Orientation Week = More Friends + More Food + More Adventures

It is half way through Orientation Camp for IASP (International Asian Studies Program) students at CUHK. I moved in on Monday, August 30th, and since then, I have heard more non-American English accents than I have in my entire life.

There are over 480 exchange students starting school in the fall semester. Approximately 30% are from the Americas, another 30% are from Asian countries, and the remaining are from European countries. I feel fortunate to be able to say that I have made friends from all around the world: Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong, and NYC!

I like sitting in the campus shuttle and just listen to the different languages being spoken. More commonly there is a group of students speaking English, but each with a unique accent. Maybe by the end of my stay in HK I will be able to tell which country someone is from by their accent when speaking English. 

I thought I'd post some pictures since I cannot sleep on a full stomach :)

I forgot to post this picture last time! It basically sums up my adventure with Ying in Shanghai. I was unofficially initiated by taking these Japanese booth photos for the first time. It was actually really fun...!

This is my permanent housing for the next few months. Chan Chun Ha Hostel in United College FTW!

Taiwanese Shaved Ice Dessert. These are amazingly delicious - and pretty to look at, don't you think? This one is milk shaved ice with taro and pineapple sago. The best part is that this specific dessert shop (si4 ge1 ie. Fourth Brother) is located right at the end of Fa Yuen Street. After all that walking, shopping, and bargaining under the blazing sun, this is a real treat.

My hair just seconds before chopped off. It was FINALLY long enough (11 inches) to donate to Locks of Love. As much as I miss my long hair, I feel like I have finally accomplished something I've been working at. It's a type of relief.    

A child somewhere suffering from medical hair loss will soon be receiving my gift to them in the mail!

Melissa! I met her at the orientation at UCSD then ran into her while moving into my CUHK orientation hostel. I think I've food the perfect eating-out buddy, hooray! 

Yummy!! "La Mien" at Crystal Jade in Shatin Mall. I have found that the portions in Hong Kong are huge, even though the people are generally pretty slim. The dishes are meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends :)

We browsed around the marketplace and found  a variety of fruits, snacks, and baked goods. I wished I could sample a bit of everything! 

Up Next: Snoopy's World!!! Aw come on, we're not that old. I mean seriously, we are in Hong Kong!  

Even college students can be entertained by a Snoopy park, playground (we can pass for 12-year-olds, no prob), and canoe ride! 

"teeheehee!"

We discovered the perfect date spot/romantic hideout. A dimly lit terrace, couples on swings, pretty water works, a view of the night lights, and jazzy music... never thought I'd find this on the top floor of a massive shopping mall in Hong Kong! The surprises I find here are endless. 

Breakfast with Penny Kim! She's my new friend from South Korea! 

A good way to pass time while waiting for the bus in the excruciating heat is to make funny faces! =P

Me and my temporary roomie at the orientation hostels. Lisa's from Taiwan - ain't she just a cutie?

 I am a student of UNITED COLLEGE, one of four colleges at CUHK. 

These girls are so sweet! If only I could remember all of their names... Korean names so hard to remember (but they sound so pretty when you get it right)!

CUHK matched us with a local student through the Buddy Programme. This is my buddy Winnie! She is awesome. She introduced me to the HK version of Yelp, Openrice.com. She is absolutely the biggest foodie I've met so far in Hong Kong. We were meant to be. She brought me to a great Japanese restaurant in Tsim Sa Tsui. 

This is Winnie's friend, Iris. The two of them studied abroad at SDSU last year and grew closer through their shared passion for food. I am more than happy to join them. This is definitely the start of a beautiful friendship :)

Grilled Bluefish Tuna - the semi-raw tuna was perfectly tender, fresh, and sweet.

98 HKD, which is approximately $13 US. What a deal for quality food! 

After dinner, we went out for dessert at Paul Lafayet, a French Pastry shop in one of the new TST malls.

Vanilla macaroon with fresh blueberries, their signature Creme Brulee (omg, Heavenly. Hands down the best I've ever had), and a decadent lemon tart. Each was 40 HKD, but the taste was worth the price tag. Thanks Iris for treating us! She just got a bonus with her paycheck this month ;)

I think I will be seeing them very soon for our next food adventure :)