Yesterday was an optional HKPU exchange student tour of the city! After we were split into 3 busses of 43 students each, we headed through the city to the Chi Lin Nunnery. On the way we were told some interesting facts and history of Hong Kong by an amazing tour guide, Tim! Just a few of the things he told us include:
-Hong Kong has a 3:1 ratio of guys to girls
-Hong Kong girls can be very materialistic (I'm not sure I believe that one... luxury brands are common but that was a harsh statement on his part)
-Since 1997, Hong Kong has considered themselves with China to be "One country, Two Systems" (However, a lot of people will say two countries, two systems) But Hong Kong follows it's own Basic Law with freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, of religious beliefs, and of marriage; and the right and freedom to form and join trade unions, and to strike among other freedoms. They have 50 years to carry out and govern themselves in the way they choose.
-Hong Kong is a duty free country except for 3 things: alcohol, tobacco and gas... NO TAX! YAY!
When we arrived at the nunnery, the sky looked ominous and the mood of the buddha-temples, candle-light and music all fit perfectly. Unfortunately the skies opened up and a down-pour came. I was lucky enough to have taken some beautiful photos before hand. An hour later we were back on the bus headed into the mountains to the south side of Hong Kong Island where I must say bus drivers drive like there is no tomorrow on narrow streets in a way that seems to me to be on the brink of reckless. The drive was BEAUTIFUL though I don't think I could put the proper words together to describe the views I saw... Skyscrapers on rolling hills, villas nestled in mountainsides, waves crashing on rocks, sand, cargo ships, yachts, markets, stores, lovely restaurants with outdoor terraces and so much more.
We arrived to walk through Stanley Market (a free standing market known for semi-reasonable prices where you are expected to bargain), it was interesting to see and fun to people watch but I didn't want to give myself away trying to bargain with the phonetics involved in speaking Catonese.... Too complicated at this point, maybe soon I will feel more comfortable saying "Can Ta Chi"=How much? or "Pan Ti"=Cheaper... but that day is not today. After walking along the beaches with Whitney and Andrew, we walked over to a place called Murray House to explore the fancy restaurants within before boarding the bus to take the 45 minute ride back to Kowloon.
Today, Whitney, Andrew and I decided yesterday at the beach was just not enough. So we rounded up two girls who are becoming close friends FAST. From Norway studying in Denmark, Benedicte and Maria are without a doubt two of my new favorite people. We walked to the MTR(subway system) this morning after eating brunch at the Metropolis Mall (on the way) and took two different trains to arrive in Central Hong Kong Island Station, took the treacherous bus ride through the mountains to arrive at the much visited, lovely, Repulse Bay. We read, swam and lounged all day until our tummys told us to leave. Ate dinner outside on the Boardwalk to watch the sun-set (although slightly overcast) before returning home.
The day was absolutely amazing; relaxing with wonderful people is without a doubt a successful day in my book. Tomorrow we have some errands to run but the main event is going to the Harbor for the Skyscraper light show on Hong Kong Island!
Post again soon~
With Love
Random facts recently learned:
-Typhoon warnings don't scare people the way hurricane warnings in the states do
-On sundays, there are people who gather outside within the city to enjoy each others company on the day of worship... all day they lay out blankets along the covered streets in front of corporate buildings and socialize with one another and it is completely ok.
-The chinese don't hug one another to show appreciation, greetings or departures in the way we do... difficult adjustment.
-Burping loudly is not rude to the chinese
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