Hong Kong (volume 3)
Things are getting really busy with just one week of class left. I have so many assignments due, group presentations to prepare for and two final exams which are run outside of the exam period during the final week’s class time.
A month ago, I went on a weekend teaching-in-China trip organised by CUHK. We visited Zengcheng 2nd Middle School, and took 4 hours of English classes over two days with students from years 7 and 8. I have a load of thoughts, but no time, so unfortunately, they are relegated to a side note here. One thing I must say though is that it was definitely an interesting learning experience.
The best way to learn is to teach. (Hangman worked great until students realised all the words were from their textbook’s word list).
The MacLehose trail is an epic 100 kilometre hiking trail running across the New Territories in Hong Kong. It’s divided into 10 stages, and I had the pleasure of hiking section 5 three weeks ago. Discover Hong Kong rates it as ‘difficult’, which I agree with, because there is what appears to be an endless set of stairs to get to the Lion’s Rock, the main scenic area. It took just short of 4 hours to hike, excluding the time it took us to get to the Lion Pavilion (start of the hike) from Diamond Hill MTR Station (call a taxi, because it’s all uphill).
That’s not me. I’m not photogenic enough.😳
The following Saturday, I went on a day trip to Macau. Because of a WeChat promotion by Catai (one of two ferry operators), ferries were sold out until after 1 pm by 9:30 am. Fortunately, 11:30 am TurboJET tickets were available. I recommend booking in advance online.
You can and should use HKD in Macau, just for the convenience. Free government-provided Wi-Fi is spotty, but bearable. Macau is divided into two main areas. You can travel between these areas via buses, and walk around within these areas or take advantage of free hotel shuttle buses.
In the north, the main area to see is the Historic Centre of Macau, including the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In the south, I thought The Venetian was quite cool, even though I’m under 21.
Overall, I don’t think Macau was that great, and definitely not worth spending more than 24 hours at.