Anxious To Get There

You would think that after studying abroad twice before I would not be anxious for my third experience, which is just three weeks away. That is, if you didn't know me and didn't know that I am perpetually anxious. It is time that I started taking the advice that I have been giving for the past two years, however, and really challenge myself to do something completely outside of my comfort zone.

Unlike my previous experiences, I do not speak the host language. In fact, I currently know two phrases in Mandarin: ni hao (hello) and xia xia ni (thank you). I know the first because of the Dora the Explorer spin off "Ni hao, Kai lan" and the other was taught to me by a Chinese international student. Unfortunately, in Hong Kong the majority of people speak Cantonese, not Mandarin, so even though I plan to learn some key phrases prior to departure and that I am taking an introduction to Mandarin course at Lingnan, I will have to rely primarily on finding host locals that speak English to communicate.

                                      Thanks, Nickelodeon, for my first lesson in the language.

Despite being anxious about the language and still waiting to hear back on my visa, I cannot wait to be in Hong Kong. Having studied international business for the past four years I have learned a lot about the four Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Korea) which have gained a lot of attention in the business world for the strength and rapid development of their economies. All my research has said that Hong Kong is the perfect balance of East and West, and I am excited for my other class at Lingnan that will discuss how Hong Kong came to be such an economic hub. Additionally, everything says that Hong Kong also has an exciting metropolitan center that is packed with skyscrapers and city life which is complimented by nearby quiet hiking trials through the hills surrounding the city. What could be better than a city that will be great for shopping and entertainment, but that can easily be left for the peacefulness and beautiful views that come from nature? There is so much to look forward to and now that I am done at CMU I just can't wait to get to Hong Kong. Just have to get my plane ticket first!