What were the most memorable moments in your life?
Most of us have long forgotten the notion of tranquility. Like machines, we wake up to our alarms every morning and head to work. We intake sustenance to keep our body moving throughout the day like a drone needing to recharge before going back on the assembly line.
When was the last time we closed our eyes to think about what we wanted?
The age of technology got us glued to our monitors so that we can keep telling ourselves this is the way to success. We convince ourselves that we don't have enough time because we don't know any better.
The value of time can only be measured by who uses it. So what if I tell you there is a way to stop time? Unlike the busy streets of New York or the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, this is the city of reminiscence, Hangzhou.
Why reminiscence?
It is an intriguing way to describe a city, but probably the most accurate. It's not because there is a long history, nor is it because of some famous events. It is because it's a city that stood still in peoples' hearts. Unlike the towering skyscrapers of other cities, this is a place encompassed by mother nature. On one half we have the busy streets of a metropolis, and the other is hiking trails traversing the whole mountain range. When the winter night falls upon the city, it turns into a scenery out of the movie.
Innovations aren't made overnight and staring at the same screen night and day doesn't help either. Put everything on pause and hop on a boat into West Lake. Close those exhausted eyelids and take a deep breath. Let the cold air fill those lungs and exhale slowly while opening those eyes. Remember, "life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." - Søren Kierkegaard
Most have never heard of Hangzhou, and it's only best described as "somewhere near Shanghai." Though far from the truth, it's enough for people who have never been to China to relate. People wonder why we chose Hangzhou as our new destination; think of the Renaissance, now think of Hangzhou. This is a city of literature and science.
“Art aims to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
– Aristotle
Couldn't we say the same about science? We research because we are curious, and we publish because we want to express. The publication is our form of art and its significance is building a future. Like many famous artists such as Picasso, its true value is only seen after his or her passing. History has a way for us to remember the greats but never for who they are but for what they did.
Hangzhou is a unique city. Its pace is much slower compared to the City of London. It gives people the opportunity to hit the pause button and relax. When frustrated, take a walk around West Lake. Look towards the lake and find its perfect reflection of mother nature. Science is never too late or too early, it's only ready when you are.
This is Hangzhou, a city stopped in time. It is never too late to pursue our dreams and in this amazing city we hope that it will be a reminiscence of our success. Dreams are meant to be chased and “it is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” – Gabriel García Márquez