In Conclusion...

It feels weird to be back- Foreign even. But I know that in time my tempurpedic lifestyle and I will return back to routines and standard operating procedures. My Hong Kong adventure was fun, new, and interesting, but more importantly it reinforced my feeling that I am awakening. I feel like… when you stretch and take that first huge yawn as you get out of bed; that first rush of blood coursing through your body that lets you know you are not going to fall back to sleep and hit the snooze button ONE MORE TIME.

I had set forth without committing myself to definite goals. Yes, I wanted to eat the food and talk with the people, but I was not going to limit myself by what I would and would not do. Our class was an impressive lesson on modern Chinese politics, economy, and culture taught by from a free Chinese native perspective. Using a TRUE open mind, this was allowed to challenge my thoughts and views about the “Communist” country. The food was close to what I crazily expected, but still a thrilling adventure unto itself. My mom said it best “I never would have dreamt that you, the pickiest kid EVER when it comes to food, who only ate chicken tenders and quesadillas, would eat duck’s blood and frog, and chicken feet”. At the time I thought nothing of it, but now I am delighted to know I am not that close minded juvenile American stereotype anymore. I am even more excited that I enjoyed some of those foods!

“A good student can learn in the worst situations.”

My time there was not free of slip-ups or drama. We all make mistakes, but the only tragedy of mistakes is not learning from them. I won’t say that in hindsight I would do anything differently; that is no way to live life. Instead I have better insight into other cultures as well as my own. My hunger for traveling has only grown and I do not feel that there is anything that can persuade me otherwise.

Spending time in Hong Kong has also made me think critically about my international relation with them as well as my own country. I am an American, but I am also a world citizen. A confusing mixture to explore the world with, but it is important to retain both identities. I think of my country as my family, and the world as my friends. A fine balance of zeal and empathy are crucial for both. We cannot so quickly betray one for the other, but we certainly CANNOT forsake our family. WE are imperfect so when your friends betray you, and sadly we all do, who will you run to? With that said you cannot claim one culture is “better”. We can only try to comment objectively on the differences and which ones we prefer or which ones we don’t. Everything is relative.

All irksome ideas, thoughts, and meanings aside…I loved Hong Kong and encourage anyone to go. It is great for first time travelers, such as myself, or someone who has trekked the planet. Food, people, nightlife, beauty, culture. You’ve read the rest of this blog… need I say more?!