Institute of Textiles and Clothing

We took part in the ITC orientation this morning.  The Institute of Textiles and Clothing is our host program here in Hong Kong.  The day started in ITC's very modern, immaculate, glass meeting room.  There were 20 exchange students present around the meeting table, with Dr. Tracy Mok facilitating.  The students are from Sweden, Australia, UK, and Germany to name a few.  Most were focusing on fashion design, and we were the only Master students.  After a brief presentation, and words from the Dean of the Institute, we were given a tour.  The tour began in a very impressive floor to ceiling, 180 degree theater.  An informative video was played, which demonstrated the very impressive offerings of ITC.  The design studios were simple and modern with a refreshing, creative feeling.  The dyeing and finishing, weaving, and knitting labs were similar to ours, but smaller in scale.  We were impressed by the style of the facility and the appeal of its people and design.  Following the tour, the orientation was wrapped up.  We ate lunch in the student Canteen with the ITC students from Australia (who happened to be from RMIT, our host University for Spring semester!)  After that we had a great afternoon walking through Hong Kong to the Harbour, and to Star Ferry.  Plenty of pictures were taken and even a Starbucks purchased along the way.  Fun fact: Andrew got asked to take a picture with a local.  Enjoy the photos.

Theater at ITC

Knitting Labs

Display hallway of Intimate Apparel

In front of Hong Kong Island

Destination: Hong Kong

Greetings from Hong Kong!!!


It is such a relief to finally be in Hong Kong--after many months of arduous planning, surprises and successes, it is our time now.  It is our time to represent the College of Textiles, to discover and develop ourselves further, and to have the time of our lives.  If you are reading this post or are a follower of this blog, you are somehow connected to us, as a student, family member, friend or acquaintance.  Just in case we don't say it enough throughout our time here, thanks for caring--thanks for taking the time to read about the journey of three young people.  We appreciate you and hope you can feel, taste and see Hong Kong through our words.  "Gom bui!"


We had a long flight over, 16 hours, but finally made it to PolyU, and our home for the next 4 months.  We started our first full day off with a Cantonese culture and language class and then went to tour the PolyU campus with the help of our amazing Hong Kong buddies, Carmel and Tracy. We made a shopping run for necessities and stopped at a Chinese restaurant for some traditional tea and dim sum. 


We are beginning to feel settled with the small touches being put in place.  We will continue to slowly learn our way around the city and have already been exploring various blocks around PolyU.  We are now working on getting in touch with the textile companies and local contacts.  Classes begin on September 1st, and until then we will be acclimating ourselves and refining our plan of action for the semester.


"Baai Baai" (Bye-Bye)


ASH
DCL
WJM