In list format, because I don’t have enough time to write elegant prose (plus, I love lists):
- The weather is not what I expected, it’s been quite Seattle-esqe here, damp, chilly, and overcast — which is frustrating given the gorgeous weather I left in Seattle. I am poorly prepared, because I packed for much warmer weather.
- Even though people warned me, Hong Kong is far more western than I expected.
- Memorizing Chinese characters has not been particularly useful (although learning about them has been interesting). For example: Even though I know the character for “Water”, I was unable to recognize any part of the word “Waterfront.” [Although I did recognize the character for Mountain in a sign that pointed to Victoria Peak]
- There are shopping malls everywhere. I’m not exaggerating. Every place I went today was either a shopping center, or bordering one. I hate shopping.
- The skyline and scenery are beautiful. Hong Kong reminds me of Rio de Janeiro and Manhattan. If you want to imagine Hong Kong: Take Manhattan’s skyscrapers, replace their innards with shopping malls, and place them between Rio’s beautiful hills that descend into the ocean.
- Public transportation is very good, we either walked or took buses all over town.