mid term

I am coming to the end of the first semester of school here in Hong Kong. I have learned a lot about the culture and to sum it up, I would call it a mosaic. There are definite elements of traditional Chinese culture but there are numerous, colorful hints of Japanese, Korean, and Western (mainly British). There are so many things that are still foreign to me and I struggle with them everyday. However, I feel like I have become acclimated to a pretty large extent. I can buy food at the market outside of my house, navigate the entire country by MRT, bus, and ferry, and I have even set up online banking for my account here!

I am eternally grateful that I decided to take the job in Hong Kong. I feel that a job in Korea or mainland China would not have been quite as much fun. The amount of English spoken here, the selection of food, and the general friendliness of the population combine to create an extremely positive environment. Plus, I still have access to Facebook, Gmail, and NPR.

Elliot has asked me (twice now) if I see myself as Chinese or American. The first time, I said that I was an America and I would always see myself as an American. The second time he asked me I had to take a pause and contemplate the idea. I am and always will be an American. However, I have found myself staring at westerners, wondering why Hong Kongers are staring at me, and harboring a bit of animosity towards tourists. Interesting. Please excuse me while I go have some yum cha (dim sum) and walk down the street in an agonizingly slow, meandering fashion.

Burrrr.

In danger of sounding like a politician, I officially rescind my condemnation of ube. I do not apologize, however for badmouthing ube flavored ice cream, candy, and/or snack bars. Ube, as a root vegetable, is quite delicious and the purpley potpourri of flavors is, indeed, very nice.

In other news, there has been a cold weather warning issued in Hong Kong. Quick, get out your parka and puffa jackets, it’s below 60 degrees! For the past two nights the temperature has been hovering around 58 degrees and during the day it has been a frigid 65 degrees. I’ve been wearing sweaters and scarves to work and compared to my co-workers, I am practically naked. They are all wearing pea coats and wooly sweaters. I don’t know how they are not passing out from overheating. Additionally, the heat is on at public transportation facilities. The HEAT.

“Take care Emma. Do not get too cold. Where is your coat?!”

--The teachers at my school