Hello readers!!! How is everyone doing! I hope you are
doing great and also that you are ready for some cool stories about Hong Kong! Also,
please accept my apologies for the wait!
Wow. Simply wow. It is quite a challenge to describe how impressive this
wonderful region is in so many aspects! So let’s get started!!!
Week
1: Right upon my arrival at the airport (at precisely 2:00 am local time), I
was a bit disoriented, tired, and extremely exited, no better feeling in the
world. Very quickly I notice the extreme organization and efficiency of the
airport, which is a reflection of Hong Kong in general. After going through
customs very quickly I was off to find my way to the university. My first
encounter with the MRT (Mass Transit Railway), one of Hong Kong’s most popular
means of transportation, was short since it was no longer operating. The MTR
connects Hong Kong’s four major regions (Lantau Island, New Territories,
Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island) and it is easily accessible and affordable.
A
long trip for multiple stations usually costs around HK$ 8 (US$ 1.03).
With
the train trip cancelled, I took a taxi to the university. The driver did not
speak English, which made the trip quite interesting, but his services were
impeccable. Within 30 minutes I was arriving at CUHK.
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| First morning at CUHK. |
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| View from the Yasumoto International Academic Park. |
Within
the first days, I met countless amazing individuals, locals and non-locals. The
international cohort that is currently at CUHK for the spring semester includes
over 400 students.
The
local culture is incredibly interesting. A few major points to take into
account are:
- · This is an extremely fast paced society.
- · Individuals are very kind and respectful towards others and the environment.
- · Although English is an official language, Cantonese is the predominant language.
- · Many things are usually shared such as transportation and meals.
As
the semester progresses, more will be added!
Although
Hong Kong seems to be very small, it is quite the opposite. During the first week, the international
cohort was taken for a trip to some major touristic points around the island:
- Victoria Peak was the first stop.
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| You can see the tall building of the HK financial district and behind that, Victoria Harbor. |
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| Yes, I know it was windy haha. |
- A local market on the way down from the mountain was the second stop. Just FYI, we passed Jackie Chan’s house on the way.
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| Mixed Temple. Inside, to the right of the temple, Taoism was worshiped and to the left, Buddhism. |
- And our last stop was to across the harbor from Hong Kong Island so we could watch the light show that is hosted there every night.
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| Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, next to Victoria Harbor. |
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View of the light show in Hong Kong Island from the other side of the harbor in Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon). |
Week 2: Has consisted more of exploring the campus, the beginning of classes and a visit to a few islands.
Classes
here meet for 3 hours with a break in the middle or for 1:30 hour. The
university is divided into 9 different colleges and the one I am in is called
Chung Chi. I could say I live in one of the best hostels on campus since there
are so many activities happening all the time and there is a huge sense of
community with all residents! The hostel is called Ying Lin Tang and it is
conveniently located near all of my classes and a really great canteen as
well.
Speaking
of canteens, food here is phenomenal! There is a large variety of everything
and by going to bigger centers like Mong Kok or Sha Tin you can easily discover
how indecisive your truly are when it comes to food (haha).
A
really interesting trip the international students were part of was the trip to
Llama Island, a large island located not far from Hong Kong Island. It was
really interesting to see a more local society that has not yet been heavily
internationalized.
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| It is a bit hard to see but floating on the water there were multiple connected structures where, I assume, fishermen have easier access to fish. |
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| View of the main market in Llama Island |
Their economy was based mainly on fishing and tourism.
Another
stop I made was to the Hong Kong history museum, where I learned a lot about
the local history and many crucial events that lead Hong Kong to be what it is
today.
It
has been unusually cold here the past few days but as the weather starts to get
better, there will be many more activities that will be posted
here!
Thank
you guys so much for reading and once again, if you have any questions or
comments please let me know!
Have
a wonderful week!!!
