Although I didn't wake up until noon, I made the most of it! Went to my favorite place (with exception to the BIF), the library of course! Studied for my quiz on Tuesday in the class that actually counts for a grade! Anyway, I was returning to my dorm with a sense of accomplishment when
First words out of Cyril's mouth,"Hey! Come to Ladies Market with us!" Now here I am with a backpack, sweat pants, and [Ponder for moment] "Ok, sure. I'm in!."
Ending up going to Temple Market where I bought 5 pairs of socks including Pumas!! and a couple classy Armani and Ralph Lauren Polo dress socks, a mountain climbing clip(which I need to clip my shoulder strap onto my duffle bag because it broke off) then off to Ladies Market where I haggled my way down from $20 USD for one Armani belt to a 2 for 1 deal. Tip: You must go into the markets with budget cap, otherwise things can get out of hand.
From the market's to Causeway Bay's all you can eat Korean BBQ Buffet, where you cook your own meat in front of you. Now, I do realize how unsanitary these places specially around the time that I'm putting loads of raw meat onto my plate, but none the less the variety of crab, fish, chicken, pork, and steak was all delicious (the ox tongue was a bit chewy)
In the beginning, there were two of us and we helped ourselves to a couple small sized plates, but then two of our other companions joined us, Ole and Larz, (whose real names will not be revealed for confidentiality purpose). We were given a warning that the meat would be taken away in 15 minutes, so as any hungry college student would do, we loaded up 6 plates with mountains of meat. The management and staff gave us looks of doubt and warned us to take only what we could eat, but we knew or at least thought we could handle it, we'll show them. The place closed at 1 a.m., and it was already 12:15 a.m. It became a race against time.
By 1 a.m. we devoured 4 of the 6 plates. We owned the place, as the only people still in the restaurant. I hit a wall. A very big wall, that made me sick to my stomach. The most meat I've every eaten. The staff laughed and talked Canto with Ole, saying, "Your friend looks a bit sick over there." I still managed to eat 4 more watermelon slices and 3 more orange slices to finish off the meal. We left them a nice tip(which you're "not supposed") for staying past 1 a.m. for us. The hard part was standing up. Thoughts of sickness clouded my mind, but I was able to make my way outside and into the cab.
This morning I woke up with the taste of pork in my mouth. Ugh..I didn't think these words would every come out of my mouth, but I don't want to think about, look at, smell, or taste one piece of meat right now... maybe in another 4-8 hours. That meal covered late night dinner, breakfast, and perhaps today's lunch as well. I'm not doing that again; I prefer to enjoy my food. Korean BBQ, I will be back, just give me a week or two. It's just too good of a deal not to go back; I can promise you that I will enjoy my food next time and eat at leisure.
First morning in a long while that I woke up and wasn't cold! Yahoo! Good start to a great day!
Random Quote- "WHEN A PERSON WITH EXPERIENCE MEETS A PERSON WITH MONEY, THE PERSON WITH THE EXPERIENCE WILL GET THE MONEY AND THE PERSON WITH THE MONEY WILL GET THE EXPERIENCE."
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Paradise Take I
Philippines Debriefing:
Went to the Philippines for Chinese New Year with two other HKUST exchange friends, "Guidebook" Ben and Shray. We left Wednesday night, flew Philippines airlines 1hr 45min flight (they served us refreshments and dinner!) Made our way 2hrs by bus, 1hr by boat to White Beach. We returned to Hong Kong Monday night. Total of 5 days, 4 nights. I could talk for hours about this trip but here's the low down:
To wrap it up here are some things I forgot to mention:
It was a very nice break/change of pace from Hong Kong in terms of the weather, the people, and the culture.
People in the Philippines are extremely friendly, amiable, laid back, and willing to help you. They also speak English well. For example, Adrian (in his 20s) showed us around his home town and went with us to Batangas just to make sure we got there safe and sound (we paid for his lunch and gave him 20 pesos, which in realty still wasn't enough).
With that being said, Filipino time requires some translation. As a heads up, when some tells you to meet them for lunch at noon that means 1 or 1:30pm, and when the boat says it's leaving at 10:30am, what they really mean is that it will arrive at 11:05am and start boarding at 11:15am. The local are also really into karaoke and henna tattoos (or just tattoos in general).
I had the best vanilla ice cream at the couple's home at Aninuan beach ever!
I tested my bargaining skills while I was there, and I think I'm ready for the real deal, perhaps Ladies Market this weekend.
Make the Philippines a group trip, they love to give discounts on everything from bus rides to scuba diving!
and don't worry, although we didn't exactly celebrate Chinese New Year, we still wore some red clothing for good luck or in my case, actually turned my skin red just for the occasion. (at this point I'm learning how it feels to shed skin... unpleasant)
I don't know if I could live in the Philippines, but with this cold 10 degree (Celsius) weather with no heat and these people leaving all the doors and windows open, I'm ready to go back!
Random Quote- "NEVER ACCEPT A FREE DRINK FROM A UROLOGIST."
Went to the Philippines for Chinese New Year with two other HKUST exchange friends, "Guidebook" Ben and Shray. We left Wednesday night, flew Philippines airlines 1hr 45min flight (they served us refreshments and dinner!) Made our way 2hrs by bus, 1hr by boat to White Beach. We returned to Hong Kong Monday night. Total of 5 days, 4 nights. I could talk for hours about this trip but here's the low down:
To wrap it up here are some things I forgot to mention:
It was a very nice break/change of pace from Hong Kong in terms of the weather, the people, and the culture.
People in the Philippines are extremely friendly, amiable, laid back, and willing to help you. They also speak English well. For example, Adrian (in his 20s) showed us around his home town and went with us to Batangas just to make sure we got there safe and sound (we paid for his lunch and gave him 20 pesos, which in realty still wasn't enough).
With that being said, Filipino time requires some translation. As a heads up, when some tells you to meet them for lunch at noon that means 1 or 1:30pm, and when the boat says it's leaving at 10:30am, what they really mean is that it will arrive at 11:05am and start boarding at 11:15am. The local are also really into karaoke and henna tattoos (or just tattoos in general).
I had the best vanilla ice cream at the couple's home at Aninuan beach ever!
I tested my bargaining skills while I was there, and I think I'm ready for the real deal, perhaps Ladies Market this weekend.
Make the Philippines a group trip, they love to give discounts on everything from bus rides to scuba diving!
and don't worry, although we didn't exactly celebrate Chinese New Year, we still wore some red clothing for good luck or in my case, actually turned my skin red just for the occasion. (at this point I'm learning how it feels to shed skin... unpleasant)
I don't know if I could live in the Philippines, but with this cold 10 degree (Celsius) weather with no heat and these people leaving all the doors and windows open, I'm ready to go back!
Random Quote- "NEVER ACCEPT A FREE DRINK FROM A UROLOGIST."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
I'm back!
Made it back safe and sound from the Philippines! Back to reality and home in a way. For those of you who think it's warm in Hong Kong (currently in the 40s), I'm freezing here after being in 80-90 degree weather. It was a great time, now the hard part is trying to condense it all into one post.
Here's my address for those of you who are curious:
Room 912
Undergraduate Hall VI
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Now you can come visit me, look me up on google maps, send me a card if it suits your fancy, or be grateful this isn't your address whatever, I just thought I would let you know. (My only hope is that you use this information for the good of mankind only) Thank you.
Random Quote- "IF CON IS THE OPPOSITE OF PRO, THEN WHAT IS THE OPPOSITE OF PROGRESS?"
Here's my address for those of you who are curious:
Room 912
Undergraduate Hall VI
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Now you can come visit me, look me up on google maps, send me a card if it suits your fancy, or be grateful this isn't your address whatever, I just thought I would let you know. (My only hope is that you use this information for the good of mankind only) Thank you.
Random Quote- "IF CON IS THE OPPOSITE OF PRO, THEN WHAT IS THE OPPOSITE OF PROGRESS?"
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Today will be a good day as it should be!
"Today is an 8"(always a good feeling), and it should be because today marks the day I leave for paradise in the Philippines! Sources: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/horoscopes/...Oh wait, I'm in the future, so yesterday was an 8.
My faith in horoscopes just dropped tremendously; I'm going to have to kinda, sorta disagree. After reflecting on yesterday, I have come to the conclusion that 1. New definition of "nose to the grindstone" = procrastinating and getting little to no work done and 2. I have some questions of my own for Linda Black such as who is this "female" making "final adjustments"? I recall nothing of the sort.
Conspiracy: Horoscopes are a manipulative plot to alter your life and force you to come up with irrational explanations, so you can make sense out of nothing. All that aside, I think I'll keep reading them for pure enjoyment and humor.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Random Quote- "I USED UP MY SICK DAYS SO TOMORROW I'M CALLING IN DEAD."
My faith in horoscopes just dropped tremendously; I'm going to have to kinda, sorta disagree. After reflecting on yesterday, I have come to the conclusion that 1. New definition of "nose to the grindstone" = procrastinating and getting little to no work done and 2. I have some questions of my own for Linda Black such as who is this "female" making "final adjustments"? I recall nothing of the sort.
Conspiracy: Horoscopes are a manipulative plot to alter your life and force you to come up with irrational explanations, so you can make sense out of nothing. All that aside, I think I'll keep reading them for pure enjoyment and humor.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Random Quote- "I USED UP MY SICK DAYS SO TOMORROW I'M CALLING IN DEAD."
Friday, February 5, 2010
First Week of Class
To sum up the first week of class:
Already gave a 2 minute group presentation in my marketing class, got the crazy idea in my head that it would be a good idea to take a finance course Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management, a class that is 70% mathematics.
Taking a computer class where the first day they showed us how to use basic tools of the internet like google and some people apparently were opened up to an new world as the class owwed and ahhhed as the TAs showed us how to use google maps, gmail, google calendar, and other very very basic tools of the internet (I felt a little bad for these people).
Mandarin class, all exchange students making fools of ourselves trying to repeat the teacher, I need to be taking that class 5 days a week to really get the ball rolling.
Got in some soccer and ping pong this week. Hot pot dinner aka Fondue in the West, where we had so much food and made a garlic and spicy soy sauce for added flavor: shrimp dumplings, coral, fish, crab, pork, beef saved for last, mini sausages w/ cheese filling all of it delicious. Good thing we had Ozone with us to make sure the food was cooked. Went to LKF from there, nightlife hot spot.
Today- no class on Fridays! Slept till 11:30, relaxed, check gmail, take a 3 hour nap, overall I would say a pretty productive day.
Some observations of the week
1. Different people have different reactions to the exchange students- Professors seem to like us more because we participate more in class than the other students. One professor was so excited when he saw a group of us in the hall way, he asked if we would meet with his students and do some sort of project with them (how hopefully I can live up to his expectations which may be impossible feat as he treated us like prodigies). Most students aren't phased by exchange students, some are very friendly and helpful aka Ebe, Ozone, my buddy Carol, and Francis in my study skills class. The workers in the dining halls are probably frustrated/find humor in watching the exchange students go in wrong lines and scratch their heads wondering where their food is.
2. The dorms have some hard core pride and spirit for their individual halls. Each hall (with the exception of my hall and hall 7), rocking out in their sick uniform/costumes and setting up their lego like structures, promoted their hall in the atrium. Every day they were out there handing out chips or rubber duckies, haggling students, and the most intriguing aspect occurred at 5:00 PM each day. Just observe for yourself:
Quad day on crack
I'm not sure what the best part was the uniforms, the hardcore energy, or the fact that I have no idea what they're saying, nor what's going on. Just try to picture the halls at UIUC doing this, I don't think so. These people need to find a hobby or something.
Other sites and sounds on campus:
Saw a man playing the bagpipes this morning
We had a fire drill, all serious business, no messing around (good news, I made it into the elevator before the alarm went off), security had all possible escape exits taped off and guarded. Police with microphones telling us where to go, and then RAs checking us in once we got down there. Half an hour later, I finally make it out there. I can only imagine what a real fire drill is like.
Guy named Bill (his english name) in my marketing team, lives each minute with an enthusiasm and liveness few have, makes every conversation interesting and really grabs your attention. Quite a character, real jumpy fellow. Anyways week one full of class intros and ready to take on week 2. Short week, 3 day week and then off to the Philippines for Chinese New Year break!
Random Quote-"TIME IS THE BEST TEACHER. UNFORTUNATELY, IT KILLS ALL OF ITS STUDENTS."
Already gave a 2 minute group presentation in my marketing class, got the crazy idea in my head that it would be a good idea to take a finance course Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management, a class that is 70% mathematics.
Taking a computer class where the first day they showed us how to use basic tools of the internet like google and some people apparently were opened up to an new world as the class owwed and ahhhed as the TAs showed us how to use google maps, gmail, google calendar, and other very very basic tools of the internet (I felt a little bad for these people).
Mandarin class, all exchange students making fools of ourselves trying to repeat the teacher, I need to be taking that class 5 days a week to really get the ball rolling.
Got in some soccer and ping pong this week. Hot pot dinner aka Fondue in the West, where we had so much food and made a garlic and spicy soy sauce for added flavor: shrimp dumplings, coral, fish, crab, pork, beef saved for last, mini sausages w/ cheese filling all of it delicious. Good thing we had Ozone with us to make sure the food was cooked. Went to LKF from there, nightlife hot spot.
Today- no class on Fridays! Slept till 11:30, relaxed, check gmail, take a 3 hour nap, overall I would say a pretty productive day.
Some observations of the week
1. Different people have different reactions to the exchange students- Professors seem to like us more because we participate more in class than the other students. One professor was so excited when he saw a group of us in the hall way, he asked if we would meet with his students and do some sort of project with them (how hopefully I can live up to his expectations which may be impossible feat as he treated us like prodigies). Most students aren't phased by exchange students, some are very friendly and helpful aka Ebe, Ozone, my buddy Carol, and Francis in my study skills class. The workers in the dining halls are probably frustrated/find humor in watching the exchange students go in wrong lines and scratch their heads wondering where their food is.
2. The dorms have some hard core pride and spirit for their individual halls. Each hall (with the exception of my hall and hall 7), rocking out in their sick uniform/costumes and setting up their lego like structures, promoted their hall in the atrium. Every day they were out there handing out chips or rubber duckies, haggling students, and the most intriguing aspect occurred at 5:00 PM each day. Just observe for yourself:
Quad day on crack
I'm not sure what the best part was the uniforms, the hardcore energy, or the fact that I have no idea what they're saying, nor what's going on. Just try to picture the halls at UIUC doing this, I don't think so. These people need to find a hobby or something.
Other sites and sounds on campus:
Saw a man playing the bagpipes this morning
We had a fire drill, all serious business, no messing around (good news, I made it into the elevator before the alarm went off), security had all possible escape exits taped off and guarded. Police with microphones telling us where to go, and then RAs checking us in once we got down there. Half an hour later, I finally make it out there. I can only imagine what a real fire drill is like.
Guy named Bill (his english name) in my marketing team, lives each minute with an enthusiasm and liveness few have, makes every conversation interesting and really grabs your attention. Quite a character, real jumpy fellow. Anyways week one full of class intros and ready to take on week 2. Short week, 3 day week and then off to the Philippines for Chinese New Year break!
Random Quote-"TIME IS THE BEST TEACHER. UNFORTUNATELY, IT KILLS ALL OF ITS STUDENTS."
On a side note: Fact or Fiction- "Healthy Addiction"
At what point are you crossing the line? Usually, I learn the hard way. There's the addiction to television, bacon, cigarettes, alcohol, Facebook, gambling, checking your email, watching Jersey Shore, possessed by Scrubs, drinking coffee, and ___________ (fill in your own addition here). Of course, don't forget my addiction which in no way can I call a "healthy" addiction: I crave: desserts (sugar, sweets, pies, puppy chow, candy, cake, ice cream, milkshakes, you name it) (In fact, I currently have a severe stomach ache from eating to many Cigar Biscuits dipped in Nutella chocolate) Hong Kong is the king of candy. Every other shop you look into is loaded with candy and sugar. When I arrived in Hong Kong and saw these places, first thought = no wonder these people have bad teeth. I mean I thought I had a problem, whoa not compared to these people, I mean whose eating all this stuff. Imagine the candy shop from Willy Wonka and then put two on every block. It's ridiculous.
I digress, with a week and a half under my belt, I was doing well, hadn't had a single dessert.< Actually felt better not eating dessert, and then my addiction got the better of me.
What started as one Oreo Mcflurry turned into a vanilla ice cream cone too. And then as the days went by, the habit kicked in and the self-control fell apart. Oh I think I'll have a vanilla ice cream cone after dinner and then 10 choco pies, some tiramisu after lunch, a box of Milano's and sure I'll try some of that, and oh my childhood favorite Koalas filled with chocolate on the inside aka Koala Walas as I call them (if you know what I'm talking about, then you know they're too good to pass up).
If you can keep your addiction under control, then good for you because you have a special gift for self-control and a strong will power. As for me, dessert is my achilles' heel, and there's nothing "healthy" about it. With Chinese New Year around the corner, I suppose I have the opportunity to try and redeem myself, or perhaps tai chi will be my remedy or Buddha can solve my problems. In the mean time, at least it's an addiction with some short term gratification. (I think I'll have some more Nutella) =) First step: I have an addiction to dessert.
Random Quote- "NOTHING CHOCOLATE....NOTHING GAINED."
I digress, with a week and a half under my belt, I was doing well, hadn't had a single dessert.< Actually felt better not eating dessert, and then my addiction got the better of me.
What started as one Oreo Mcflurry turned into a vanilla ice cream cone too. And then as the days went by, the habit kicked in and the self-control fell apart. Oh I think I'll have a vanilla ice cream cone after dinner and then 10 choco pies, some tiramisu after lunch, a box of Milano's and sure I'll try some of that, and oh my childhood favorite Koalas filled with chocolate on the inside aka Koala Walas as I call them (if you know what I'm talking about, then you know they're too good to pass up).If you can keep your addiction under control, then good for you because you have a special gift for self-control and a strong will power. As for me, dessert is my achilles' heel, and there's nothing "healthy" about it. With Chinese New Year around the corner, I suppose I have the opportunity to try and redeem myself, or perhaps tai chi will be my remedy or Buddha can solve my problems. In the mean time, at least it's an addiction with some short term gratification. (I think I'll have some more Nutella) =) First step: I have an addiction to dessert.
Random Quote- "NOTHING CHOCOLATE....NOTHING GAINED."
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Winter Break Finale
-Wake up at 10:30 in the morning with the sun out and 26 degree weather (78 for the fahrenheit people out there)
-Have dim sum and green tea for lunch
-Go for a run and admire the beautiful view of the ocean and mountains
-Play soccer until 9 PM *playing in cleats makes a big difference
-Eat a vanilla ice cream cone, a double quarter pounder (first time I've ever had one, i kid you not), and an oreo mcflurry *McDonald's was the only place that was still open
-Try to get a good night's rest
Great note to end the break on!
I love my pumas!
RANDOM QUOTE- "IF YOU COULD BUY A LITTLE TIME, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND IT?"
-Have dim sum and green tea for lunch
-Go for a run and admire the beautiful view of the ocean and mountains
-Play soccer until 9 PM *playing in cleats makes a big difference
-Eat a vanilla ice cream cone, a double quarter pounder (first time I've ever had one, i kid you not), and an oreo mcflurry *McDonald's was the only place that was still open
-Try to get a good night's rest
Great note to end the break on!
I love my pumas!
RANDOM QUOTE- "IF YOU COULD BUY A LITTLE TIME, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND IT?"
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tours, Tours, Tours
Try saying that 5 times fast, well the title sums up the last two days and tomorrow.
Today was orientation, that's right I actually am taking classes in Hong Kong. Picked up a double entry visa today for mainland...note to future Hong Kong students don't be lazy like me go to the Consulate in the U.S., so you can get a multi-entry visa. Exciting news, I bought a pair of sweet "football" cleats (also known as soccer in the states) at Harbor City. The number of malls in Hong Kong is unbelievable and yet there's only one notable sports store, quiet different from the U.S.
Why repeat what's already been said before. These are basically summaries of Wednesday and Thursday's Tours. If you want the the details that only the experience can give you see below.
---
Tour: Lantau Island Day Tour
"Travel back to the times when fishermen roamed the waterways in this part of Hong Kong. Experience the sights and smells of Tai O, a relatively untouched fishing village set amidst the mountains. You may even spot the rare Chinese white dolphins as you explore the area. Thereafter, experience Chinese Buddhist traditions while feasting on vegetarian cuisine served in a temple. You will also see the world's largest sitting bronze Buddha, and glide across the scenic Tung Chung Bay to Ngong Ping Plateau on a cable car."
Tour: Hong Kong's Urban Chinese Heritage
"Explore the architectural heritage of Hong Kong's Chinese side. Gain unique perspectives into our Chinese culture and values (Wong Tai Sin and Chi Lin Buddhist Nunnery ). Then, learn about an interesting chapter of the city's history at the Kowloon Walled City Park, once a lawless slum that was considered off-limits to both the Chinese and British governments. Finally, recollect these stories over a sumptuous seafood dinner."
---
Both tours were all about getting away from the skyscrapers and city life, and more about the scenic/religious areas. Our lunch at Lantau consisted of jello looking tofu, meatloaf looking tofu, orange chicken looking tofu, fish looking tofu- bottom line tofu, vegetables, and delicious pineapple. The fishing village was very run down and sold "red" drink which only the tour guides drank because they warned that foreigners may not be adjusted enough to this drink made from herbs and served out of unsealed bottles... supposed to be good for the throat, maybe next time. Some of us were lucky enough to see the endangered white dolphins that look more like cotton candy; however, taking pictures of them just wasn't going to happen on this rocky fishing boat.
Tour number two had some interesting stops, the walled in city from the looks of it was a slum with terrible living conditions similar to cities during the Industrial Revolution. At the Taoist Temple I burned incense sticks, knelt inside the temple, shook fortune sticks until one of the hundreds of fortune sticks fell out, and then based on the number had my fortune read. Fortune (which is good for one year and then I have to go back) in broken English he said my family will have happiness, i will find profit in business, go hiking, spring will be full of color, sing, dance, and enjoy life.
dinner- shrimp with heads (be careful shrimp brains can get messy), crab, pork w/ onions green peppers and pineapple, scallops, fried rice, beef vegetable soup, fish, squid, bacchoi, orange slices. Fresh seafood = deliciousness
Finished with the Symphony of Lights, and there was a reason I fell asleep the first time: it's a bit overrated. Tomorrow, another tour with my buddy Carol to Stanley Market and Victoria Peak. Sounds like fun, hope so.
Random Quote: "FISHING IS JUST ONE JERK ON THE END OF A LINE WAITING FOR A JERK AT THE OTHER."
Today was orientation, that's right I actually am taking classes in Hong Kong. Picked up a double entry visa today for mainland...note to future Hong Kong students don't be lazy like me go to the Consulate in the U.S., so you can get a multi-entry visa. Exciting news, I bought a pair of sweet "football" cleats (also known as soccer in the states) at Harbor City. The number of malls in Hong Kong is unbelievable and yet there's only one notable sports store, quiet different from the U.S.
Why repeat what's already been said before. These are basically summaries of Wednesday and Thursday's Tours. If you want the the details that only the experience can give you see below.
---
Tour: Lantau Island Day Tour
"Travel back to the times when fishermen roamed the waterways in this part of Hong Kong. Experience the sights and smells of Tai O, a relatively untouched fishing village set amidst the mountains. You may even spot the rare Chinese white dolphins as you explore the area. Thereafter, experience Chinese Buddhist traditions while feasting on vegetarian cuisine served in a temple. You will also see the world's largest sitting bronze Buddha, and glide across the scenic Tung Chung Bay to Ngong Ping Plateau on a cable car."
Tour: Hong Kong's Urban Chinese Heritage
"Explore the architectural heritage of Hong Kong's Chinese side. Gain unique perspectives into our Chinese culture and values (Wong Tai Sin and Chi Lin Buddhist Nunnery ). Then, learn about an interesting chapter of the city's history at the Kowloon Walled City Park, once a lawless slum that was considered off-limits to both the Chinese and British governments. Finally, recollect these stories over a sumptuous seafood dinner."
---
Both tours were all about getting away from the skyscrapers and city life, and more about the scenic/religious areas. Our lunch at Lantau consisted of jello looking tofu, meatloaf looking tofu, orange chicken looking tofu, fish looking tofu- bottom line tofu, vegetables, and delicious pineapple. The fishing village was very run down and sold "red" drink which only the tour guides drank because they warned that foreigners may not be adjusted enough to this drink made from herbs and served out of unsealed bottles... supposed to be good for the throat, maybe next time. Some of us were lucky enough to see the endangered white dolphins that look more like cotton candy; however, taking pictures of them just wasn't going to happen on this rocky fishing boat.
Tour number two had some interesting stops, the walled in city from the looks of it was a slum with terrible living conditions similar to cities during the Industrial Revolution. At the Taoist Temple I burned incense sticks, knelt inside the temple, shook fortune sticks until one of the hundreds of fortune sticks fell out, and then based on the number had my fortune read. Fortune (which is good for one year and then I have to go back) in broken English he said my family will have happiness, i will find profit in business, go hiking, spring will be full of color, sing, dance, and enjoy life.
dinner- shrimp with heads (be careful shrimp brains can get messy), crab, pork w/ onions green peppers and pineapple, scallops, fried rice, beef vegetable soup, fish, squid, bacchoi, orange slices. Fresh seafood = deliciousness
Finished with the Symphony of Lights, and there was a reason I fell asleep the first time: it's a bit overrated. Tomorrow, another tour with my buddy Carol to Stanley Market and Victoria Peak. Sounds like fun, hope so.
Random Quote: "FISHING IS JUST ONE JERK ON THE END OF A LINE WAITING FOR A JERK AT THE OTHER."
Monday, January 25, 2010
Macau: First Time for Everything
Day 1
Chaos at Porto Exterior Upon Arriving as cell phones don't work and the group of 20 quickly diffuses in an array of directions
Check into Hotel Guía
Spend 1 hour looking for Portuguese Restaurant Caravella in a dark and hidden ally only to find that it's closed on Sundays
Walked through cobble stone streets filled with shops and stray dogs w/ shirts on
St. Paul's Ruins and Mount Fortress
Taking a stroll along the Docks
Observing baccarat and blackjack at the Grand Lisboa Casino
Falling asleep outside my hotel room, waking up with an hotel employee standing over me, trying to communicate that I'm locked out, finding my way through the pitch black room (because no key = no power in the room)
Day 2
Waking up at 9am wondering what the football score is and 3 phone calls to the U.S. to receive updates on the Viks vs. Saints game. (Tension was high w/ 3 Viking fans dying to see the game) you would think that with all the casinos, one would air the game..but no
First time having Dim Sum- 15+ dishes of deliciousness either steamed or fried food including spring rolls, chicken claws, dumplings, and biscuits filled with pork = Yum!!
First time bungee jumping- 233m jump off of Macao Tower, pure greatness, let's do it again shall we?!
First time trying an egg tart- thumbs up
Ending in Chaos for some as Kevin and Jon searched all over Macau for Max with his passport and belongings, returned to HK only turn right back around as they received a phone call from Max stranded in Macau
Even though the Venetian did not make it into the agenda, all in all a great trip, and believe it or not, my spanish skills came in handy when reading maps and street!
Today as in Tuesday's highlights were bargaining down the price for our visas w/ a woman who probably wasn't even talking to anyone on the phone (we decided not to call her bluff though)
From there, I rushed back to HKUST to have lunch with my buddy Carol! I found out we had more in common than anticipated. Neither of us really knows why we chose business as our majors, good teachers make all the difference in the world, chop sticks are difficult to use... She tried to teach me some Cantonese, but it's a major work in progress as slow as molasses. Send air hugs and wishes to all my friends and family. Hope life is good =)
Random Quote- "DON'T COUNT THE DAYS....MAKE THE DAYS COUNT"
Chaos at Porto Exterior Upon Arriving as cell phones don't work and the group of 20 quickly diffuses in an array of directions
Check into Hotel Guía
Spend 1 hour looking for Portuguese Restaurant Caravella in a dark and hidden ally only to find that it's closed on Sundays
Walked through cobble stone streets filled with shops and stray dogs w/ shirts on
St. Paul's Ruins and Mount Fortress
Taking a stroll along the Docks
Observing baccarat and blackjack at the Grand Lisboa Casino
Falling asleep outside my hotel room, waking up with an hotel employee standing over me, trying to communicate that I'm locked out, finding my way through the pitch black room (because no key = no power in the room)
Day 2
Waking up at 9am wondering what the football score is and 3 phone calls to the U.S. to receive updates on the Viks vs. Saints game. (Tension was high w/ 3 Viking fans dying to see the game) you would think that with all the casinos, one would air the game..but no
First time having Dim Sum- 15+ dishes of deliciousness either steamed or fried food including spring rolls, chicken claws, dumplings, and biscuits filled with pork = Yum!!
First time bungee jumping- 233m jump off of Macao Tower, pure greatness, let's do it again shall we?!
First time trying an egg tart- thumbs up
Ending in Chaos for some as Kevin and Jon searched all over Macau for Max with his passport and belongings, returned to HK only turn right back around as they received a phone call from Max stranded in Macau
Even though the Venetian did not make it into the agenda, all in all a great trip, and believe it or not, my spanish skills came in handy when reading maps and street!
Today as in Tuesday's highlights were bargaining down the price for our visas w/ a woman who probably wasn't even talking to anyone on the phone (we decided not to call her bluff though)
From there, I rushed back to HKUST to have lunch with my buddy Carol! I found out we had more in common than anticipated. Neither of us really knows why we chose business as our majors, good teachers make all the difference in the world, chop sticks are difficult to use... She tried to teach me some Cantonese, but it's a major work in progress as slow as molasses. Send air hugs and wishes to all my friends and family. Hope life is good =)
Random Quote- "DON'T COUNT THE DAYS....MAKE THE DAYS COUNT"
Glowing Microbes
Well I realize that I need to blog in blurbs because after a a day chilling on campus and a couple days in Macau I have way too much material talk about. Just relaxed and read up on Macau on Saturday after going to Club 9 near central the night before. Played soccer with some of the other exchange students, so I will work on my game in preparation for next falls PGN soccer squad (I hope I will make the cut).
Food is pretty inexpensive here costing as low as 2 or 3 US dollars for a meal definitely a plus. To add more fuel to the fire, I enjoy the meals and am up for almost anything, so far I've had duck, chicken, pork, eggs, and tons of rice. Still working on the chops sticks, some meals are a workout/struggle on the mind and fingers.
That night a group of us went down to the shore and sat on the ledge overlooking some disgusting looking water, but the view of the mountains was amazing. Someone decided to spit into the pond, and we all thought we were going crazy when the spit made a neon blue splash into the scum. Apparently there are these glowing microbes in the water that light up whenever the water moves, so tossing rocks and spitting into the water became the excitement for the night.
Random Quote- IF YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO, YOU'RE TOO ILL TO TRAVEL.
Food is pretty inexpensive here costing as low as 2 or 3 US dollars for a meal definitely a plus. To add more fuel to the fire, I enjoy the meals and am up for almost anything, so far I've had duck, chicken, pork, eggs, and tons of rice. Still working on the chops sticks, some meals are a workout/struggle on the mind and fingers.
That night a group of us went down to the shore and sat on the ledge overlooking some disgusting looking water, but the view of the mountains was amazing. Someone decided to spit into the pond, and we all thought we were going crazy when the spit made a neon blue splash into the scum. Apparently there are these glowing microbes in the water that light up whenever the water moves, so tossing rocks and spitting into the water became the excitement for the night.
Random Quote- IF YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO, YOU'RE TOO ILL TO TRAVEL.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Without Further Ado: the Arrival
I made it!
Well for the most part I'm settled in. Nothing to call home yet, but thanks to the help of all the study abroad alumni, especially Shai, Sibu, and John (who know how amazing Hong Kong is), your advice and knowledge helped prepare me more than anything else could. Thanks!
It's been quite awhile since the last update, so I have plenty to fill you in on starting with my flight "back to the future." I booked a flight from San Fransico to Hong Kong 12:05 a.m. and a separate flight from Chicago to San Fran at 4:30 Jan. 19th. Thanks to mother nature my flight from Chicago landed in LA instead. Our flight did not land in San Fran until 11:00 p.m. and I didn't get my luggage till 11:30, so I was the person you see every blue moon sprinting through the airport. I checked in my luggage with a special radio call in to the baggage crew "O hold on we have one more person," and then continued walk right on to my flight. Thank you 2 hour time relapse, i wouldn't have made my flight with your help =)
Needless to say, all's well that ends well, and what fun would the trip have been without a little panic and chaos. From there, the number one airline, Singapore, took great care of me. Providing newspapers at the entrance, hot towels, brand new blankets and pillows, a delicious seafood dinner and breakfast, morning towels, personal tv screens with remote control/video game controller, very kind flight attendants, and more. During those 17 hours on Singapore, I was able to watch the Informant (not recommended), read all about the best parts of HK, learn some basic Cantonese by playing dungeons and dragons, and sleep for 8 hours.
Got in at 7 a.m. on Thursday Jan. 22, so I'm in the future now! The fact that this was actually happening, that Hong Kong will be my place of residency for the next 5 months finally hit me as I was blown away by the mountains and surreal environment in Hong Kong.
Once my cab arrived at Hong Kong University Science and Technology (HKUST), which didn't take long as the driver was going 120 mph or km/hr either way he flew. It didn't take long before I met another exchange student Ben and then 10 more who I joined up with for an action packed day. What started as a simple trip to look into visas for mainland China turned into Avenue of Stars, taking the Star Ferry across the water, going to IFC mall, getting lunch, going to the mall with the longest indoor escalator where we caught up with one of the RAs from HKUST, Ebe (lucky for us she is a tour guide at heart) where she continued to take us to the Toilet Bowel ( a restaurant with seats as toilettes, urinals on the wall, and food/dessert served in...toliets), walk down Nathan St., from there to Ladies Market, Eve has us try a variety of street foods which include Octopus ball and other mysterious cultural foods), short break in a park, walk through Temple Street (more street shops), then back to Ave. of Stars to see the Symphony of Lights (light show every night at 8pm where buildings on the street light up in every color and I'll have to go back because I dozed off a couple times throughout due to exhaustion), then back to HKUST where I feel asleep on the bus and almost fell out of my seat if it hadn't been for Kevin catching my fall. Little did I expect my day to be so action packed. Let's just say I sleep very well that night even though my mattress is like a slab of concrete. I didn't have a camera, and due to a minor case of jet lag I pretty much just went with the flow that day.
Today as in the tomorrow of the United States was another day of adventure as we went to Ocean Park to see sting rays, pandas, sharks, fishes, roller-coasters, jelly fish, red foxes, and a gondola! Off to dinner and then downtown, pictures to come. Apparently I had a lot to say, hope all is well in the U.S.A. =)
Random quote: "HIT OR MISS METHODS USUALLY MISS"
Well for the most part I'm settled in. Nothing to call home yet, but thanks to the help of all the study abroad alumni, especially Shai, Sibu, and John (who know how amazing Hong Kong is), your advice and knowledge helped prepare me more than anything else could. Thanks!
It's been quite awhile since the last update, so I have plenty to fill you in on starting with my flight "back to the future." I booked a flight from San Fransico to Hong Kong 12:05 a.m. and a separate flight from Chicago to San Fran at 4:30 Jan. 19th. Thanks to mother nature my flight from Chicago landed in LA instead. Our flight did not land in San Fran until 11:00 p.m. and I didn't get my luggage till 11:30, so I was the person you see every blue moon sprinting through the airport. I checked in my luggage with a special radio call in to the baggage crew "O hold on we have one more person," and then continued walk right on to my flight. Thank you 2 hour time relapse, i wouldn't have made my flight with your help =)
Needless to say, all's well that ends well, and what fun would the trip have been without a little panic and chaos. From there, the number one airline, Singapore, took great care of me. Providing newspapers at the entrance, hot towels, brand new blankets and pillows, a delicious seafood dinner and breakfast, morning towels, personal tv screens with remote control/video game controller, very kind flight attendants, and more. During those 17 hours on Singapore, I was able to watch the Informant (not recommended), read all about the best parts of HK, learn some basic Cantonese by playing dungeons and dragons, and sleep for 8 hours.
Got in at 7 a.m. on Thursday Jan. 22, so I'm in the future now! The fact that this was actually happening, that Hong Kong will be my place of residency for the next 5 months finally hit me as I was blown away by the mountains and surreal environment in Hong Kong.
Once my cab arrived at Hong Kong University Science and Technology (HKUST), which didn't take long as the driver was going 120 mph or km/hr either way he flew. It didn't take long before I met another exchange student Ben and then 10 more who I joined up with for an action packed day. What started as a simple trip to look into visas for mainland China turned into Avenue of Stars, taking the Star Ferry across the water, going to IFC mall, getting lunch, going to the mall with the longest indoor escalator where we caught up with one of the RAs from HKUST, Ebe (lucky for us she is a tour guide at heart) where she continued to take us to the Toilet Bowel ( a restaurant with seats as toilettes, urinals on the wall, and food/dessert served in...toliets), walk down Nathan St., from there to Ladies Market, Eve has us try a variety of street foods which include Octopus ball and other mysterious cultural foods), short break in a park, walk through Temple Street (more street shops), then back to Ave. of Stars to see the Symphony of Lights (light show every night at 8pm where buildings on the street light up in every color and I'll have to go back because I dozed off a couple times throughout due to exhaustion), then back to HKUST where I feel asleep on the bus and almost fell out of my seat if it hadn't been for Kevin catching my fall. Little did I expect my day to be so action packed. Let's just say I sleep very well that night even though my mattress is like a slab of concrete. I didn't have a camera, and due to a minor case of jet lag I pretty much just went with the flow that day.
Today as in the tomorrow of the United States was another day of adventure as we went to Ocean Park to see sting rays, pandas, sharks, fishes, roller-coasters, jelly fish, red foxes, and a gondola! Off to dinner and then downtown, pictures to come. Apparently I had a lot to say, hope all is well in the U.S.A. =)
Random quote: "HIT OR MISS METHODS USUALLY MISS"
Monday, January 18, 2010
Last Full Day in Illinois!
The last day before take off, and a day well spent at that. Low key and relaxing on my mom's birthday. The final pieces of the puzzle are falling into place, and I'm indulging in my favorite foods and beverages. Portillo's italian beef and vanilla milkshake for dinner, Aunt's Mary's amazing cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and french silk pie for dessert.
Hopefully my posts are more exciting once the adventure begins. I'm not promising to give you unbelievable stories like the nine o'clock news (hopefully my stories are more optimistic though), but I'll try to make my life in Hong Kong as action packed and full of adventure as possible.
The butterflies are starting to set in. I hope they let me into the country with this cold. I know what you're thinking and the answer is yes I am bringing health masks for the courtesy of others.
Hopefully my posts are more exciting once the adventure begins. I'm not promising to give you unbelievable stories like the nine o'clock news (hopefully my stories are more optimistic though), but I'll try to make my life in Hong Kong as action packed and full of adventure as possible.
The butterflies are starting to set in. I hope they let me into the country with this cold. I know what you're thinking and the answer is yes I am bringing health masks for the courtesy of others.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
T - 3 days
Well the moment is upon us. Leaving for Hong Kong on Tuesday, which leaves enough time to say goodbye to friends and family at home, finish packing, and attempt to learn some basic Cantonese. Then, let the experience begin!
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