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Dialogue in the Dark

Dialogue in the Dark 1

Dialogue in the Dark

What it is all about

Dialogue in the Dark offers the Hongkong tourist a travel experience like no other. It is a 75-minute walking journey through a room that closely simulates the streets of Hong Kong, but in total darkness, and led by blind guides. The concept started in Germany, with the hope of promoting public awareness, and the goal of inclusion for the visually impaired.

There is a maximum of 8 people per tour, we were 6 in ours, which I feel is a good number. Before the tour began, we were asked to put all our valuables in the locker. We couldn’t take anything inside except for HKD10, which was to be used for a segment of the tour. We were also handed a cane.

The Experience

Admittedly, I had no expectations when I arranged for this tour. I found the concept interesting and since I had seen the realistic Hong Kong sights many times in the past, I wanted to give this simulation a shot. In my mind, I had thought that “my eyes would simply adjust to the dark” as they usually do, but I was wrong, they never did. I could not see anything at all. We were led through the entire labyrinth only by the voice of our guide, Daniel.

As our tour began, were led “outside” where we could smell the pine trees, feel our feet against the grass/soil, touch the moist leaves of a tree, and hear the birds chirping. When our guide asked us where we thought we were, everyone chorused, “At the park!”. With that, he started hitting on a large wooden thing and asked us what we thought it was. We all surmised it was a bench, and all of us took turns assisting each other take a seat. As each one maneuvers in the dark, with only a cane and a voice in the darkness as guides, it is highly likely for you to bump into each other. I didn’t mind this at all; it was part of the experience.

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After the “outdoors”, we were led to cross “Victoria Harbour” aboard a “ferry”. We were guided to “embark”, going down a ramp and finding our seats in the dark. Then, the engine started, and strong winds blew in our faces. It was a refreshing experience. I had just done this boat ride a day before, the real one of course, and I was mesmerized by the vibrance and the energy of the harbor. Now, in total darkness, I learned to appreciate the feel of the wind and the sound of the other ferries as they passed each other by.

After the “ferry ride”, we had to cross the street. That familiar ticking sound of the Hong Kong pedestrian stop lights helped us to know when to go or not to go. That ticking sound which seemed to annoy me when I was above ground, proved to be of great importance to the visually impaired. This became an eye-opener for me, no pun intended.

 

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We were led to the town’s local “stores” and the “market”, where we had to name what we were shopping for. We were using our hands, trying to guess the different grocery items. The surroundings seemed noisy, like people were talking and engaging with each other. I grabbed something circular which I knew to be an orange, followed by an apple. I was in the fruits section. Others identified pasta, canned goods, rice and some local Chinese delicacies.

Then we were led to the “cinema”. We all had to find our own seats, with the help of the guide. We used our hands to touch the walls, to make sure we knew what was in front of us.  I guess, for the visually impaired, staying close to walls and hand rails is a lot safer than being in the middle.  At that point, I was beginning to wonder how a blind person could appreciate a movie. The music started playing, and here we were, so relaxed on what felt like lazy boy chairs. We let our imagination soar and made up stories in our heads. There were no dialogues in this film, just music. After, our guide asked us after what we thought the movie was about, and though our views differed, we all had answers.

The final segment of the tour was a “café” or a “restaurant”. We were all led to a bar where we had to purchase drinks of our choosing. (This is where you use your $10) I took the milk tea; others bought Coke or juice. Then we sat ourselves down.

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This was when the guide divulged that he was actually blind, and he shared his story of how he lost his sight.  Everyone in the group shared their learnings.  I, for one, found it an overwhelming experience to rely on my other senses other than my sight.

Dialogue in the Dark is truly a remarkable and enlightening experience that leaves you richer and more aware of your surroundings. I definitely recommend it and urge you all to try.

Note : Pictures are put for representation only as pictures are not allowed inside

Note: Not for those afraid of the dark and the claustrophobic. Also, refrain from using neon or light emitting clothing and shoes.

The Details

Address: 2樓215鋪, Nob Hill Square, Mei Foo Sun Chuen, Hong Kong

Website: http://www.dialogue-experience.com.hk/

Facebook: https://www.face book.com/DiDHK

Ticketing:

 

Weekdays (Tur to Fri) Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
Adult  $160 $180
Concessionary

·         Full-time student (Local and overseas)

·         Elderly (aged 60 or above)

·         Adult birthday month discount

·         People with disabilities

$80 $90

 

Opening Hours
Tue – Sun & Public Holidays: 10:00am – 7:30 pm
*Closed on Mondays

How to Get There:

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Mei Foo Exit G

Mei Foo Exit C1

This was really useful, we used it to lead us to the place itself.

79 thoughts on “Dialogue in the Dark

  1. The Dialogue in the Dark sounds like an interesting experience. I’m not sure if I’d try it – but I’ll have some time to think about this until I’ll be there.

  2. I’ve read about Dialogue in the Dark a couple of months ago from a local blogger there in HK and found it quite intriguing. Hope they make a similar attraction here in Manila soon!

  3. I think I saw a place like this in Hamburg last year. I didn’t get to go as I was only there for a quick weekend but I had heard very good things about it. It looks like it is spreading around the world too.

  4. This sounds so intriguing, and ironically I just read an article a few weeks ago about the one in Germany! Crazy, seems like something everyone should experience at least once?

  5. What an interesting experience and such a great way to not only appreciate a new city but gain a new respect for those dealing with visual impairment. It’s crazy all the things your body can sense without using your eyes, I think it’s something we typically take for granted.

    1. Yes, makes me think of the article I read about a few days ago about the girl who’s lifelong dream to become blind finally became real after she put chemicals in her eyes. The experience really does heighten the other senses in all honesty!

  6. This would be such an interesting experience for me as there is nothing to do around here. I won’t get my hopes up that I’ll ever make it to the 75-minute walking journey, so I’m glad to have experienced it in your eyes through your post and photos.

  7. What an amazing and interesting experience. I would be keen to try it some day, if only to contribute to an interesting, meaningful social enterprise.

  8. Wow this is a very different experience. I think i may struggle in the dark unfamiliar experience but it would definitely be something to try. thankyou for sharing.

  9. I am not sure that I want to spend that much money to experience this, but I admit I am curious. There must be something there that it is being done in cities all over the world. – Fred

  10. This really is a great and a must try experience. I’ve seen something like this on a popular blogger’s post although it was a dining experience only. There was a course meal wherein you wouldn’t know what they will serve unless you get a mouthful of the dish given.

  11. That sounds like an experience we should all try and you are brave for doing it. I have heard of dining in the dark, a friend of mine did it but this one seems like it would be a fuller experience.

  12. I have never heard about this but it looks cool and a great experience. i wish i could have a chance to try this.

  13. This does sound amazing. Something a bit different from the normal, which is what we’re all looking for I suppose. I’m not great in enclosed dark spaces, but I’d still give it a go if I came across it.

  14. It is these kinds of experiences that really tell us how privileged we are, I love that the experience was very holistic, including all kinds of activities a visually impaired person would have to face on a day to day basis.

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