Hit the ground running...

Landed!

After flying high over the Pacific for 14 hours, I watched one movie, ate lunch, had a couple glasses of wine of course, and then tried to sleep for a few hours. Middle seats suck. I was so ready to be there, get settled, and explore the city. Hopefully hiking is in my near future as I read that Hong Kong has amazing trails outside the city's skyline. Also looking forward to the white sand beaches to relax a bit and enjoy the island life before work starts on Monday. Boy am I thankful that we have a few days to relax and get acclimated before the professional life starts. Apparently, the working culture in HK is to work 12 hour days and they expect the same of their interns. Let's hope my boss understands my desire to travel and of course learn a ton while working with them as well!

My roommate, Tanaya, is in the PR program at USC. I think we're going to get along very well :-) I still don't have my visa, but hoping they will deliver it to me soon. Stressful! I'm living in Kowloon, across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. I'd compare it to Oakland and San Francisco. Our apartment has a rooftop garden and a park across the street. Hoping to keep up a regular workout routine by either running, joining a local sport (possibly basketball in the park) or even Thai Chi!! We knew our room was going to be small, but nothing could have prepared us for what we saw when we opened the door. It's approximately 20' x 8' with two beds, a closet, desk, living room and kitchen combined. An adjustment to say the least, but it wouldn't be an adventure if it wasn't! After we got settled in our room, we went out for our first meal consisting of chicken skewers and fried rice with bits of hotdog in it, and of course washed it all down with a Budweiser. Tourists. We walked around a few blocks and found a huge main street and shopping mall complete with an H&M!

Exhausted since it was already midnight HK time, we decided to turn in for the night. After only a few hours of sleep since I'm still jet lagged, we're up early and off to find our way on the subway or MTR to meet the rest of the group for an authentic Dim Sum lunch. Wish me luck!

                                                                     My Apartment

                                                                          First Meal

Rooftop Garden

Street View

 

Hong Kong Bound...

Bon Voyage Family and Friends!

As most of you know, I am heading off to Hong Kong tomorrow, Monday, May 28 for a two month internship at Ketchum PR doing brand marketing. Some of you may be wondering why I've decided to go now (at 26)... My biggest regret during undergrad was that I didn't study abroad. When this opportunity arose in Hong Kong through USC's grad school program, I knew I didn't want to pass it up and feel the same regret. You only live once, right? So here I am, a mere 24 hours before I depart to start this new adventure. Let's be honest... I am extremely nervous and will miss you all terribly, but excited to branch outside of my comfort zone, explore the world on my own, and come home with a newfound appreciation for California life (and of course the travel bug).

It dawned on me the other day that I have traveled to 12 countries already (Mexico, England, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Australia, Israel, Egypt, and Jordan). However, I've never been alone or without family/friends. So here's to lucky number 13... HONG KONG. Let the adventure begin!


~Deena

--> I will do my very best to keep this updated for you all to stay "in-the-know" and most importantly, will try not to bore you. Disclaimer: This is my first blog so please bear with me :-)