Hong Kong--Who Are You?

Well, I'm finally here. Xiamen Dashue (Xiamen University). After an introductory two weeks in the thriving metropolis of Hong Kong, I have been thrust into the East Coast Mainland of China-- a place with much humidity, few air-conditioners, and even fewer English speaker to bail me out when I make a fool of myself. But first we look back to Hong Kong...

Hong Kong was a marvelous city. Picture an Asian style NYC that is a lot brighter and cleaner... you're almost there. As someone who is fascinated with urban landscapes, I found myself in a near-euphoric state standing in front of quite possibly the most stunning skyline in the history of man. From the ferry from Kaiwloon (the mainland)to Hong Kong island you are literally surrounded 360 degrees by a towering skyline. At night this already dazzling city comes to life as the myriad of buildings reflect their lights across the bay. Every night at 8pm the entire skyline of HKG island participates in the largest light/lazer show in the world. Each building plays a key role in the fusion of lights across the city as the line between organic and manufactured slightly blurs.

This urban jungle is a prime example of Asia's economic and technological leadership in the next generation. The Free market and private enterprise are vigorously cultivated in this the "most capitalist place on earth" where even the banks print the money -- but even better than all of this-- there is a 7-eleven on EVERY STREET CORNER! I'm not gonna lie, a good portion of my meal stipend went to the local store where I tried out the various HongKongese flavors of slurpees! It did pay off however-- I made friends with the cashier (Ben) and on my last day he gave me a sweet pin celebrating the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's independence from Britain. (I told him we knew how it felt) Hong Kong is a unique fusion of the East/West. Cantonese and English are regularly spoken in the streets, Chinese and American business flourish under the same economy. You can shop for a while at Gucci, get a latte at Starbucks, and then have a chicken foot dinner on the third floor of a side-street fresh seafood/stolen electronics night market! (can you guess which I did?) Too me, Hong Kong seems almost a cultural schizophrenic--unsure of even it's own identity. I imagine a Chinese could come to Hong Kong and find a climate almost incompatibly foreign...his frustration only matched by the American who feels the same. Perhaps it is this cultural confusion actually ingrained in the very history of Hong Kong (read more about it- it is fascinating) that I find so appealing. Coming from a multi-cultural background and understanding the pull of two worlds, I find that a city plagued with the same insecurities is both encouraging and comforting...

Encouragement and Comfort are too things that we all could go for a little more of as we struggle daily to do basic things communicated in our essentially non-existent Mandarin! I just view this as more of an incentive to study...there has already been many times that I have walked out of a store/restaurant confused and empty-handed. Needless to say the owners were probably just as confused!

*P.S. I was interviewed for a local Cantonese dating game show!
*P.S.S. More to come about Xiamen-- I need more time to process