Hong Kong in Pictures

Day 4 - 1/12/2014

"The past is a ghost, the future a dream. All we ever have is now." –Bill Cosby I'm loving the now!

Day 3 - 1/11/14

Never know what to expect. Found delicious Dim Sum in the village!

Octopus Card

When people told me how important an Octopus Card was in Hong Kong, I didn't really believe it. But, after just being in Hong Kong for 6 days, I've realized the importance. First of all, it gets you on any public transportation (MTR, bus, etc), A lot of shops and stores and even restaurants accept the Octopus Card. The campus uses Octopus Card for printing, vending machines, and to get food. This system is pretty cool and it is really awesome to see how its wide use makes it easier as you have one card that can do multiple things. It would be so awesome if they have this in America, but it would take too much change and time. In the time being, I will Octopus Card ahead in HK!

Symphony of Lights

The world's biggest permanent light and laser show was really pretty. The music was a little under-welming, but it was really cool to see all the big skyscrapers covered with lights that lit up the sky.

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak (Chinese: 太平山) is a mountain in the western half of Hong Kong Island. It is the highest mountain on the island and provides an opportunity to look down and see the skyline towards Kowloon. We were able to hike up the paths behind University Hall and come down on the Tram. What's cool is that you can really see a panoramic view of the island.

My Home Away From Home

University Hall

Istanbul, Turkey

It was a good decision to do an 8-hour layover at Istanbul, Turkey. Got the chance to be in Europe for the first time. Getting my visa was as simple as giving my passport and $20, the public transportation makes sense and is efficient. My friend Sean and I were able to tour Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the streets of Istanbul, eat kebap food on the streets, and shop at a large shopping mall. Overall, a great and efficient way to spend 8 hours. P.S. There are a lot of stray cats and dogs.

First Post... Countdown to Hong Kong!

Excited! Anxious! Happy! Sad! I'll miss everyone back home... but I'm excited for this wonderful experience. I've wanted to study abroad since Freshmen year and it's crazy how fast time flies and here I am, a second semester junior, about to embark on a study abroad trip to the University of Hong Kong. I'm finally all packed up and ready to go. Flight's in less than 20 hours now! First stop, Istanbul, Turkey! Then, Hong Kong!! Hope I'm ready for this experience and I hope to keep updating this blog frequently! So keep checking back! #ready #keepgrowing #newexperiences