enjoy beforehand

I’ve been internet deprived! Its been almost a week since I’ve been connected to the rest of the world and I must say I feel alright. ha. Moving along….

Hong Kong is cheap when you are able to order/speak in Cantonese.  For the past couple of weeks, one of my mentor took me out to dinner at local restaurants; very Hong Kong-like, nothing I’ve  experienced in the States. You need to rinse your dishes and utensils with hot tea into a bowl that is placed in the center of the table. Interesting, no? Needless to say, the foods were delicious and greasy and CHEAP! US$10 meals for the size and quatity of orders..I can hardly fathom how it is possible! Comparable to the Chinese restaurants in the States, the cost would have easily been US$50-100 meals! Seafood included.

Speaking of cheap, apparently it is cheap-ER in Tianjin, China. I spoke to a fellow exchange student who has currently been studying at TUFE for a few years now, and he mentioned I will be surprised. How much cheaper can it really get? I can hardly wait and see. Except its FREEZING in Tianjin ….and I am no where near prepared. I’m still in short-sleeves in Hong Kong where everyone else is bundled up in jackets! Yes..they think I’m crazy…I heard.

Great news! I will be teaching English during my time at TUFE! I know. Me? Teach English?? Crazy talk!! Heres the catch. I’ll just be speaking to my 15 students in English. Just someone for them to conversate with. Easy-peezy?! I hope so!

But I must remember…Chinese before English. Sorry, I have my priorities!

So! This past weekend was the annual Education and Careers Expo that I helped coordinate. It was an overall success with what we could have done, but definitely plenty of room for improvements! Unfortunately, I won’t be here for the improvements, but I did what I could for this year’s. The seminar which I helped recruit students and parents concluded with the largest turnout even with it pouring cats and dogs outside. Funny thing, there was a pet show held just above our hall. ha.ha.ha.

So at the show, students of the ages 17-19 resembled those aged 12-15. A couple of people mentioned I looked25-26…I’m only 22. Thanks. Oh how I hate the sun now! Damn you sunny California! You made me old!

Since it seems I’m just blurting out random thoughts with no real filters…I’ll just leave it at that for now. Hopefully I don’t need to put a “Gone Fishing” remark here as I do on Facebook once I hit China.

Oh yes.

Dear Hong Kong,

My self-esteem has been shot to the ground multiple times ever since I entered here.Your opinions are not needed. I don’t care for it. I am happy with myself and will continue to be happy just the way I am. I will not change to a superficial, starving person for you. Sorry.

And yes, I understand, that is apart of your culture. Its just in my thoughts.

Sincerely…