Exploring the City

HKPU took the exchange students on a tour around the city. One of the highlights of the trip was Stanley Market and Repulse Bay. Although the “beach” looked more like Jordan Lake to us, it was wonderful to have a chance to enjoy the weather and beautiful view. We also visited the Chi Lin Nunnery where the ambiance was slightly different and we were able to experience true Asian decoration and tradition.

Repulse Bay

The next day we set out to visit the local markets of Hong Kong. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into when we decided to walk to all the various markets.  Our first stop was the Ladies Market, followed by the Gold Fish Market, and finally to the flower market.  Each was a long street with shops that sold practically the same products door to door. No one figured out how any of them could be successful with this type of market saturation, but it somehow seemed to work. Our last stop, and by then we were struggling in the 107 degree heat, was the Bird Garden, where they sold birds and bird food and even had a little tiny bird on a chain leash.

Orchids in the Flower Market

In the evening we planned an event for the exchange students to go see the Symphony of Lights, which is a light show every night on the buildings on Hong Kong Island. There was a great showing and it was a nice opportunity to meet some of the other exchange students we would be studying with for the next four months. The show was incredible. Music is played through speakers along the walkways while the buildings light up to the music in different colors and patterns.  This area is also known at the Avenue of Stars where they have handprints and statues of famous actors, including Bruce Lee.

Symphony of Lights

Another event organized for exchange students is the Welcome Dinner where we were fed traditional Chinese food that would typically be served at an event such as a wedding. There were 10 courses including jellyfish, goose feet, octopus, and shark fin soup! The jellyfish was actually pretty good and the shark fin soup tasted like egg drop soup. This was probably the most adventurous that any of the Trio was during our entire time in Asia!

Whole fish, bones and all

Many of you may have heard of the Big Buddha (aka Tian Tan Buddha) in HK. The interesting part about this glorious statue is that it is assumed to be centuries old and that monks carried the heavy stone on their backs up an enormously steep hill. The reality is that it was constructed in the 90’s. Although that fact is disappointing, the magnitude of the statue is still breathtaking. Big Buddha is on Lantau Island and the only way to reach the top of the mountain is by cable car through the rush forest below. Although you can normally see all the way to the Buddha, fog made the trip a bit more serene and mystical.

At the Big Buddha with other exchange students