Journeys to the PolesExperience that make life different
By Cheung Lok Sze
Courtesy of Lee Lok Sze Courtesy of Lee Lok Sze Icebreaker carries adventures to the South Pole. Lee Lok Sze was the first woman in Hong Kong to reach both the North and South Poles. In 1992
and 1993, she went on expeditions to Mount Everest and the Taklamkhan Desert in Xinjiang."I wanted to be an adventurer when I was small. I have loved reading adventure books since I was a child."
Miss Lee graduated from Hong Kong Technical College in 1964 and the University of East Asia in 1985. She also took some extra-mural courses at Hong Kong University. She has an honorary doctoral degree that was awarded by Lingnan University in 2002.
Since 1970, Miss Lee has always been on trips, traveling to different parts of the world with a backpack and a sleeping bag.
She said that these journeys changed her values.
"After exploring these places, I started to treasure my life much more than before.
"During the process, I came to realize how trivial I am in the universe, and nothing in this world is unsolvable," said she.
Miss Lee said she had a lot of unforgettable experiences on her journeys.
She once encountered a violent storm at sea when she was returning from the South Pole.
The whole team was happy to be returning home after a 1-year stay at the South Pole, but unfortunately they came across a storm. During the storm waves reached heights of up to 12 meters, as high as a 10-storey building.
She stayed calm at the time and took steps to preserve their research findings. She hoped the rescuers would find them even if they lost their lives.
Part of the ship was destroyed and it shipped a lot of water.
Luckily, they all survived but she came away from the experience with a realization about the power of nature.
Miss Lee said she has never hesitated in the face of difficulties.
"I couldn't hesitate that much, especially when I was exploring. I could think only of how to survive amidst danger.
"I need to give up all my emotions and focus only on my job,"said she.
Miss Lee has been working in the field of art for over 20 years. She has saved a lot of money since she began to work.
She thought financial independence was the prerequisite to realizing dreams.
"I don't depend on others’ subsidy or sponsorship.
"Few consider visiting the Poles and Qingzhang Gaoyuan worthwhile, so they do not support our expeditions.
"But if we depend on ourselves, no one can obstruct us from doing so."
However, Miss Lee said it takes a great deal of will, determination and perseverance.
The journeys also initiate her sharing of environmental protection with the young.
"Having explored the polar areas, I realized the important relationship between the Poles and other parts of the world.
"It is vital to let the younger generation know this, too, as they will rely on the natural resources of the future."
According to Miss Lee, there are different stages to traveling as we grow up.
"In primary school, you can travel around Hong Kong. In secondary school, you can travel around the China.
"And when you enter university, you can travel to Asia or Europe. Finally after your graduation, you can explore the Poles."
According to Miss Lee, her parents never opposed her explorations.
"Nobody can oppose my decisions, including my parents. They just have no reason to do so. I don't need their monetary support," said she.
Miss Lee, who is divorced, has two children. She said her children gave her great support.
Said she: "They support me and even helped me to search for information about the South Pole.
"They like science as well. They studied environmental science in Britain and are currently working on that field.
"I always ask them for advice when I have questions in their special fields of speciality."
Her life of adventures limits her time with her family.
Said she: "However, we don’t miss each other, because it just is not worth spending much time on such matters. This is especially true as time is so limited that we can spend in on more important things instead.
"We don't care much about formalities. We don't even celebrate our birthdays," said Miss Lee.
She admitted that she has exerted a great influence on her children.
Said she: "I wanted them to be independent and learn every kind of sports.
"I taught them to appreciate artistic work and music because it brings happiness to life.
"If they don't know anything about that, they will miss a lot of wonderful things in the world," said she.
Miss Lee is also the founder of the China Polar Museum Foundation. Building a polar museum has always been her dream.
According to Miss Lee, the museum will use advanced technology to promote scientific work in polar areas. Also, it will provide places for scientists to conduct research.
Moreover, there will be a library with collections of books about polar areas.
"I want to popularize what scientists do in the polar areas.
"The North and South Poles are in fact a testimony of how the earth is being polluted.
"Also, I would like to set myself as an example for youngsters who have lost faith in their lives," she said.
Miss Lee said youngsters today need to work harder.
"Nowadays, youngsters need to learn ample things in order to keep abreast of society.
"Also, today's environment is being heavily polluted and it is time to look for solutions.
"There is no time to waste. If they want to have a fruitful life, they should plan beforehand.
"They need to persevere and overcome all the difficulties to make a better future," said Miss Lee.
Miss Lee gave advice to youngsters who wanted to become explorers.
Said she: "They can be scientists and contribute to society.
"To achieve this, they need to study hard. Every subject is useful to exploration, such as management, architecture and geology and so on."
