Oriented

I have safely made it to Hong Kong! For a 15hr. flight the journey really was not too bad considering I had a direct flight, my luggage was not lost, and my STA representative got me a great seat on the plane that happened to be right behind the bathroom meaning extended leg room. I flew Cathay Pacific and would definitely recommend it to future study abroad students. The crew was kind, the food was good, the movie selection was great, and overall they provided a very pleasant experience.

When I arrived Monday night I met up with three student buddies Lingnan had arranged to meet new arrivals and escort us to our hostels. Here is a picture of the three student buddies, three other exchange students, and myself eating dinner in the airport before our bus arrived:

At the restaurant our student buddies helped us order. I got a simple noodle and meat dish that was very good. I did realize, however, that I should have learned to use chopsticks before coming over here. My attempt was abysmal and fortunately the buddies got us forks, but I feel like I had better learn quickly given that it is an important aspect of the culture.

After we got to our hostel everyone checked into their individual rooms. I am supposed to have a roommate, but he has yet to arrive so I still have a room to myself. The rooms are not particularly large, but there is plenty of desk space to do work and ample storage area for clothes. The hostels are community bath so that is a change too, but at least that means no cleaning!

Yesterday, Tuesday, was orientation and Lingnan's OMIP staff and student buddies did a great job of making getting us comfortable with our home for the next 5-6 weeks. There are only 12 exchange students this summer (6 Americans, 2 Koreans, and a girl from the UK that I have met so far) so it was a small affair but we learned Hong Kong and Lingnan's regulations, got a campus tour, learned some survival Cantonese, and then went on a city tour with our buddies who helped us do EVERYTHING. We got Octopus cards(which are like debit cards that you use for the MTR (train/subway), the buses, and can be used at convenience stores), I was able to get a cheap pay as you go phone (for ~US$40), and we were treated to both lunch and bubble tea/desert in the evening. My body still hasn't adjusted to the time change completely, obvious by the fact that I'm writing this at 7am CST, but I'm getting there. I am very thankful for all of the help we got yesterday, it was a long and exhausting day through the humid city, but I feel very prepared for the rest of my stay now. First class is this afternoon - introduction to Mandarin. I have a feeling it might be difficult after the Cantonese lesson, but here's to hoping for the best!

Bags Packed, Ready to Go

My flight for Hong Kong leaves tomorrow from O'hare at 3:25, and I feel like I should be feeling more anxious. Fortunately, I am not. My bags are packed with room to spare, Lingnan has organized transportation from the airport to school tomorrow evening, and I'm feeling too excited to be anxious. This is all I'll have to wear for the next six weeks; about 2 weeks worth of clothes, but there is on campus laundry so I'm not worried about running out.

In preparation to go abroad I did a great job of making sure I indulged on my favorite American foods today. Panera bagels for breakfast, Chipotle burrito for lunch, and I am currently waiting for my bagel bites to cook for dinner. I am definitely excited to try new foods in Asia, but I know I'll miss my American favorites as well. I am so appreciative that I have this opportunity to study abroad again and my next post will be from Hong Kong. Exciting! I hate airports, but going through the 2-3 hours of airport life tomorrow will definitely be worth it. Well the bagel bites are done. Time to eat, make sure I have everything I need and get a good night's sleep for tomorrow. Cannot wait to touch down in Asia. Zàijiàn!

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!