Hong Kong (volume 2)

I recently passed the half-way mark for exchange. Wow.

It’s hard balancing studying with travelling in my limited time, because even though the latter is hard to come by, what I’ve come to realise is that the former, experiencing student life in another country is the rarer opportunity.

Before I came, the must-go destination I had in mind was Guilin (it’s absolutely beautiful). I had planned to go this weekend, but I gave it up because I was too busy with mid-terms to plan everything, it was forecast to rain¹ and because I could (train tickets are easily refundable). But ultimately, it came down to slowing down to enjoy the time I have left here.

Taking a long weekend trip to somewhere in Asia isn’t the same as going on a day trip around Hong Kong. Rather than rest and relaxation, as fun as travelling is, it’s tiring. You fall behind on work instead of staying ahead. And you miss out on campus life, which is fleeting as it is.

I imagine staying for a year would simply eliminate the study/travel balance conundrum. But as much as I LOVE being here, I don’t think it’s clear cut that I would stay for a year instead of a semester if I had to choose again. The vast majority of exchange students are here for a semester, so I suspect there’s no continuity as friends leave and new future-friends come. Thus, there’s definitely diminishing returns to studying a year abroad.

Fortunately, I have no regrets, because I didn’t have to choose. I originally intended to major in information systems, which doesn’t have any course equivalents at CUHK I can transfer back home, so there aren’t enough courses for two semesters.

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Before I came, I knew Hong Kong primarily for its skyline, but turns out it has some great hiking trails.

I am obligated to state the obvious (for anyone who knows me), we are just friends.😂 This photo was so good it was worth getting permission to publish, thanks Remon for taking it!

Just under a month ago, I went to Lamma Island by ferry from Central. It took under 2 hours to complete the easy hike, contrary to the 4 hours listed on Discover Hong Kong. As an aside, seafood is not cheap here, with the banquets at the restaurants costing approximately $150/person, which I passed on.

Later that day I also popped by Nan Lian Garden for less than an hour. It’s insane. And free. It is essentially a garden in the middle of the city, next to the Diamond Hill MTR.

For the Chung Yeung public holiday, I hiked the Dragon’s Back, the best urban hiking trail in Asia according to Time.

Because I was stupid and didn’t stock up with enough water (600 mL rather than 2 L) at Shau Kei Wan, I had to walk up and down around 50 storeys (according to my phone) to Tei Wan village near the start of the hike to buy some from a boat shed. So even before I started, I felt exhausted!

The walk to Shek O Peak is incredible. It’s a tortuous cycle (for me as explained above) of uphill and downhill (like the ridges of a Dragon’s Back) with breathtaking views. After the peak, it literally and figuratively only goes downhill, so take your time at the start and speed up towards the end. It took around 3 hours to get to Big Wave Beach, contrary to the 6 hours listed on Discover Hong Kong. You probably want to stay for a swim after the hike, because it’s a great beach.

I’d say that after Victoria Peak and viewing the skyline from Avenue of the Stars, Dragon’s Back is the next must-go destination. Highly recommended!

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I’m finally done with mid-term exams, which is a relief, because now I can have a brief respite before getting to work on my final papers, projects and presentations. On a final note, it’s winter! It’s finally cool enough that my roommate and I can sleep with just the fan on, unless we merely crossed a psychological barrier. Hoorah!