#5: Light

Few of us remember when we first saw the light of day. How does our relationship with light develop from there?

«I am sorry, but there is no such thing as darkness in Hong Kong?»

We had just landed in our new home town and prepared ourselves for our first night after a 12 hours flight. Our two children couldn’t tell day from night. They certainly didn’t behave as if it was night.

So I went to see the concierge at the hotel lobby. Which direction would I have to push the pram with my 1 year old son lounging in it? I was looking for a dark corner so that he would fall asleep.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Hong Kong is the city that doesn’t go dark. Hong Kong hasn’t been named the world’s worst city for light pollution for no reason. Spotlights and LED billboards are everywhere.

I now live in a small village of 2,000 souls, where street lights are turned off after midnight. Ruggell has even been awarded the European Energy Gold Award for its consistent contribution to climate protection over many years. Not trying to downplay the significance of our contribution to saving the planet, I do appreciate the possibility to experience darkness from time to time.

I love darkness.

It always takes a few minutes.

But my eyes adapt.

I can see.

In darkness.

Which is enlightening.