Back in Hong Kong

            Most of my blogs have been about trips, but the majority of my time abroad is spent in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, I haven’t been doing anything exciting recently. I’ve been mainly trying to catch up on what little work I’ve been doing or going out to the bars on the weekend. It annoys me that I should be exploring more, but I think I don’t do anything about it because it seems like I have plenty of time. I have less than two months left, though, so I better start exploring soon.

            As I’ve said before, I’ve surprised myself as to how homesick I’ve been. Due to the recent events in Japan, my trip has obviously been canceled. Visiting Japan has been a place I have wanted to go since I was little; it was my dream trip. Hence, canceling the trip was devastating for me.

I think I have had a particularly hard time in Hong Kong recently because of these turn in events. Seeing Japan in ruins at the moment is hard; I can only read so many news articles before I have to stop. However, it is also difficult for me to cope with the fact that the number one reason I came to Hong Kong – to be able to visit Japan since Notre Dame doesn’t have a study abroad program for engineers there – will not be realized. I could have had a much easier time academically in London and been able to be with my friends, yet I am in Hong Kong, dreams crushed.

            I frustrate myself. I feel selfish for being upset when Japan will be devastated for years to come. Thousands of people died. Their economy was doing poorly before, and now it’s even worse. I also feel so unappreciative. I have been able to travel throughout Asia by being in Hong Kong. I have developed a love for dim sum. I have been able to lay on beautiful beaches. Heck, I have even gotten the chance to pee in as many holes as I’d like. I have in fact learned a lot – about cultures, history, languages, even myself. I have been given so many opportunities and met innumerous interesting and fascinating people.

            Despite recognizing these things, it is still difficult for me not to be upset. Like everything in life, I guess this will just be a process and I’ll feel more optimistic slowly. Talking with friends and family always helps, though. Without Skype, facebook, g-chat, or the internet in general, I don’t know how I would survive. Two months minus four days – I can and cannot wait to be home.