Day Twenty-One

Working on a Saturday!! Yaaaay.... It's actually not that bad to work on a Saturday. I was able to be here for a tour for a group of people visiting the community. There was a great presentation of facts and statistics of the ethnic minorities here in Hong Kong. There was also henna! It was my first time getting henna, and it was kind of interesting... The smell and the texture... The process of it staining my skin... The color changing!

The henna design is drawn on. 

The goop is then washed off, and the design is orange.

I kept it on until it started cracking and falling off.

After work, I decided to explore a different part of Hong Kong. I went to Mong Kok MTR station to find my way to Langham Place. It was super busy, and I'm so glad I was having dinner by my lonesome. There are perks to eating alone. Less waiting time! I printed out my number for Ippudo with the help of some stranger, and they called me right in! I treated myself to an extra serving of noodles and BOGO beer! I then wandered around the shopping center and found Monster Popcorn, and I got myself a box of strawberry popcorn! Not the same as the strawberry popcorn at Tokyo Disney Sea... Sad times.

I got myself a mango mousse cafe in the shape of Pompompurin. Because I can.

Day Twenty

The first day of my Expressive Art Workshop!!!....was a dud... SO SAD! Only one kid showed up somewhat on time. I thought that have sets of brothers would at least bring two kids in at a time, but I was wrong! I asked him where his brother was, and he said his brother went somewhere with his mom. I asked him why he didn't go, and he said he'd rather be here. So funny! I can tell this kid really likes art. We waited for awhile, hoping the other kids will show up late, but we couldn't wait any longer. I started the slides, asked questions about different emotions, and played music. The kid was great. He is the one student every teacher hopes to have in the classroom to get the discussion going. I definitely don't miss being a teacher. That's for sure. Hopefully, the other boys who signed up for the workshop will show at the next session!

Let's backtrack a bit. I started my morning earlier than usual. I had to help with translations again for the same client's second appointment. However, when the project lead showed up, (and of course she is late as usual... one of my pet peeves!! I don't think she has ever shown up on time once for any of her outreaches. SO UNPROFESSIONAL!!!) she tells me that she asked someone from the community who speaks both Cantonese and Vietnamese to come. She was using me as back-up because she was not sure if the man would be dependable. When we did find him, she then tells me I can go. EXCUSE ME?? I start my working day two hours earlier than usual to just be sent to my center that doesn't open for another two hours... I am so relieved that I am not working with her every again. I want to help out the Vietnamese community here, but when the person in charge is unprofessional and unorganized, why use up my time and energy? There is a list of other things that she does that makes me question the level of professionalism of social workers here in Hong Kong. Maybe it a language barrier? Cultural differences? I am trying to understand, but I feel if you want to be taken seriously in your job, you need to be professional and serious. 

A plus from starting my day early, I am able to use the OT time to take some time off a day later in the month.  And another plus, I went to the McDonald's close the MTR station to get the rest of the Hello Kitties I need for my collection!! Mission completed!! The apple crumble McFlurry tasted too outlandish for me. I would not order again. But I would obviously order another Summer Sweet Sharing Box!

Day Nineteen

Moved and settled in my new home for the rest of my time here in Hong Kong!! A wonderful friend of my came to help and brought an extra helper! Thankfully she did... I thought two people could bring over what I had left, but I was wrong. After I moved in, I had to check-out of the last room, and there were a lot more steps than I expected. I went to the 24-hour security office, and then I went to the old hall, and then I went back to the security office again... But it's done!! 

So, for dinner last night... I had McDonald's. I know. I know. I should be eating authentic Chinese food, but since I'm still feeling a bit homesick, I really wanted to eat a Big Mac. Hahaha! So, I went to the McDonald's and ordered my food on the big touch-screen machine. But then.... I saw an advertisement about Hello Kitty toys that will be for sell starting TODAY!! So, of course, I had to get McDonald's again for lunch! But as I did research about how to collect all the Hello Kitty plushies, I realized I had to get McD's delivered to me for the ladybug and bumblebee.... Thankfully, I could order it online! I did not want to call, and it ending up being a disaster trying to get my food. However, I felt a bit bad for the lady who was delivering my food and toys to me... She had a hard time locating the center... The address to this place is a bit confusing, but I find that's how the addresses are here. Confusing. But here are the yummy treats and toys I got from McDonald's!! Hello Kitty fruit drink. Hello Kitty Summer Sweet Sharing Box just for myself. Hello Kitty pineapple pie. And of course my Hello Kitty toys: Cinnamoroll, Keroppi, Gudetama, bumblebee and ladybug!~

As you can see, my day was so productive...  Figuring out how to order McDonald's delivery, Collecting Hello Kitties, and now.... trying to catch all 250 Pokemon! Got my starter Pokemon, SQUIRTLE!! Now, let's see if Hong Kong has any Pokemon for me to catch.

[edit] Just wanted to add picture of my new view from my new dorm. I'm on the fourteenth floor, and it's AMAZING outside my window! I can see the light show from my window! It's tiny, but I see it!

Day Eighteen

HOORAY!!! I picked up my new key to my new room this morning!!! I received an email yesterday about my new hall!! I was so happy that I couldn't wait to get home and pack my things. It took me less than an hour to get my things ready and rearranging the furniture back to where they were. SO READY! Before I could start packing, the hall tutor, AKA an RA, came to visit me. I guess he heard that I filed a complaint. I told him what happened, and he apologized for not helping sooner. He asked what he could do to make things better. I told him there's nothing to really do now. I'm moving halls! He looked shocked. I guess it's not common for things to process so quickly. I'm surprised myself. I find things run pretty inefficiently from my observations here and there. He asked if I needed help and when I was moving. I replied with tomorrow. Another shocker!! He even asked me if I wanted to get any follow-ups after he talks to the troublemakers. HAH! No thanks. I'm out, homie! Peace out!

I can't wait to go home and move out of my room. I started moving some things already, and the security lady at the door was super sweet and helpful this morning. I feel like things are going to get a lot better. I've already experienced the worst! It can't get worse than that... Knock on wood...

All this craziness with the hall has made me somewhat homesick. I've been craving for food that reminds me of home... So, I tried stir-fried flat noodles today. Not better than Mama's.... But I love that it's lychee season here!! So yummy and sweet! I just need some vodka to make some martinis! WOO!

Today is a lot quieter at work than what I expected. Today is Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, and I expected to see more of a celebration in the streets. A few kids came by the center, and I saw some really pretty dresses and henna. That was it. I sure hope these kids don't forget about the workshop starting on Friday. I'm getting really nervous... I can't believe it's about to start. It's almost the end of my internship here in Hong Kong! 12 more days.

Day Seventeen

I had supervision today, and I am super nervous about how my workshop is going to go. Lucky me, I have four sets of brothers that have signed up for my session. It will be a bonus to have them work on coping skills together and practice them at home together!

I also brought up the issue about my "wonderful" living situation with my field instructor. I received another lovely note from the girls next door when I got home last night, and I... just... can't. After discussing it with her, I told her that I got in contact with the a hall master that is part of the social sciences department, and that I would like to meet her in person if it was possible. It was possible. She was super sweet and nice! I wish she was here on the day I arrived, but traveling around Africa for a month is pretty awesome reason for not being here. Africa is on my bucket list now. The hall master apologized and mentioned how Hall 6, the nightmare hall, is infamous for its rowdiness and that they should have not assigned me a dorm in that hall. She also said that hall is in between hall masters now which gives them even more freedom to act like wild animals. I asked WHY? Since, I'm a masters student, why was I put in such a crazy undergraduate hall? Why was I not originally in a postgraduate hall?? Reno-freaking-vations. Just my luck. I will not take my parents' safe and quiet home for granted again.  However, there is some luck on my side, the board that is in charge of the student residents were in a meeting as we were speaking, and the hall master told me that they will fix the issue. Fixing the issue = me moving to a better hall. But hopefully my email and what she emailed was enough, and there won't have to be any more pushing for them to fix it. I guess I will just have to hope and pray that an email will get sent my way with my living arrangements soon! Like TODAY...

So on my way to work today, I passed by Maxim's Bakery. I've been putting off getting these super cute Sanrio friends that have dessert inside them because I don't want crazy hallmates to steal them... I've read some really furious notes on the fridges and the white board about food thieves... But since I'm going to work where there's a fridge, I thought it would be the perfect way to keep these cuties cold and safe. 

Day Sixteen

And my week in Seoul is OVER!!! Every single day was filled with so much fun that I am now dreading my life in Hong Kong. Although, I started remembering why I hated Seoul and was ready to leave it. There really is no place like home. I am feeling the homesickness hard right now. I am officially done with touring/exploring/living in Asia, and I think I'm ready for Europe...

It was kind of hard to focus at my internship today. I realized that a major reason why I hate my stay here in Hong Kong is because of the hall I've been living in for the past month. The first night I move in, and the girls I share a bathroom with are mellowing out. I'm not the one to judge about things like that. So, I didn't say or do anything about it. Then there was constant noise in the middle of the freaking night in the hallway night after night after night. Hall 6 is a nightmare. I work 40 hours a week, and I like my sleep. But waking up in the middle of the night by people just talking in the hallway is not cool. And when these people talk... THEY ARE SCREAMING AT ONE ANOTHER!! They are standing right next to each other and feel the need to use their outside voice as if someone is using a chainsaw. WHY!? I was streaming a webinar in the shared common room, and I see girls chasing boys. And more screaming. Actual screaming. WHY?! And the time I asked them to please be quiet, they were quiet, stared, and apologized BUT when I closed my door they started laughing and ran down the hall screaming......... WHY???? And the events of this weekend is just the cherry on top of the cake! My lovely neighbors I share a bathroom with leaves a note written in Chinese on my mirror. I'm not exactly sure what it said, but my friends who translated the note all got upset for me. I guess it wasn't a friendly Mr. Roger's message telling me they missed me. My have lost all patience. So, I emailed the Student Residence Office and a hall master that is part of the Social Science department at City U. It felt good to send that email. We shall see where it takes me... or doesn't take me... Life would be so much more better if I were able to get a good night's sleep.



Oh. And Happy 4th of July!! Definitely not in the mood to celebrate... I didn't even think about researching a place here in Hong Kong where expats would celebrate Independence Day. I want to go to my stinking room... and mope. Here are pictures of last year's Fourth celebration. Red + White + Blue EVERYTHING!! Sami!!! Fun party watermelon jello slices!! Fireworks!!

Day Fifteen

The day before my flight to Seoul!! Eeeee!!! I am so over Hong Kong right now. I am ready for Seoul!!! Finalized some of my dates with old friends and co-workers. Super excited!!

This day started with me being a poor translator. I helped a Vietnamese client today go to a Chinese medicine doctor. It was interesting how the doctor was checking him. I'm used to a stethoscope. Not for a Chinese medicine doctor. He checked the guy's pulse. It reminded me of all the historical Chinese dramas I used to watch with my sister. It was also my first time seeing acupuncture in real life! It freaked me out. I think I'll pass on needles getting stabbed into me.

I also had to get some shopping to do before leaving for Korea. I was able to find all the things I need for my workshop. It was kind of fun to have the kids help me. And everything was easy to find except people-sized paper. I really miss going to the teacher's lounge and getting butcher paper. I have to get a little creative and tape two "big" pieces of paper together in order for it to be tall enough to fit a kid on it. And the thing I thought would be the hardest to find, was the first thing I bought! Lavender scented oil. A big bottle of it. Yay!

And for lunch today... I passed by a Pizza Hut. I had to try the special for the summer. Thousand Island Seafood pizza. The two things my dad likes. Thousand Island. Seafood. I'm not sure if I'd order it again, but I'm glad I tried it. It's different. I also found these Ovaltine ice cream cones!!!! And it was YUMMM!!

[edit] I finally went to the Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine restaurant!!!!! AND IT WAS AS CUTE AS THE PICTURES I'VE SEEN ONLINE!!! I went a little picture crazy. The outside was cute. The inside was cute. The restroom mirror was cute. And of course... THE FOOD!!! Thanks to my wonderful friends for going with me. They also took me to get some dessert afterwards... I'm not sure what the name is, but it was an all green tea dessert shop!!! It was delicious even though I lost a mochi. And on our way there, I found a Ten Ren. I can't wait until our next foodie adventure!!