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Duc Le 黎德

@le_winston

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越南裔德國人在香港
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2024 flipped my life upside down. I learned that some things only come with sacrifice. I traded my love for art and photography for a focus on generational wealth. swapping inspiration for ROI. I haven’t shared much since. So let’s catch up. After coming back from Australia, I turned down a corporate opportunity in Switzerland and went into FMCG instead. I always knew I’d eventually leave that path — my gut told me I wasn’t built for the typical corporate life. I wanted something that demanded more real-world skill and initiative than just sitting at a desk. So my dad and I opened an Asian supermarket. When I was asked in a meeting why I opened an Asian supermarket despite my job at a research institution, I simply said, “I was curious.” I think that thirst for trying new things is just embedded in my personality. I want to keep exploring unconventional paths in life. I made my move to Vietnam and Hong Kong. I wanted to be closer to the person I love and gain a deeper understanding of Asian culture. I’ve been learning Mandarin for almost two years now, while also running a business and holding another job at a research institution. I recently started learning Cantonese too. If you’d asked me six years ago whether I’d ever live in Asia and try to learn Mandarin and Cantonese, I would’ve just laughed. All I ever wanted was to be a journalist or a successful content creator. This sudden turn in my life gave me a better understanding of what it means to be Vietnamese, or to come from a Chinese-influenced culture. I understand better what it means to be Western, what it means to provide security, and the meaning behind something as simple as “Have you eaten?” There are still things I can’t fully grasp just yet, but I’m trying my best. I understand that my Western behavior might still be an eyesore to some people. Content creation and music has always been my big passion. I’ve been a passionate photographer since 2012, worked with a few big clients, and invested thousands of euros in expensive glass and cameras. I played the piano even earlier and got the opportunity to perform in one of Germany’s most renowned concert halls. But the passion has died down for s by @le_winston
What I like about life in Asia is finally being anonymous. Not that I don’t want to be identified, but there’s a certain perk to being accepted without being questioned about my cultural heritage. Okay, I don’t look particularly Asian either. A bunch of people have already asked if I’m a “Wasian.” As someone who grew up between Western and Asian cultures, it’s hard to blend in seamlessly anywhere. In Germany, I was always the “Ching Chong kid” who does Kung Fu and has a hidden talent as a human calculator. Here, I’m either 外国人 (foreigner), 鬼佬 (ghost man), or tây (Westerner). It’s not perfect, but it’s better than being boxed in by Western media tropes. And whether it’s the West or the East, it’s still always about the people you meet and whether you’re able to open up. People only accept you if you understand their lives, their stories, and their circumstances. Whether that’s the most right-wing village in East Germany or the most conservative place in Northern Vietnam. Maybe the point was never to find where I belong, but to get comfortable not knowing. 2024 broke something open. Now it is teaching me what to do with it. by @le_winston
The first time I looked out of the airplane window, I was struck by Hong Kong’s geological diversity. From mountain scenery to mesmerizing beaches. This city has everything to impress nature lovers and enthusiastic hikers. Most people know the city for its “old city” vibe, the food, and the skyline. Victoria Peak is certainly impressive, but the other, wilder sides of the city haven’t gotten nearly enough love. From Sai Kung beaches, Kowloon Peak, and Ma On Shan to the countless multi-day treks, there’s so much to discover. Once this humid, sweaty summer is over, I’ll head out to explore more. Btw: is posting just one photo enough to catch your attention nowadays? This is one of my favorite shots, and I’d love to just leave it as it is. #nikonhongkong #suicidecliff #kowloon by @le_winston
I remember when Hong Kong first came across my radar back in 2012. I learned the fundamentals of photography from a channel called DigitalRev TV and watched the presenters of that photography show wander through Hong Kong doing street photography. Since then, I knew that one day I’d travel there to explore its colorful facets. And while the city is vibrant and the weather incredibly sticky and hot, the people always felt untouchable to me. Kind of cold. But it’s not because it’s in their nature or because they’re unfriendly. It’s out of necessity. Life in Hong Kong is hard for most people. Minimum wage sits at an underwhelming HKD$43.1 (~€4.50) per hour. The value of labor is low, while housing prices are probably among the highest in the world. People come across as cold because life is difficult, they want to keep a low profile and focus on getting by. It’s something I had to get used to, but if the coldness doesn’t put you off and you’re willing to get to know people better, you’ll definitely find layers of warmth beneath the cold shell. People are also quite shy about speaking English, many simply aren’t fluent. Speaking good English is seen as a sign of coming from a good household, being well-educated, and generally part of the elite. So next time you meet a cold Hong Kong local and feel offended or ignored, don’t let it get to you. It just means they’re trying to mind their own business. 🎞️ Show on my Contax T2 by @le_winston
Thanks for the heartwarming words and for swiping through my last post. I appreciate the support and the ideas you’ve given me. Until then, I’ll share with you the photos I’ve taken so far and the lessons I’ve learned living abroad. Although I’ve lived abroad for quite some time, I’ve never taken so few photos. I believe it’s because true immersion and traveling to a country just to shoot Insta bangers are two different experiences. by @le_winston
Three months into Asia. Travel isn’t just highlights — it’s learning, unlearning, and sitting with discomfort. I’m beginning to redefine what being Asian means for me. I’m seeing familiar things from new perspectives — things I’ve lived with my whole life, but never truly understood. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. . . . #beautifuldestinations #guangzhou #yongqingfang #nikondach by @le_winston
☁️ Moody season has arrived. As the year winds down, our Vitamin D levels dip, and we find ourselves a year older. What are you doing to lift your spirits? I just booked my flight to Nepal! After a year filled with new learnings and challenges, it’s finally time for another long-distance adventure in an entirely new country. Stay tuned for brand new content 😇 #visitfaroeislands #saksun #nikonfamily by @le_winston
平静黄昏 🌅 One of the few truly calm moments in China. Popular spots like Guilin are usually busy and crowded, but the hike up Laozhai Mountain was quite challenging — especially technically — so it was far less crowded than Xianggong. Would you like to visit China? #china #nikondach #guilin #xingping by @le_winston
The gloomy season is almost over 🌅 These shots were taken only a few minutes away from my campsite. Christchurch might not be the most beautiful city on earth, but it surely has a beautiful and convenient sunrise spot. 🌞 . . . #nikonfamily #christchurch #purenewzealand by @le_winston
🇭🇰 Hong Kong rhymes with… #contaxt2 #cinestill800t #filmisnotdead #grainisgood by @le_winston
Feeling like Peer Gynt in the morning. 🌅 . #nikonfamily #nepal #himalaya by @le_winston
Sixteen months of motion. Little sleep, no pause. At the summit, I remembered — I still have light left. #nikonhongkong #hiking #moodygrams #maonshan by @le_winston

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