Hong Kong Highlights

Hot Pot: a Chinese soup containing a variety of East Asian foodstuffs and ingredients, prepared with a simmering pot of soup stock at the dining table. While the hot pot is kept simmering, ingredients are placed into the pot and are cooked at the table. I adore hot pot.  It is one of my favorite dishes I encountered in Hong Kong.  In the center of the table is placed a pot of hot soup (as you can see there can be multiple types of soup for the meal).  As the meal progresses you add meat and vegetables to the pot periodically as needed.  By the end of the meal the flavor from the various foods has improved the overall taste of the soup itself. What's more fantastic is that the hot pot restaurants I have gone to are all you can eat.  It is a meat haven.  As my group of friends prepare to depart, we decided to treat ourselves to excellent food on one of our last nights together as a gang.

I have experienced so many new things this year.  I have met many people, some who are likely to be life-long friends.  I have gained greater appreciation for what I have at home.  The list goes on. But what strikes me as I sit here, five and a half months into my journey, is that I have been able to make it this far.  I have battled with medical conditions for years which, while not controlling my life, have definitely shaped it.  I've been able to sleep on a dorm bed for months, to walk up and down flights of stairs each day, to spend an entire day out with friends, to battle homesickness and win, to successfully be a student despite the possible difficulties everyday life presents.  A few years ago I canceled a study abroad trip because I knew that at the time I would physically not make it.  I am so thankful that I have reached a point in my life where I am able to travel and experience so many new things.  I am so thankful for where I am at the moment, more than just geograp

Bamboo in Iowa: Bamboo in Hong Kong: This bamboo thicket is taller than I am. To put it into Iowa perspective, this bamboo is taller than corn gets  Or That's right, Bamboo Scaffolding! Seen all over Hong Kong

Hong Kong has taken so many of my "firsts" ... the first city I've lived in. ... the first time I've had dim sum.  ... the first time I've watched Grease. ... the first time I've felt so homesick. ... the first time I've tried Subway food. ... the first time I've seen street markets. ... the first time I've ridden a metro/subway. ... the first time I've encountered urban smog. ... the first place I had to apply for a visa to enter. ... the first time I've had a severe allergic reaction.  ... the first non-English speaking place I've lived in. ... the first time I've been considered 'tall' in a decade. ... the first time I've had so many international friends. Good or bad, I've experienced so much thanks to my decision to study here.

I signed up for a tour through my university only knowing that the description stated this 5 hour long program would explore death in Hong Kong and paper making.  Unable to make the connection, I still thought it sounded really cool (and it was free) so I signed up. The program started with a brief overview of different types of burials common in Hong Kong (traditional burial, cremation and the variety of ways of dealing with the ashes, and donation of body to the medical field).  Apparently, it is common practice for Chinese, regardless of religion, to continue practicing funeral ceremonies and beliefs from ancient China alongside the various practices proscribed in Buddhism, Islam, or Christianity.  And here is where the "paper" comes into play. The traditional Chinese belief is that the afterlife mirrors this one.  In the afterlife, the dead will need money and food and clothes along with everything needed to live in comfort today such as cars and smartphones.  Th

I found this place shortly after coming to Hong Kong and fell in love.  Despite being outside for two hours in the heat and humidity I enjoyed my first trip immensely.  Now, with only a month left of my study abroad experience, I returned. C h i L i n N u n n e r y The nunnery is a combination of garden and temple.  Located in the middle of Hong Kong the contrast with its surroundings adds to the charm of the garden. My love began in the garden.  The garden is meticulously taken care of and this dedication shows.  The garden has thematic music playing softly throughout the area which, when combined with the sound of several waterfalls, causes one to relax as they delve deeper into the garden.   The creators of the garden worked with the many elements of nature to create this haven - the combined effect of trees, rocks, and water is hard to communicate in words. At the end of the gardens is a cafe and gift shop where we bought slushees and enjoye

 I had to pay a bill to my host University.  My payment options?  Through x Chinese banks -> nope  Through direct deposit online -> can't do this option either  Payment transfer through PPS -> I have no idea what this is  Payment online through Chinese credit card -> once again, no  Cash payment at bank on campus -> we have a winner! And thus during a break in my schedule I arrived at the bank and joined the queue.  Wow, did I underestimate this process and the time commitment needed.  The queue was long and moved slowly, except for the people who buzzed past the line and were in and out in 5 minutes.  Apparently, banks can have different levels of status for patrons that confer various benefits, such as skipping the line. In order: regular, preferred banking, and prestige It took 45 minutes to reach the counter in the "regular" line.  I presented the information regarding the payment and my debit card to the clerk and found out, to my surpr