First Days...

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Hello from majestic Hong Kong!

The last few days have all been all blur from driving from Savannah to Atlanta to make my three flights with barely enough time between each to even catch a breath! Nevertheless, though, we made it to Hong Kong. This is the most interesting country to see from an aerial view(airplane) upon landing. Seeing first these smaller rugged islands admist the wave-filled ocean, and then immediately coming upon larger 'island-like' formations with rugged mountainous landscape intertwined with tall, and yet taller, skyscrapers above tangled highways. It's a contrast unlike any other. The city itself is full of contrast. Huge skyscrapers with tiny, tiny, stores lining the streets. Immense technology development but a somewhat slower pace of life.

Everywhere we've been so far has been greeted with kindness from of Hong Kong friends. Our student ambassador, Helena, has been truly amazing! An instant friend, cheerleader, and guide. We've exchanged several cultural references (such as me learning and then butchering 'thank you' in both cantonese and mandarin and her learning terms like 'wrap my mind around it'😉.

PolyU is a 'smaller' university in Hong Kong but with some quite excellent research focuses. Most exciting to me was their involvement in space with the Shenzhou 5 spaceship (see picture), a cool tool for soil management and experimentation, and lots of other enabling devices. America, wake up, we need to keep kindling these kinds of interests in space to maintain the authority we have outside the atmosphere. The future of space is a critical national assett...let's not forget.

The chocolate here is wonderful! All of the packaging(which I can't read) is super colorful like much of Hong Kong advertising and communication. But what's inside the wrapper is what's key! The chocolate I've here so far is smooth and yet containably sweet.

Tonight(Sunday here) we went on a boat cruise around victoria harbor. It was a great chance to meet about a hundred other passionate 'young people' from all over the world. We found out tonight that we were not selected to move forward in the commercial portion of the competition. However, we are still motivated, working hard, and excited about the business plan proposal presentations tomorrow. Go Team CrossPath!

Goodnight and God bless,

Sarah

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Photos

Plane Pic
747-800, high bank turn in the clouds. Lovin it!

SmartCar(MyCar) developed at PolyU
Team Shot!

Group shot!
It's us!

Cross Path
We made it! Lucky first to present tomorrow!

Space
PolyU/Chinese Space Involvement.

Chocolate!
OK, it's official Hong Kong has good chocolate! Eeeeks, I'm going home in a week for my final wedding dress fitting.... shouldn't eat too much!

Victoria Harbor Boat Cruise
Yachts everywhere!

Boat Cruise!
Traditional-looking boat we rode on!

More Chocolate!
Super cute wrapping, it's like a little cookie-chocolate mushroom. Groovy!

Beautiful
Coffee=Peace with Joy and Elizabeth!

Comments

[Mimi]

Sarah: Fantastic - thanks for the info about Hong Kong. I know your blogs will be a book someday. Can't wait to hear more. You are the BEST USA representative we could have. I am so proud of you! Have fun and write more! Mimi

[Paddler2009]

Thanks Mimi!
Always a loyal follower! =)

[Tante Paulette]

Hong Kong
So fortunate that U had this chance to represent your country in this competition, good for U Sarah and look how U get this fabulous way to visit other continents. Wow, I'm proud for my niece, U merit this Sarah, U work & study hard to be able to accomplish this success in your life. Bravo ma belle Sarah, love tante Paulette XOX PS, be safe, your in my prayers!!!