Hong Kong, where East meets West.
As I had to cancel my well organised Japan trip (which I was looking forward to immensely) and I had never officially gotten a student visa, I had to make last minute travel arrangements. With little knowledge of Hong Kong and badly organised plans (especially the hostel) I still thought it a strong substitute.
The warm humid air attached itself to my skin as the crowd filed one by one past customs. Although I haven’t actually completed this process that often numerically, it has become routine for me. I soon found myself wandering through the arrivals area. My senses were alarmed, something in the atmosphere was amiss. Something familiar that I hadn’t experienced in some time, I focused. I surprisingly observed that people were actually making noise. I surmised very early that Hong Kong is more like a western city compared to other cities in Asia. I scanned through the information I memorized to proceed from this point as if playing some kind of puzzle game with instructions that seemed simple once read but more complex once you try to play. Now with hindsight I can see the express rail or taxi would’ve been a safer option but I had played the risky strategy and took the bus.
I stumbled upon the bus depot and with my trusty scrap of paper, that contained the bus routes and some other important details including a very valuable phone number, I navigated my way onto the right bus. It was now past midnight and I was desperate to find my hostel, a shred of panic began to take hold over me. The panoramic views of the city at night were breath taking and I could see immediately that Hong Kong was in a different league when compared to Seoul. The buildings were bigger and more aesthetically pleasing, the streets even at 1a.m. are busting with people of every nationality and the lights are hypnotically brighter. I tried to follow the bus’ route as it twisted and turned through the maze of streets equipped with only a scrap of paper it wasn’t long before I was very confused and worried I would misplace this piece of the puzzle. I looked out every window to examine every street sign in an attempt to get a grip on the situation, the bus turned onto to Nathen Rd., (very popular, many shops, bars etc.) I recognised it as the street my hostel was located. I got off at the next stop, it didn’t take me long to realise that I should’ve gotten off at the other end of the street, it took a while longer for me to realise that the street was almost 2 miles long. I didn’t let it phase me, I even tipped into one or two of the more crowded bars quickly for “refreshment.”
The warm humid air attached itself to my skin as the crowd filed one by one past customs. Although I haven’t actually completed this process that often numerically, it has become routine for me. I soon found myself wandering through the arrivals area. My senses were alarmed, something in the atmosphere was amiss. Something familiar that I hadn’t experienced in some time, I focused. I surprisingly observed that people were actually making noise. I surmised very early that Hong Kong is more like a western city compared to other cities in Asia. I scanned through the information I memorized to proceed from this point as if playing some kind of puzzle game with instructions that seemed simple once read but more complex once you try to play. Now with hindsight I can see the express rail or taxi would’ve been a safer option but I had played the risky strategy and took the bus.
I stumbled upon the bus depot and with my trusty scrap of paper, that contained the bus routes and some other important details including a very valuable phone number, I navigated my way onto the right bus. It was now past midnight and I was desperate to find my hostel, a shred of panic began to take hold over me. The panoramic views of the city at night were breath taking and I could see immediately that Hong Kong was in a different league when compared to Seoul. The buildings were bigger and more aesthetically pleasing, the streets even at 1a.m. are busting with people of every nationality and the lights are hypnotically brighter. I tried to follow the bus’ route as it twisted and turned through the maze of streets equipped with only a scrap of paper it wasn’t long before I was very confused and worried I would misplace this piece of the puzzle. I looked out every window to examine every street sign in an attempt to get a grip on the situation, the bus turned onto to Nathen Rd., (very popular, many shops, bars etc.) I recognised it as the street my hostel was located. I got off at the next stop, it didn’t take me long to realise that I should’ve gotten off at the other end of the street, it took a while longer for me to realise that the street was almost 2 miles long. I didn’t let it phase me, I even tipped into one or two of the more crowded bars quickly for “refreshment.”
香港
I arrived to the hostel at 3 a.m. and I knew that I was getting exactly what I paid for. I won’t go into too many details but crowded, dirty, smelly, hot (in a bad way) are just some words I’d use. It happened to be an Indian owed, staffed and mostly occupied and that also happened to be the week that India played Pakistan in cricket (a big deal for them.) And with the common room mostly full of friendly passionate supporters for the most part of my stay, I had a blast and even learnt a couple things about a bewildering sport. After a much needed rest I phoned Danny, an old acquaintance form when he spent some time in Ireland. I wasn’t really friendly with him back then, he was more of a friend’s friend but such is his nature that he did his best to show me around. After breakfast and amazing Danny with my chopstick skills, he asked “Do you want a conventional holiday?” I was a little confused and simply told him if he has something in mind let’s do it.
Myself and Danny had quite a lot in common and where soon lost in conversation, it took me a while to discern that he had led me to a very run down district. Danny works for the police and he was showing me where he worked. Initial trepidation was soon extinguished as I actually found what he was showing me interesting. I think he seen my interest and don’t think that was what he expected. He asked “what do you think of the getto?” I told him my views, I think Asian people are too polite to be violent and that crime in European countries is dominated by violence, he kind of agreed admitting most violent crimes in Hong Kong are done by a minority of non-Asians. I advised him the next time he’s in Ireland that “I definitely wouldn’t risk showing you around Ballymun!”
Myself and Danny had quite a lot in common and where soon lost in conversation, it took me a while to discern that he had led me to a very run down district. Danny works for the police and he was showing me where he worked. Initial trepidation was soon extinguished as I actually found what he was showing me interesting. I think he seen my interest and don’t think that was what he expected. He asked “what do you think of the getto?” I told him my views, I think Asian people are too polite to be violent and that crime in European countries is dominated by violence, he kind of agreed admitting most violent crimes in Hong Kong are done by a minority of non-Asians. I advised him the next time he’s in Ireland that “I definitely wouldn’t risk showing you around Ballymun!”
蘭桂坊
Danny had to work but he gave me a contact for that night along with invaluable advice and a rendezvous for next time. After spending too much money at an outdoor market (goods are extremely cheap in hk especially electronics) and a cold shower I met up with the contact. The guy I met was a character to say the least, a homosexual phillipino that was so good at dancing it was ridiculous. He knew everybody even bar owners in a world famous nightlife area, his exploits were legend(…wait for it…)dary. The multi-cultural background of Hong Kong really gives the city life compared to some other cities in Asia. I made my role as a wall flower. It was kind of a bizzare night but it wasn’t really my kind of scene, after hearing about a house party that was invite only and I wasn't invited (as I didn't know the people), I made this an excuse to leave before the last train.
I did classic tourist stuff the next day and got some nice pictures. Then I went to meet Danny at his home, he was surprised when I showed up telling me I was pretty good at finding my way around. I just think I’ve gotten myself lost so many times at this point I am bound to end up at the right place sometimes without any drama. After showing me around his home area we got some traditional Hong Kong food, Danny was again surprised at how I wasn’t put off by the octopus and other amenities. I’m sure I would’ve been 3 months earlier. We went to an acade which was awesome as I had been looking for that sterotypical atmosphere in Seoul for some time but they’ve all been replaced by pc rooms.
Then just like five years ago when we last met we went to the local 7/11 and got some beer. Thus began a very epic night……
[BLANK PAGE]
I woke just in time to get some dim-sum (classic Hong Kong dish) and hydrate before my flight back to Seoul. My trip to Hong Kong was on the whole quite adventurous and a pleasant relief from Seoul and the strict customs that rule the people.
I did classic tourist stuff the next day and got some nice pictures. Then I went to meet Danny at his home, he was surprised when I showed up telling me I was pretty good at finding my way around. I just think I’ve gotten myself lost so many times at this point I am bound to end up at the right place sometimes without any drama. After showing me around his home area we got some traditional Hong Kong food, Danny was again surprised at how I wasn’t put off by the octopus and other amenities. I’m sure I would’ve been 3 months earlier. We went to an acade which was awesome as I had been looking for that sterotypical atmosphere in Seoul for some time but they’ve all been replaced by pc rooms.
Then just like five years ago when we last met we went to the local 7/11 and got some beer. Thus began a very epic night……
[BLANK PAGE]
I woke just in time to get some dim-sum (classic Hong Kong dish) and hydrate before my flight back to Seoul. My trip to Hong Kong was on the whole quite adventurous and a pleasant relief from Seoul and the strict customs that rule the people.
Exercise
The familiar and annoying sound of the alarm woke me. And
immediately congress was in session, in a fierce debate of thoughts and ideas,
literally. I’ve been through this particular process numerous times before and
the pro argument had the track record but the con was using a new element to
push it back. The subject was a 6a.m. run. As I had convinced myself to at
least get out of the bed the scale was tipped and became more weighted down as
I prepared myself. Although I tried to be silent, Marcia awoken supplied with
only 3 hours sleep she began her day of study and I realised even on Sundays medical
students are kept overly busy.
The not yet visible sun illuminated the han river and the route I had discovered, my new territory. I escaped the subway station and a piece of the urban environment that I've become accustomed to. It had been some time since I ran like this and I badly needed this fix. I embraced my surroundings, my senses keen to sample an almost forgotten feeling. The passing of the coldest temperatures I’ve ever experienced allowed me to be there and they left scars behind. The grass was mostly a dry yellow and the trees bare. However amongst the yellow a flicker of green was emerging and the tree branches speckled with indistinguishable tiny new shoots.
I began to run. My excitement set a quick pace, my legs sprang off the assigned running path. I narrowed my vision down the open area, the solitude let me smile I couldn’t contain it in any case. I marked out with determination with my mind’s eagle eye vision my progress and abition drove me to extend my route. I cast aside my apprehensions of the smog, pollution and the artificalness of the city and joyously I breathed as deep as I could. I stared across the river to marvel at the wonderous structures of this peaceful but busy city.
I tired, to my astonishment, very quickly but it felt so good. My mind and soul didn't need to debate, they wanted more, they need it. Newly liberated, I pushed forward even faster than before. My reserves were fully open, they gave themselves to me freely without hesitation. My mind thought of the bizarre things that free and idol minds think of, I left the pressures of my new life go. This new culture although I love it, can really beat me down. Stop. That's right, I have to prepare for next week. The endorphins were beginning to wear off. In amazement I spoke aloud, "how did I get this far from the station?" I got carried away in the moment, I began to regret that glimpse of my primal self. I've so much to do.
As I slowly made my way back I contemplated the city and the daily life of its inhabitants. Those very inhabitants began to pour into to my once secluded new territory. A group of youths had gathered by some benches close to one of the nicely preserved basketball courts, I sensed them staring at me. I grew tense as I approached them, I instinctively clenched my fists and avoided eye contact. But the air didn't have menace. I glanced to see a oddly curious face, I looked again. "Hi," someone greeted. My shock apparent, "Hello," I stammered in response. I then smiled at the curious, friendly and indifferent personalities before me.
As I entered the subway station the busy society gripped me and I was ominously late so I hurried with the crowd to the platform. But I thought to myself, "I really do love it here."
The not yet visible sun illuminated the han river and the route I had discovered, my new territory. I escaped the subway station and a piece of the urban environment that I've become accustomed to. It had been some time since I ran like this and I badly needed this fix. I embraced my surroundings, my senses keen to sample an almost forgotten feeling. The passing of the coldest temperatures I’ve ever experienced allowed me to be there and they left scars behind. The grass was mostly a dry yellow and the trees bare. However amongst the yellow a flicker of green was emerging and the tree branches speckled with indistinguishable tiny new shoots.
I began to run. My excitement set a quick pace, my legs sprang off the assigned running path. I narrowed my vision down the open area, the solitude let me smile I couldn’t contain it in any case. I marked out with determination with my mind’s eagle eye vision my progress and abition drove me to extend my route. I cast aside my apprehensions of the smog, pollution and the artificalness of the city and joyously I breathed as deep as I could. I stared across the river to marvel at the wonderous structures of this peaceful but busy city.
I tired, to my astonishment, very quickly but it felt so good. My mind and soul didn't need to debate, they wanted more, they need it. Newly liberated, I pushed forward even faster than before. My reserves were fully open, they gave themselves to me freely without hesitation. My mind thought of the bizarre things that free and idol minds think of, I left the pressures of my new life go. This new culture although I love it, can really beat me down. Stop. That's right, I have to prepare for next week. The endorphins were beginning to wear off. In amazement I spoke aloud, "how did I get this far from the station?" I got carried away in the moment, I began to regret that glimpse of my primal self. I've so much to do.
As I slowly made my way back I contemplated the city and the daily life of its inhabitants. Those very inhabitants began to pour into to my once secluded new territory. A group of youths had gathered by some benches close to one of the nicely preserved basketball courts, I sensed them staring at me. I grew tense as I approached them, I instinctively clenched my fists and avoided eye contact. But the air didn't have menace. I glanced to see a oddly curious face, I looked again. "Hi," someone greeted. My shock apparent, "Hello," I stammered in response. I then smiled at the curious, friendly and indifferent personalities before me.
As I entered the subway station the busy society gripped me and I was ominously late so I hurried with the crowd to the platform. But I thought to myself, "I really do love it here."
A Trip to the Dentist.
I could feel the stairway buzz vibrations from handrail as we, the huddled mass, stomped our way onto the subway platform. Five in the evening is never a good time to commute. The platform was sheltered from most of the sometimes harsh elements this country can provide but is essentially outdoors. The clean crisp late February air was a visible mist surrounding us as it caught the remaining sun coming through the Perspex windows. The sound of the train shuddering towards us, forever decelerating caused the once unorganised mess to form perfect lines of people before each door marker. I followed Marcia as I was still a novice in this ritual.
We squeezed on board the already full train. Then like a prison lockdown a warning came over the intercom and we turned to watch the door slide shut. The air became instantly stagnant and the train began to hurdle towards the next stop. As we approached the next station, a strangely familiar and friendly voice demanded that everyone on the train should shuffle around in three languages. The train eventually stopped and an anomalous number of people got off and on, and that cool air blasted in the doors. All the other stops before our destination were underground so I savoured it. Everyone organised themselves to a socially allotted position, the elderly sat down, others who deemed themselves worthy of leaning on hand rails did so and the younger generation stood unaided.
Most of the crowd stared vigilantly into their smart phones as their fingers and thumbs rapidly tap-danced on them. I studied the subway map that was displayed overhead, trying to piece together the events that I was experiencing. The train moved from stop to stop. One student, standing next to us, pulled out a crumbled up piece of paper that was full of English words with Korean translations and meditated with it. I could see an old man at the bottom of the carriage attempt to read a newspaper in the crowd, but with an unchanging look conceded, he folded the now mangled paper up and took out his smart phone.
I once again followed Marcia as closely as possible but without appearing intimate, as social procedure dictates here, as we approached our destination. I timidly followed her as the crowd dispersed and we made our way to the turnstile and finally the exit. The brisk air filled our lungs once again but we commented on the cold harshness it now possessed as we quickly made our way inside one of the towering structures that surrounded us. I was still following. The lobby was warmer but contained a slight chill that ran through us as we waited for the elevator.
We didn’t wait long. The doors revealed another western man, a rare occurrence. Always calming as it relieves my feeling of solitude temporarily. We silently watched the numbers flash. 3. Two elderly women jabbering in Korean entered. One of must have them told Marcia to push their number because she pressed it for them. Then something very strange happened, something I still don’t understand. The three Koreans who witnessed Marcia push the button began laughing quite a lot, the remaining witness and I shot each other a look of bewilderment. 8. Marcia and I exited the lift, a trace of giggling in the background.
I interrogated Marcia. She shrugged and told me that one of the elderly women told the other to push the button. Seeing me bumused, she sighed and said I wouldn’t understand. I didn’t let the subject fade. She told me that the older woman asked in a friendly way to her friend but when she responded to that same question it became something rude. Like “push the damn button!”
We made the appointment with time to spare but the dentist seen Marcia almost immediately and I went on the complementry computer in the waiting room to check the friendly and positive responses to my blog.
Note: lol! I got a confusing msg from one of my friends. Sorry, Marcia IS Soyoung. (my girlfriend) it's her christian name.
We squeezed on board the already full train. Then like a prison lockdown a warning came over the intercom and we turned to watch the door slide shut. The air became instantly stagnant and the train began to hurdle towards the next stop. As we approached the next station, a strangely familiar and friendly voice demanded that everyone on the train should shuffle around in three languages. The train eventually stopped and an anomalous number of people got off and on, and that cool air blasted in the doors. All the other stops before our destination were underground so I savoured it. Everyone organised themselves to a socially allotted position, the elderly sat down, others who deemed themselves worthy of leaning on hand rails did so and the younger generation stood unaided.
Most of the crowd stared vigilantly into their smart phones as their fingers and thumbs rapidly tap-danced on them. I studied the subway map that was displayed overhead, trying to piece together the events that I was experiencing. The train moved from stop to stop. One student, standing next to us, pulled out a crumbled up piece of paper that was full of English words with Korean translations and meditated with it. I could see an old man at the bottom of the carriage attempt to read a newspaper in the crowd, but with an unchanging look conceded, he folded the now mangled paper up and took out his smart phone.
I once again followed Marcia as closely as possible but without appearing intimate, as social procedure dictates here, as we approached our destination. I timidly followed her as the crowd dispersed and we made our way to the turnstile and finally the exit. The brisk air filled our lungs once again but we commented on the cold harshness it now possessed as we quickly made our way inside one of the towering structures that surrounded us. I was still following. The lobby was warmer but contained a slight chill that ran through us as we waited for the elevator.
We didn’t wait long. The doors revealed another western man, a rare occurrence. Always calming as it relieves my feeling of solitude temporarily. We silently watched the numbers flash. 3. Two elderly women jabbering in Korean entered. One of must have them told Marcia to push their number because she pressed it for them. Then something very strange happened, something I still don’t understand. The three Koreans who witnessed Marcia push the button began laughing quite a lot, the remaining witness and I shot each other a look of bewilderment. 8. Marcia and I exited the lift, a trace of giggling in the background.
I interrogated Marcia. She shrugged and told me that one of the elderly women told the other to push the button. Seeing me bumused, she sighed and said I wouldn’t understand. I didn’t let the subject fade. She told me that the older woman asked in a friendly way to her friend but when she responded to that same question it became something rude. Like “push the damn button!”
We made the appointment with time to spare but the dentist seen Marcia almost immediately and I went on the complementry computer in the waiting room to check the friendly and positive responses to my blog.
Note: lol! I got a confusing msg from one of my friends. Sorry, Marcia IS Soyoung. (my girlfriend) it's her christian name.
Touch Down in Seoul. Panic!!
OK!! A normally confident and collective 23 year old has realized that he's just a simple person. After seeing the outline of a beautiful metropolitan city and the Aircraft carriers that lie in wait just miles to the west but ominously point north. Wait!! It's going to be just fine. So, you can't put a single sentence together in korean after months of trying, you know one person in the entire continent, you can't breath but apart from that it's going to be just fine. Yet a great feeling of elation as I muttered "gamsahamnida" to the flight attendant and scampered off the plane. Elation? Yes, because for the first time my life had direction, real direction. Not the false promise that college alludes to but a real definable vector. Even if it wasn't yet clear exactly what I would do here or exactly how I'd survive, I did know one thing for sure that I was going to have to figure it all out by myself.
What is somebody who was born and raised in the Irish countryside doing in the busy and bustling streets of seoul? Apart from straining my neck in amazement at the architecture, well in fairness I did study engineering for a couple years even if I still haven't finished my degree... yet. Seriously, I'm here because of a woman. And the very calm look of that woman is exactly what my blood pressure needed after the minor panic attack and hurdles through immigration and customs. One very odd hurdle was to convince the customs officer that I didn't have a "big sausage" after I told him I was Irish and not laugh or feel any less of a man.
What is somebody who was born and raised in the Irish countryside doing in the busy and bustling streets of seoul? Apart from straining my neck in amazement at the architecture, well in fairness I did study engineering for a couple years even if I still haven't finished my degree... yet. Seriously, I'm here because of a woman. And the very calm look of that woman is exactly what my blood pressure needed after the minor panic attack and hurdles through immigration and customs. One very odd hurdle was to convince the customs officer that I didn't have a "big sausage" after I told him I was Irish and not laugh or feel any less of a man.
Anyways, my shock and awe lasted for about a week. One whole week of getting very excited about some very minor issues or "difference's from Ireland" can be very exhausting when your in Seoul. But I eventually came to the conclusion that, well I wasn't in Kansas.... er... I mean Ireland anymore. For anyone who reads this, some advice, try to skip this process of excitement as if somebody witnesses it, your mental health will always be under duress. And you will be reminded of phrases like "OMG! That is the coolest tree ever" or "that homeless guy must have an amazing life collecting bottles." But there really are some things to marvel at here and just simply take in. Technology, Computer Games, Food, Culture, History, >3% unemployed, teakwondo and the fact that i haven't experienced a single thread of aggression since I arrived. (And I will go into more detail in a later blog.)
Even though I have put down my Xbox controller and I'm restraining myself from alcohol. Life is very good. Something I never thought possible without the afore mentioned vices but I would love a mug of Irish brand tea and a full Irish. In my opinion everybody needs a purpose, a basic and fundamental reason to live and to live a certain way to meet the demand of this purpose. Now, I've gotten all "cheesey" after all this? No, I don't mean love or enlightenment and I don't mean career or achieving your goals. I mean to communicate, simply do what you want comfortably in a way that you are happy and can live and those who orbit you are happy. It's for me, the reason people get out of bed in the morning. I do honestly feel happy.
Even though I have put down my Xbox controller and I'm restraining myself from alcohol. Life is very good. Something I never thought possible without the afore mentioned vices but I would love a mug of Irish brand tea and a full Irish. In my opinion everybody needs a purpose, a basic and fundamental reason to live and to live a certain way to meet the demand of this purpose. Now, I've gotten all "cheesey" after all this? No, I don't mean love or enlightenment and I don't mean career or achieving your goals. I mean to communicate, simply do what you want comfortably in a way that you are happy and can live and those who orbit you are happy. It's for me, the reason people get out of bed in the morning. I do honestly feel happy.