Blog around the world

Yesterday we had orientation for a couple hours, learning more about the Dominican Republic culture and things to watch out for, such as diseases.

After a break, we headed out to the professor’s rental place to have lunch and then went back to the hotel.

With the aid of some local students, we first stopped off at a bus stop where we learned about the public transportation. Afterwards, we went to the Fortaleza San Luis. There were many tanks and cannons there, but the best parts of the area were the swings, seesaws, and a slide. We spent quite some time there. It was really fun. Within the fort was also a jail. We also saw head statues of the founding fathers: Matias Ramon Mella, Juan Pablo Duarte, and Francisco del Rosario Sanchez.

Arrived at the Dominican Republic yesterday!

After getting our luggage and exchanging our American dollars for pesos, we traveled from Santo Domingo to Santiago (a 1.5-hour trip), making a rest stop in between. At the rest stop, I had my first chicken empanada. It tasted quite awesome!

Upon arrival to Santiago, we went to the hotel and dropped off our stuff. We relaxed for a bit before walking to a local restaurant called el Tablón, where we had a passion fruit drink (chinola), rice, chicken, salad, beans, and tostadas.

After dinner, we had a ride back to the hotel. I wound up sleeping really early.

It is the final day in Hong Kong! It was time for last-minute packing and heading off to the airport, meeting up with some friends and eating my final Hong Kong meal. Everything went by quickly, but I really do treasure the experience I had in Hong Kong.

Next stop: Dominican Republic! I will be creating another page to detail the specialties of Dominican Republic as well as updating my “About me” page to explain what I am doing there as well as the reasons behind my going there. Until then, this blog will be on break (on the surface; there will be some changes to make, such as additional pictures on older blog posts).

I was able to get a chance to meet up with some friends last minute, including a friend from high school. I spent most of the day showing him around CityU (while taking last-minute photos) and then traveled with him to 上環 (Sheung Wan) to check out a place I was really interested in going to – Common Ground. There, we had afternoon tea and talked to the owners for a while before going our separate ways again.

Later that night, I went with my relatives to Hollywood Plaza to eat out and then shop for clothing. All in all, a great way to end my final full day in Hong Kong.

This day was spent traveling with my uncle, aunt, and two cousins. We began traveling at around 10.

The first stop we went to was Stanley (赤柱). We observed the fine scenery from the beach and then went to the cemetery of people who served in wars such as World War II. Afterwards, we walked around the shopping plaza of its namesake.

Our next stop was the Peak (山頂). Again, we observed the scenery nearby and walked around the plaza. I was able to take some aerial views of Hong Kong that was quite reminiscent of the view from the Sky 100. Later, we attempted to trek a 2300-m hiking trail but soon gave up after traveling for about 500 m due to a limited amount of time to hike. At this point, one of my cousins left but another one of my cousins came to travel with us.

Our final stop of the day was 連香, this time in 上環 (Sheung Wan). I really liked the vegetables there and there was quite a bit of food in general.

Merry Christmas everyone!

This morning was spent going to church and saying my farewells after lunch with some friends.

Afterwards, I went back home to have a Christmas party/farewell party with relatives from my dad’s side. We played a few games and had a lot of food to eat! It was a really great bonding time!

One thing that I noticed is that during this time, many roads are crowded.

In the morning, I had 飲茶 with some family friends and afterwards headed home to relax for a bit before going late at night for Christmas caroling with some church friends through an event held by OSH (Our Shepherd) at 尖沙咀. That day was definitely a really fun experience because it was something I don’t think I’ll be seeing back in the States.

Hmm… I wonder if you could see me in this last picture…

I went with my friend to 大澳 (Tai O) after eating out for lunch at 東涌 (Tung Chung). The weather was perfect for traveling; there were a lot of great views and a lot of snacks to eat. Tai O was interesting as there were trees that were found on the shore and there were many stray cats and dogs walking around.

Yesterday I went to church and stuck around for a bit to say some farewells before heading back home. Soon after, I ate dinner with relatives.

December 19

This day was a day used for catching up with a few people that I haven’t seen in a long time, having a chance to talk and play on the piano in the halls.

December 20

Yesterday was quickly finishing up my paper and then eating out with my relatives on my mom’s side, this time for Korean barbecue.

December 21

Today I had a chance to go to Cheung Chau (長洲) with a few exchange students. We checked out one of the temples there and were also able to take many good scenic pictures. Later in the evening, I went to Tai Wai (大圍) to have dinner with a classmate. The food there was really cheap and was served really quickly, and of course, the food was great!