1/7/18:
As the group did not have any scheduled activities today, I decided to spend my day doing some good old fashioned tourism. Trading the sophistication of modernity for a more “genuine” cultural experience, I explored the streets and alleyways of Mong Kok. Taking advantage of the break from learning, I ate, drank, and bargained for 7 hours, recharging for the academic journeys that lie ahead. What I had not expected was that while this experience did not involve me sitting down and consciously trying to absorb information, it was a kind of experiential education. Through fiercely discussing prices with the nice lady trying to sell me a well-crafted tea set, I was able to hone my Cantonese skills. Immersing myself in the shopping culture and interacting with locals actually gave me a better idea of Hong Kong’s culture, in a way that would be hard to emulate in the classroom. With that being said, I am starting to miss class and can’t wait to learn about the socio-demographics of Hong Kong tomorrow.