It is 9.30 pm in the Admiralty district—an extension of Hong Kong’s central business area. A sea of humanity stretches as far as the eye can see. The air is festive, the mood is upbeat. People are waving, singing lustily. It’s a popular song that roughly translates as ‘Forgive me my pursuit of freedom...but I am not afraid of falling down’. There is no leadership in sight, only a collectivity, acting as one. Fuelled by instant noodles and a passion for democracy, the protesters look to be in no mood for compromise.