2016 China Field School: Hong Kong

At last, we say goodbye to Huizhou. Everyone had to get up early and check out of the hotel. From there we rolled our luggage over to the Kande where we boarded a bus to take us to the Hong Kong border and customs. It was quite the interesting experience going through this as since Mainland China and Hong Kong have different laws and regulations, they have two security check points. So once we got on a bus after going through one check point, literally a minute later we had to get off and go through it again. Mark thought this process was very bizarre.

After all that kerfuffle, we arrived in Hong Kong! The sun was shining, the birds are singing and skies were blue and the social media networks were up and running again haha. We boarded the metro and took that to the hotel we were staying at.

Hong Kong is crazy! There are people everywhere you look. This is probably the highest density of people we have seen so far. After a walk from the metro, we found our beautiful hotel with all the fixings!

Not much of the group had a big lunch so some went out to explore and check out some local eateries. Once we filled ourselves, we regrouped and headed to the see the Big Buddha. We took a nice gondola ride to site and a short walk later we were at the foot steps of it. The ti'an Buddha was an amazing experience! Was a clear day so seeing it with its back drop of the mountains was incredible! Christine mentioned that is was one of the best things she had witnessed so far on the trip.

After seeing a neat temple near the Buddha we left and got back to the metro station that for us there. We grabbed some food and refreshments before heading out to go see the Victoria Harbour light show. Chris thought it was outstanding! After an amazing display from the lights from the buildings across the harbour, we left and headed back to the hotel. From there the group split and either stayed in, went for food/drinks or went out late. Was a good first day in Hong Kong for everyone! 👍

 

Our first morning in Hong Kong was a tad of a quiet one. Everyone had different aspirations and ideas of what they wanted to do and see. Some set off to go shopping, while others went to find laundry and others to adventure around the city. Arely and Camila took full advantage of this. A small group that I broke off with went to get some lunch nearby at a local mall consisting of Japanese and Korean BBQ. Turki and Kashif enjoyed the great meal! Was quite tasty! After getting a nice meal we regrouped with everyone and headed off to the Trainor-Wong office in Hong Kong.

 

The person who greeted us and represents the company here in Hong Kong was Giovanni. He gave us a warm welcome with some food consisting of a traditional young pig that was cooked skin, head and all.

 

We talked about a variety of things from jobs to international business to casual topics. Not too long later we left to go line up for the famous Victoria peak tram and viewing platform. The view was a bit overcast but cool none-the-less.

 

We adventured a bit around the mall and restaurant area before heading back down. From there some of us went back to the hotel to change to go out and some of us stayed downtown to catch up with Giovanni for some after work refreshments. The area we went to was called Lan Kwai Fong which is famous for its nightlife. After a drink and countless stops at different places along the street with Giovanni, we headed on back to the hotel slightly before the sun broke. What.A.Night! Definitely a highlight of the trip 👍

 

This group of CapU students and faculty are currently in China on the 2016 China Field School offered through the Wong and Trainor Centre for International Experience and the School of Business at Capilano University.