The Simple Things

I am in Hong Kong.  My room now has blankets and pillows and my suitcase is unpacked.  My class schedule is finalized and I have figured out  how to do laundry. 

Next up: Adventuring!

One small issue -> WHERE DO I BEGIN?! In a city of 7.3 million people and in a region with much wilderness nearby there is so much to do!


And thus this week I did the simple things.  I looked at my to do list and decided to save the more exciting things for later on, when I can appreciate them more.  But that being said, I've developed a rule when visiting other countries and cities: go to a museum as soon as possible.  I can spend hours in museums and I love the chance to read and learn about many different topics.  The familiarity of this routine relaxes me.

Sunday, September 3

I spent last Sunday at the Hong Kong Museum of History.  The main exhibit in this museum takes you back 400,000,000 years ago and then walks you through to the modern era.  

This exhibit is further broken down into 1) geological history of Hong Kong, 2) native ecosystems, 3) early humans, 4) history during China's past, 5) British rule, 6) different ethnic groups, and 7) the city post WWII.

It was great fun but a very long exhibit.

Monday, September 4

My classes started on Monday.  In the afternoon I attended a few events on campus including the Political Science Welcome Reception and later on a lecture titled "Blood and Silk: Power and Conflict in Modern Southeast Asia."  The lecture was very intriguing but the format was quite different from what I became used to at ISU - they talked rapidly for 15 minutes and then answered questions for 45.  Regardless, I enjoyed it.

Wednesday, September 6

I did not do much on Tuesday but made up for it by having three wonderful activities after class on Wednesday.

Number 1: Puppies

Special Guest #1
Special Guest #2
Yep, that's right: puppies.  Every month CityU brings therapy dogs to campus to help students de-stress.  I strongly approve and feel that it is a habit that all universities should copy.







Number 2: Food
My friends and I headed into town for the evening and before going to the main event (see number 3) we stopped to eat at a highly recommended ramen place.  'Twas my first time going to an restaurant that specialized in ramen but it was very good.
Ichiran Ramen Restaurant

Number 3: Symphony of Lights
Every day at 8:00pm there is a light show down by the harbor.  The light show itself is okay  but the view of the skyline you get by the harbor is incredible. 

Thursday, September 7

I had 8 hours of class on Thursday so when I had finished at 7:00 I decided to spend the evening  relaxing at home.  

Friday, September 8

My plan to visit a famous temple Friday morning before class got delayed to a different day due to rain.  However after class on Friday I went bookshop hunting and came home with two new additions to my collection: 


*** I like buying and reading books about the region I am visiting.  
It is a good way of learning more about the history and culture of the region.***

I did not go to big events or very many main attractions this week but I enjoyed being able to explore slowly and cross of some of the easy items on my to-do-list.

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