Wrap Up

All things have a start and an end. 
I distinctly remember the day I was standing at the check-in line at the Honolulu Airport just about to begin my nine month journey of independence, self-actualization, and maturity. Never having traveled on my own, I as well as my father was scared for myself as my 12 hour flight that included a transfer at Korea was delayed 3 hours. The Asiana workers were unable to guarantee passengers they were going to make their connection flights, meaning there was a chance I would have to spend the night at Icheon Airport or arrive in Hong Kong during the middle of the night. All these factors created a panic in my head and for a split second I had the strongest urge to stop everything and forgo the entire trip. 

Fall vs. Spring

Having had the privileges to be the first student from UH Manoa to study at City University of Hong Kong for two semesters, I made sure to push myself to experience everything the school and city had to offer for both semesters. 

Post-Hong Kong Top 5 Discoveries

After having recently landed in Hong Kong, there were a number of scenarios and local behaviors that I wasn't accustomed to doing or seeing (Top 5 Hong Kong Discoveries). Reading that post now, almost ten months later, I've realized that my comments then had only grazed the surface of what this overly packed city had to offer.

Now that my study abroad trip is over, as I reflect back on my Hong Kong Days I am able to truly understand the reasons behind why a person, place, or thing is the way that it is. 

Vietnam

Towards the end of my stay in Hong Kong I decided to take a ten day trip to Vietnam. My plane ticket costed about $350 USD and my visa was $500 HKD. 

I decided to take this trip for many personal reasons. From what I understand so far of my own personal background, my grandparents were from China and had immigrated to Vietnam where they have settled and eventually raised a family and my parents. 

Side Trip to Okinawa!

This past semester I was lucky enough to make a couple of good friends that I was able to go traveling with. Both these friends are local Hong Kong residents that also live in Hall 10 with me. Although different ages and backgrounds we are all able to get along through common interests and compatible personalities.

As a Hawai'i resident, it is questionable why I choose to take a trip to Okinawa as their environment and living style is very close to Hawaii's. But what Okinawa had that Hawai'i didn't was amazing food and traditional hot springs. 

Winter Holidays

This year was the first year I spent my winter holidays away from home. Being Asian, my family and I aren't huge Christmas and New Years celebration types of people.

Back home my friends and I would get together for a nice dinner and exchange gifts. Christmas and New Years morning I'd have Dim Sum with the family and go to a relatives house to play all day and night.

The Good-Byes

From elementary to college I've had pretty much the same pool of friends; one reason being because Hawai'i is very small and second because we all lived in the same neighborhood so coming together to hangout was really easy. After leaving Hawai'i to go to Hong Kong I was forced to meet and make completely new friends. Through common goals and interests I was able to meet a bunch of exchange and local friends. Although it has only been a little over four months ago since I've learned their names, I sometimes feel as if we have been friends for many years.