To get up to the peak we had to take a tram to the very top of the mountain, the whole experience was very amazing. At the top, there were many restaurants which included Bubba Gump (i thought that was pretty funny). If you look at the picture, the building closer to the front are on Hong Kong Island (Victoria) and the building in the background are in Kowloon. CityU (my university) is located in Kowloon.
Overall, the transporation is great in Hong Kong. You can get most places in Kowloon and the Island from the MTR (subway). However, the MTR stops running at 12, so most of the times going home at night everyone must take a taxi. Taxis are relatively inexpensive. To get back from Long Kwai Fong, which is popular area for night life in Hong Kong, is about $80 HK, which is around $12 US.
Yesterday was a very relaxing day. I spent most of my day on campus taking a tour and getting acquainted on where all my classes were. I met several people from Canada and spent some time with them. (Yes, they do say Ay? after some of their sentences, just not as often as expected.) Next to the university there is a HUGE mall called Festival Walk. I don't think I have been in a mall comparable to this in America. There are six floors with a many different features including a skating rink, theater, and grocery store. Last night, most of the international students hung around the dorm playing local games to each of the countries. It was a pretty fun, relaxing night.
Today, I had a great day. Most of the international students went to a beach called Discovery Bay. (when i say most, i mean around 200 people). We taught several Europeans how to throw an American football. The whole beach area was very pretty. In Discovery Bay, there were several restaurants. The area seemed to be very Westernized, I think there were more non-locals than locals. For dinner, several students and I ate a restaurant that overlooked the ocean and beach. I ate with people from Canada, Oregon, San Fran, Germany, France, and Indiana. I will post the pictures of Discovery Bay on my next post.
Overall, I have had a great first week in Hong Kong. I have met people from all over the world. Its amazing how cultures can inter mingle together at one university across the world. Even more interesting, when all these different people from around the world meet and talk, they speak English to each other. The only downside of Hong Kong is the weather. So far this past week, most days have been around 95 F with about 189% humidity. The humidity is like nothing most Americans have ever experienced. (and I thought Evansville was bad!). I am very excited for the next 4 months and look forward to what the future will bring.
I hope all is well in America!
