Salem, Sweet Salem. Yes, I am back but I am definitely ready to head back to China as soon as possible. This last week was the best of the trip because the group was finally finished with official tours and meetings and had time to relax and unwind before returning to school. There was no better place to do this than HONG KONG! We arrived in Hong Kong at night and didn't really have time to do anything but head to McDonald's, which was in the same building as our hotel.
On our first full day in Hong Kong, which was also the Chinese Lunar New Year, we went on a tram ride to the peak of Hong Kong which had a Starbucks AND a Haagen Daas. From there we went on a sampan ride on the water around the island of Hong Kong and then went to the beach. Yes, the beach, in January...in Hong Kong, and it was awesome! We went to the famous Stanley Market to get some more souvenirs and gifts for people, which I believe was very necessary because a lot of us had only been shopping for ourselves up to that point. Our last event of the night was a dinner cruise that was to be our last official dinner as a group so we all cleaned up, got all dolled up and just had an amazing time together while enjoying the live music. I will always remember that day as one of the best of my life because the group was just able to relax and release so much tension and stress from the past few weeks. Although Hong Kong is so populated, something about the water is just soothing and calming.
The next night the group spent the day
apart but came back together at night to watch the fireworks by the
waterfront, which was absolutely beautiful. I know that I haven't
lived for too long, but by far China has been the most incredible
experience of my life and I am so glad I decided to choose this once in
a lifetime opportunity. Even without my pictures I know that I will
never forget the highlights of this trip and all the knowledge that I