Erica – Hong Kong

Takeoff

My name is Erica Allen, and I am excited to be studying abroad in Hong Kong, China. This journey marks a significant step in my educational experience, especially since I started learning Mandarin at the age of five. Studying in Hong Kong allows me to immerse myself in a vibrant culture and build skills that will benefit my future career. Developing cross-cultural understanding is increasingly valuable in our global society, and I see this as a wonderful opportunity to enhance those skills.

The trip to Hong Kong began with an early start; we arrived at the airport around 5 a.m. for our 9 a.m. flight. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and nervous energy. I was delighted to have my parents accompany me during my first week, providing us with the chance to explore the city together. Most people here speak Cantonese, which adds an interesting layer to my language studies since I’ve primarily focused on Mandarin. Fortunately, traveling to mainland China is only about 20 minutes away, allowing me the chance to practice my Mandarin in a different setting and further broaden my understanding of the language. While preparing for this adventure was quite a task, filled with organizing documents, visas, and meeting various deadlines, it was also a rewarding experience. Each step, from securing my visa to booking flights, reinforced my commitment to making the most of this opportunity.

Navigating the complexities of international travel and academic requirements was sometimes overwhelming. However, the excitement of discovering what lies ahead made all the preparation worthwhile. Now that I have finally arrived in Hong Kong, I am eager to embrace the challenges and experiences of studying here. I look forward to sharing my journey, from exploring the local culture to deepening my understanding of Mandarin, and all that I will learn in this dynamic city.

My First Week in Hong Kong with Family & Typhoon Ragasa

 My first week in Hong Kong with my family was filled with exploring the city. We kicked things off by visiting the Big Buddha, and then we enjoyed the views from the Ferris Wheel. We also took a trip to Tai O to see if we could spot any pink dolphins and had a fun time on a karaoke cruise. The views from Victoria Peak were amazing, and we made the most of our close location to the MTR station by checking out various shopping malls in North Point. One of the best moments was having a meal with my dad, who shared how excited he was for the adventures ahead. We tried a lot of street food and wandered through night markets, comparing local dishes with some favorites from home. A highlight was visiting a museum that gave us insight into Hong Kong’s history, from British rule to its return to China and the current political situation. I spend a lot of time getting tanned at Repulse bay and discovering the attractions nearby. So far on my exchange here I have met some very good friends, this includes friends from Ireland, Netherlands, Greece, Finland, India, United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, Myanmar, United States, and locals here from Hong Kong and mainland. This is incredible because I had the pleasure to be a part of the largest exchange program with over 600 students from 54 different countries. With this, they have many cultural events on campus like festivals, international day, tea times, concerts, shopping stalls for small businesses, clubs, activities, and more. There is always something to do on campus whether local or exchange.

Things changed when Typhoon Ragasa approached, marking the biggest storm to hit Hong Kong since 2018. We had plenty of warning and prepared by stocking up on food and supplies. The local grocery store had many empty shelves as people got ready for the storm. My roommate and I spent the time leading up to the typhoon studying, watching movies, and playing ping pong in our hostel to keep ourselves entertained. After the storm passed, we saw the streets covered in branches and debris that needed to be cleared away. Some bus stops were out of service, but overall, the campus weathered the storm just fine. It was a week full of new experiences and challenges that set the tone for my time in Hong Kong. Lastly because of the storm, my roommate and I got to see so many monkeys from the view of our window, almost a family of 20 came out of the nearby forest and jumped from building to tree. Truly an incredible feat to witness. 

Macao & The Mid autumn Festival

I recently had the chance to travel to Macao with friends, and it was an adventure I won’t soon forget. The journey began with a scenic one-hour ferry ride, which not only set the tone for our trip but also offered beautiful views of the water. Once we arrived, we dove headfirst into the vibrant atmosphere that Macao is known for. Our first stop was to try the local delicacies, and we couldn’t resist the famous egg tarts that Macao is infamous for. They were every bit as delicious as promised! We explored the bustling street markets, soaking in the lively energy around us. The sights were truly captivating; we wandered through the historic ruins of Saint Paul, admired the elegant Senado Square, visited a traditional temple, and even explored the opulence of Casino Lisboa. We also took the time to visit the Macao Museum and the stunning courtyard of Leal, where we encountered the statue of Matteo Ricci, a testament to the city’s rich history. One of the highlights was climbing to the Fortaleza do Monte, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

As if that wasn’t enough, our trip coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which transformed Hong Kong into a mesmerizing wonderland. Everywhere we looked, there were colorful lanterns and beautifully crafted mooncakes, bringing a festive spirit to the streets. Families gathered to celebrate, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement. I ventured to Wan Chai, where the shopping plazas were impeccably adorned with lanterns, creating a stunning visual display. During the festival, we witnessed a spectacular dragon dance, comprised of 10,000 incense sticks, weaving its way through the streets. The local authorities ensured everything flowed smoothly, closing off streets and directing traffic to accommodate the festivities. We were in for a treat with a dazzling fireworks show in the central area, and many buildings lit up with synchronized light displays, adding to the celebratory mood. The lantern carnival at Victoria Park was a highlight of our experience, offering free entry to an array of market stalls featuring small businesses and local artists. There were even prizes to be won by visiting various stalls, which added an extra element of fun to our day. As always, the street food was plentiful and affordable, allowing us to indulge without breaking the bank. Despite a recent typhoon warning, the lantern displays remained intact, showcasing the resilience of this captivating city. Overall, my trip to Macao and the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong was a perfect blend of culture, history, and celebration, making for an unforgettable experience.

Taiwan and Japan

Over the past two weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to take weekend trips abroad, first to Taiwan and then to Japan, each offering unique experiences and unforgettable memories. Starting with Taiwan, I was amazed by how the country operated in a nearly cashless environment. While it was necessary to withdraw some cash to fully enjoy all the vibrant night markets and delightful shops, the experience was well worth it. Each market, whether famous or lesser known, was a treasure trove of excellent food and affordable clothing. My friend and I explored a variety of captivating spots, including a capybara cafe, a maid cafe, and even a meerkat cafe, immersing ourselves in the local wildlife and quirky attractions. One of the highlights was getting to hold a toucan, a truly delightful experience. The atmosphere in Taiwan was incredibly peaceful, and the friendliness of the locals made our visit even more enjoyable. We indulged in numerous local delicacies, savoring flavorful shrimp spring rolls and dry noodles, and couldn’t resist trying the famous mochi doughnut! Some of the highlights of our sightseeing included the Song Shan CiYou Temple, the vibrant Rainbow Road, the historic Bo PiLiao Block, and Di Hua Street, among others. Each location, like the enchanting Long Shan Temple and the bustling Hua Xi Street Night Market, gave me a profound appreciation for the rich history and artistry of Taiwan.

After experiencing Taiwan, I headed to Tokyo, Japan, just in time to immerse myself in the festivities of Halloween. My friend and I dived headfirst into the celebratory spirit, joining in on karaoke sessions and attending lively Halloween parties that kept us entertained until the early morning hours. The culinary offerings were nothing short of spectacular; we feasted on a variety of local favorites, including flavorful curry, fresh sushi, delectable tempura, and delightful matcha sweets. A memorable visit to the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa allowed me to draw a fortune, and I was greeted by the genuine kindness of the staff there. Shopping was another highlight of the trip as I acquired plenty of Sanrio merchandise from Don Quijote, exploring the Shibuya Tower and Shibuya Scramble Square, and experiencing the trendy Takeshita Street Market, where I found tons of stylish clothes. Visiting the Pokémon Centers around town and indulging in exclusive Nintendo merchandise at the Nintendo store was a dream come true. We also ventured to Ueno and the Global Ring at Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park, where a thrilling kick-the-ball tournament showcased impressive soccer skills and tricks. Everything about Japan was incredible: the delicious food, the vibrant energy of the crowds, and the stunning architecture made me long for more Asian-style buildings back home in the United States. Both trips were filled with breathtaking sights and amazing encounters, leaving me with cherished memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

After Japan, I traveled to Thailand, where I met my friend from Singapore. We visited many famous places, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as well as Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha. This was also where I hopped on the back of a motorcycle for the first time and got to experience the thrill of watching a Muay Thai fight live at Rajadamnern Stadium, one of the most famous Muay Thai stadiums in the country. It was incredible. The food was amazing, we ate crispy pork skin, duck, and many fresh vegetables, and tried a variety of local dishes that made the trip even more unforgettable.

Once I returned from Thailand, I decided to really pick up the pace. I wanted to see a new country every weekend. The very next weekend, I booked a flight to Vietnam. While there, I went temple hopping at famous sites in the Hanoi area, including the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and One Pillar Pagoda. I got to see a traditional water puppet show, hop on the back of more motorcycles, and went on a day cruise to Ha Long Bay, where I hiked, explored caves, and went speed-boating and bamboo boating. Near my hostel, there was an open-air performance where I watched more water puppet dances and colorful dragon dances, which made the nights just as exciting as the days.Vietnam was such an incredible place. The pho, Indian curry, and bánh mì were all absolutely delectable. If I could go back to any country, I would choose Vietnam in a heartbeat.

After Vietnam, I traveled to Seoul, South Korea, where I was excited to experience an entirely new culture. I explored famous landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village, learning so much about Korean history and traditions. I rode the subway throughout the city and visited lively areas like Myeongdong and Hongdae, where I shopped, tried street food, and experienced the energy of the city. I enjoyed authentic Korean food, including bulgogi, bibimbap, tteokbokki, and Korean fried chicken, which was some of the best food I had on my entire trip. At night, I walked along the Han River and admired the city lights. Seoul was an unforgettable experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to explore such a vibrant and beautiful country.

My friend from Finland and I decided to go to Beijing. I even got to call my family during their Thanksgiving dinner while standing on the Great Wall of China. We enjoyed KFC and I can definitely see why it’s so popular in China; it was delicious, but of course we also enjoyed dim sum and many local snacks. We visited beautiful temple overlooks, including the Temple of Heaven, the Lama Temple, and the Summer Palace, and learned how to navigate the metro system. it was a new cultural experience having my bag checked at every checkpoint before entering many major buildings and every time we got on the metro. I had so much fun with my friend, and I can tell I’ve made a forever friend in this lifetime, despite our differences in time zones and cultures.

The first week of December was filled with finals and final projects for me. I managed to study and participate in group projects and calls, effectively collaborating with my group members despite traveling around. Once finals were over, that first weekend of December my roommate and I went to Shenzhen, since it is only a 20-minute train ride away. We ate the most delicious fried chicken, dumplings, crab chips, and so many other amazing foods that Shenzhen has to offer. We got to see the huge buildings and impressive infrastructure, visit a popular local night market, and explore China together. It was her first time visiting China, and I hadn’t had the chance to explore much during my first trip because it was for a class opportunity where we visited the Tencent headquarters. Tencent is the company that created WeChat and the game League of Legends.