Hong Kong: With the humble umbrella already a potent symbol of Hong Kong's fight for democracy, there was a certain poetic quality in the moment when tens of thousands of demonstrators opened theirs up to the sky in unison, as thunder rolled and the heavens opened.
As with most things associated with the protests, which have taken on a festive atmosphere over the past two nights, the weather was taken in good humour. The torrential downpour on Tuesday night was met with songs and laughter, and cheers when it subsided.
The lack of a police presence has been striking; and a clear change of tack after attempts to disperse the crowd with tear gas backfired on Sunday. Most locals denounced the act as an unreasonable use of police force on unarmed student protesters, and it has only served to galvanise demonstrators and attract a wave of new supporters to the cause. There is now a real sense of momentum among protesters as they gain ground in both numbers and the area which they occupy.
"The first time I heard of this idea of protest I thought it didn't make sense. I thought when you deal with the government it is best to be polite and negotiate," said 31-year-old banker Keith Lee. "If it wasn't for the tear gas, I wouldn't have come. Now I will come every day."
The protests have settled into a rhythm where crowds ebb overnight and then build quickly late in the afternoon as classes finish and the work day ends.
And despite the wet weather, a two-day public holiday – for China's National Day celebrations – saw perhaps the biggest turn-out yet.
Leo Sze, 46, who was with his wife and three children – Kernel, 15, Katherine, 12 and Kerry, 10 – was one of many parents who took the opportunity to bring their children.
"I just want to let them know that many people in Hong Kong are willing to fight for their rights," he said. "I explain to them the difference between China and Hong Kong, and tell them to treasure the freedom of Hong Kong, now that it is diminishing."
Armies of volunteers are helping the protest ecosystem thrive, handing out free water and snacks, towels and even deodorant to help cope with the hot and humid conditions. About 500 volunteer nurses and student nurses man first-aid stands. There are garbage disposal units, recycling stands, and dedicated areas for smoking.
Banners unfurled outside government headquarters in Admiralty implore demonstrators to "stay calm, stay safe"; while organisers routinely stress the need for the protest – which has already gained a reputation for its extreme politeness – to remain non-violent and orderly. It is as much a strategy to avoid confrontation with police, as it is to win over divided public sentiment, with many still unconvinced of the merits of the protests and frustrated at the disruption its causing.
Amid banners calling for democracy, there are scrawled cardboard signs apologising for the disruption caused by blockades. A rare spot of graffiti was painted over by protesters.
In Mongkok, where public buses and cars were forced to be abandoned after being stranded during protests, volunteers have kept watch around the clock to ensure they aren't damaged.
"Nowhere else in the world other than Hong Kong is there such a beautiful and peaceful demonstration," said Tam Kwok-keung, 54. "There is no looting, no-one is threatening shop owners."
At the core of the protest movement is distrust toward the Chinese Communist Party and a fear that its growing influence will see Hong Kong turn into just another Chinese city.
The question then is how long the Chinese government will tolerate this level of open dissent.
Protest organisers say they will not let up until their demands to directly elect their next leader are met. Chief executive Leung Chun-ying, unpopular among protesters for his close ties to Beijing, has rejected calls to resign and has intimated that China will not compromise.
"The Chinese government may not give us democracy but we have to fight anyway," said engineer Wilson Yip, 27. "I will keep coming until there is a result."
