, lined with a modest railing, felt like it was leading me to the world's most scenic daredevil act. Each step brought me closer to the roaring symphony of waves crashing against the rocks below. The sound was both intimidating and oddly soothing, like nature’s way of saying, 'I could crush you, but I choose not to.' It’s a humbling reminder that while we humans like to think we’re in control, the elements have their own agenda. I passed a few fellow adventurers along the way, each lost in their own thoughts, or perhaps just trying to get that perfect Instagram shot. One guy was precariously perched on a rock, striking a pose that screamed both 'Look at me!' and 'Send help!' at the same time. Ah, the lengths we go to for social media validation. As I reached the end of the pathway, the view opened up even more. The ocean stretched out endlessly, a deep blue canvas dotted with whitecaps. The cliffs, rugged and unyielding, stood as silent sentinels guarding the shore. It was a scene that made you want to take a deep breath and just be. Or, if you’re like me, take a deep breath and then immediately wonder if it’s time for lunch. Standing there, with the wind whipping through my hair and the sun warming my face, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. Or maybe it was just the realization that I was far away from the chaos of everyday life. Either way, it was a win. But of course, no moment of tranquility is complete without a minor panic attack. As I leaned in to get a better view, my phone slipped from my grip and did a dramatic dive towards the rocks below. It landed, miraculously, on a ledge just out of reach. Great. Now I was faced with the classic dilemma: risk life and limb to retrieve it, or accept my fate and live phoneless for the rest of the trip. Spoiler alert: I chose life. But not before contemplating every possible way to MacGyver my way down there. So, with one last look at the breathtaking view (and a silent goodbye to my phone), I turned back towards the safety of the main path. After all, adventures are fun, but surviving them is even better.