tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75021462659276479022024-03-21T22:46:42.311+08:00LIFE FROM THE OTHER SIDEJudson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502146265927647902.post-75153402198327169322010-12-11T22:00:00.000+08:002010-12-11T22:00:10.368+08:00So, come on and take a free ride! (Mid-November post)The guys and I hit the roads again and decided to experience a little bit of Hong Kong Football Association action against Paraguay. Due to the fact that I am an American and football (soccer) is not in leagues or easily accessible to see in the states they thought I should go to at least one live game. The excitement and anticipation was great as we took our taxi across town and the rush of needing to get there on time. Well incase you are unaware... Hong Kong's team is not that great and evidently the people of Hong Kong think the same! We made it to the arena right on time and expected when we climbed the steps to look down into the stadium that it would be full, okay at least half-full. To our surprise there was maybe a hundred people in the stands, note that the arena holds several THOUSAND! We sat in our student section seats and got ready for the match. We thought that just maybe people would be showing up later due to the traffic, yeah right. This was the attendance all game!<br />
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We were able to watch Santa Cruz from Paraguay play though and see the many goals that he assisted and/or made. Benne, Damien, and I all thought we would at least buy a team jersey so we went looking. The price for one was the same price of an official team jersey of a national team not a league team. So we passed up that idea very quickly. Overall, the experience was great and the game had some exciting parts. Is it a bad thing that we cheered and yelled for Paraguay when we live in Hong Kong? Guess what... the final score was 0-7, PARAGUAY!!!<br />
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I had a nice little adventure of taking a "free ride" during my experience here in Hong Kong. I will not disclose names or ownership of the car involved, but I may have found a pair of keys to a Mercedes and took it on a test drive to the Peak... I mean the keys were basically saying "take me, drive the car." I have to obey when a pair of keys start talking right!?! So I got in the car and adjusted everything for me, but something was not right... oh yeah I was in the driver's seat which is on the RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR!!! I took a deep breath and put the car in reverse and then in drive. I was on my way up the Peak. I had forgotten that police patrol that area pretty well at night and I was quickly reminded when I say a car following me and on passing me. I took a deep breath again and just kept driving up the spirally mountain. I made it to the top and I have to say I drive pretty well on that side of the car and road. One more thing that can be checked off on the "things to do in life list." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI1sviKoMHaZ7YAWlLZ7yQbJvjQbgd4AO56HC7qCIVvSmXQeRtgVelJ4vnGWIOWdabQJOr69hTGSoV-WKeWH_4ntbZLeY1bcXB8YmWhyi9Ab1KE_ZpfKNOcwzhCtT7wwISGYXYUfbjLRn/s1600/-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI1sviKoMHaZ7YAWlLZ7yQbJvjQbgd4AO56HC7qCIVvSmXQeRtgVelJ4vnGWIOWdabQJOr69hTGSoV-WKeWH_4ntbZLeY1bcXB8YmWhyi9Ab1KE_ZpfKNOcwzhCtT7wwISGYXYUfbjLRn/s320/-4.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Judson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502146265927647902.post-89458831858702257812010-11-28T22:49:00.001+08:002010-11-28T22:56:14.688+08:00Joana, ( du geile Sau )So an American (me), Englishman (Damien), and two Germans (Beni and Johannes) walk into Oktoberfest in Hong Kong... did I mention it was also Halloween night? The guys and I headed out to this celebration of traditional German food and music. The band, <span style="font-size: small;"><span class="PostHeader">Die Notenhobler, played some great instrumental German songs while we enjoyed the "bretzel" and German sausages with sweet mustard and sauerkraut. The atmosphere was amazing with the Hong Kong skyline behind us. We decided to buy some animal masks for the occasion since it was Halloween after all and stopped by 7/11 for our Snickers since we could not go trick-or-treating.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="PostHeader">The food was absolutely delightful and it was a great atmosphere to get away from the busyness of Hong Kong. The event was five and a half hours of food, beverages, and great music! Beni and I got to know some of the band members do to them being from the same area as him. They played a wide range of music from traditional German songs to western songs such as "Sweet Caroline," "Country Road," and "Amarillo." Our all time favorite song of the night was a German song called "Joana." It is a great way to continue the spirit of the party that is for sure! Our great new friend Uve and Alexandra allowed us backstage for a bit and exchanged numbers for us to come back a second time for FREE! Of course we took the offer and enjoyed it just as much the second time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="PostHeader">I am still helping with the youth group at KIBC and love every Sunday when I see their smiling faces. It is really an inspiration to see that age group starting to absolutely LOVE God and what He has for their lives. My friend Sam and I went over to share a little American football with the kiddos one Saturday after watching a movie in Brit and El's private cinema. The kid's wanted to play tackle so bad but we just couldn't allow that since it was co-ed. It was funny to attempt to explain the rules and then watch them change them mid-play of the game. We played in a doggie park that is in the middle of the horse reacing track. It was great to get away and finally sit on a grassy area!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B4JQRZJBD2pqaf7iaJhStJdozLgTbEsoaJcKgf7ZfzJbnMnOwsGFO4awVtk75Z9OxPBwKn_io0QEAdiQr0xkMba9tNuCJSGm-PqbZjkx4Q-RphTUn0D9XEEH2H2gUXVDBHnG3qwh_sFY/s1600/149819_457500798466_780983466_5427946_3580763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B4JQRZJBD2pqaf7iaJhStJdozLgTbEsoaJcKgf7ZfzJbnMnOwsGFO4awVtk75Z9OxPBwKn_io0QEAdiQr0xkMba9tNuCJSGm-PqbZjkx4Q-RphTUn0D9XEEH2H2gUXVDBHnG3qwh_sFY/s320/149819_457500798466_780983466_5427946_3580763_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="PostHeader">A favorite place of mine and the other Americans is a place called Soho. It is a great place that offers many great restaurants from all different walks of life. Well there is this fabulous frozen yogurt place there that reminds me of the youtube video "Boys will be girls." They talk about the "pink berry" and while I was in there the guy behind the counter is actually from Cali and he asked if my friend had ever tried the pink berry. He replied and said he had no idea what it was... well if you have seen this video you would get the humor of my comment to both of them, "it's totes the best hun-cal." This place also had swings hanging from the ceiling to sit on and enjoy your fro-yo!</span></span><br />
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</span></span>Judson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502146265927647902.post-88792681437216171962010-11-28T21:21:00.000+08:002010-11-28T21:21:08.898+08:00Huncker Down! (blog post for mid-October)Over the past twenty-one years of living on the great Gulf Coast of Mexico I have seen my share of tropical storms and hurricanes. The memories of windows rattling and the sounds of winds screaming by while trees are being ever so slightly tossed from their roots and plunged through you personal property. Generally 48 hours before a level three or higher you are issued a mandatory evacuation and have to pack up and leave. Well here in Hong Kong things a little but different... We have had several Typhoon 1 and 3 signals hoisted which is equivalent to a tropical storm but close to the end of October Typhoon Megi screamed through the Philippines causing damage and was headed straight for Hong Kong. This storm was categorized as a super typhoon with winds making it a category 4 hurricane.<br />
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Here in Hong Kong you have no where to evacuate to and you do not do the usual boarding up of your home. You simply move up it the water rises and stay away from the windows. I asked my hall tutor what to do if it hits us directly. His was response was calm and simple, "Well if the windows shatter in one room you just move to the next." That was so comforting to hear... NOT! Thank goodness the power lines are under ground so the chances of us losing power is not very high. Fortunately, at the last second Megi turned before she had time to plow through Hong Kong as the largest typhoon in over the past ten years. We did experience the casual tropical storm weather as the winds picked up, making it a perfect day to go running.<br />
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Classes are beginning to pick up with presentations and such. I have this one professor who has his doctorate but seems very timid in the classroom. He usually begins and ends every sentence with "okay..." The lecture stills here in Hong Kong are very different from those back home. The professors here really like to "spoon feed" the students with exactly what they want on exams and papers. Don't get me wrong, this is nice but aren't we in college? Also, it is very common for students not to worry about printing out powerpoint slides or notes because every teacher provides them for you. I am still trying to get used to the whole mid-term and final exam idea ONLY. However, I can't wait to get back to those amazing nursing exams (coughing with sarcasm.)<br />
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Judson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502146265927647902.post-18860810590060805822010-10-19T20:49:00.001+08:002010-10-19T21:48:33.248+08:00Run Forrest... RUUUNNNNNIt seems like in life we are always running here to there, never having enough time at each place. I have officially been in Hong Kong now for two whole months and the time has flown by and it seems like the time just dissipates. It is amazing to me that we have all these plans and they are well organized, well it seems that way at the time anyways, and they are never done the way we wanted them to. However, we enjoy the end result and at times we realize that "oh, that was just luck" but most importantly we finally realize "oh, thank you God for making that happen according to YOUR plan." At the end of the day our plans vanish anyways and the day would have gone by so much better if it was according to His plan. I have learned day-by-day here that God's grace is always enough, above anything else. I have noticed that I have changed little by little as the weeks go by. I feel that I am more understanding to other peoples thoughts and God's presence around me. I have excelled greatly, in my eyes, in physical activity and forming a healthier lifestyle. It is amazing what a new heart beat after almost 15 years of being diagnosed with a heart disease and a heart set on fire for God will do for you mentally, emotionally, and physically.<br />
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I have joined the Judo club on campus and go every Tuesday and Thursday. We have learned the techniques of falling in different positions to protect our head and body cavity. The bruises are a sign of not weakness but that I am doing it right! The soreness is a great pain and knowing that I am learning how to defend myself and others in a "peaceful" manner makes it all worth it. When I showed up for the first class a month ago, the instructor, Abby, was sizing me for my uniform. My body structure is wider and I am a little bit more round than all the other students. She told me that I was not large, I was very strong! I had to laugh at that comment! Master I, our head instructor, encourages me every class to continue to come back due to my progress. The instructors speak English very well so it is easy to communicate what I am feeling and the questions I have can be answered so that I can understand them. The classes are instructed in Cantonese but Abby is allowed to sit next to me and tell me in English. My friend JoAnna has joined the class with me and so we are able to work around the same pace. Our instructors want us to have a belt test before we leave for the semester, but we shall see how that works out. This past week we began to learn the basic throws. There are pictures and videos of this that Abby took but we will get them at the end of the semester. I felt sorry for the guy I was partnered up with because it was not a great day to begin with and I was chosen to throw him first. I did not do it with much force but it took me and him by surprise that is for sure! Abby gasped when he hit the mat and I freaked out a little due to me never really hitting someone or throwing them. I apologized, naturally, and Abby told me not to apologize because I did it perfectly! Of course the next couple of times was not perfect, but I am getting the concept down.<br />
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My great friends (Sam, Liam, and Sarah) have kept encouraging me to go to the gym every other day and sometimes everyday to workout. I can not express how much better I feel in general after I exercise. It is like a new rush of energy that I have never had before! When I left home I weighed about 210 lbs and I am currently at 195 lbs. Partially it is due to the lack of butter, fats, and FRIED food in my diet but for the most part it is the running three miles every time I go to the gym. It is super crazy to me to think that I had heart surgery one year and five months ago. Ironically I marked the occasion by signing up for a 10K "fun run." Now when I was signing up for this and talking to Liam and Sarah, I was thinking... what in the world is FUN about running 6.2 miles? I went ahead and signed up for it and let em tell you... it was one of the most rewarding things in my life to turn that form in and know that I was even going to attempt this run with great friends and God at my side. This past Friday was the race. Since October is breast cancer awareness month and I am a firm believer in supporting this cause I decided to run in honor of the ones that I have lost and those that have survived. I partially did it as well for my heart and those that suffer and have suffered from heart complications. As I was gearing up for the run I figured out my comfortable pace and organized a playlist with songs that had a similar rhythm. The Monday before I went to the track to see how long it would take to do 16 laps. Let's just say that it was not an enjoyable run and I felt really nervous for Friday. I finished the laps in 55 minutes. The race was 25 laps... I did a mini run on Tuesday and rested for Wednesday and Thursday. The meals here really lack a reasonable amount of meat and vegetables. I have been feeling a little weak due to this so Sarah and I decided to venture out Wednesday night and found the Outback Steakhouse on the harbor. FYI, I absolutely LOVE the bread and butter there so I usually eat two loafs by myself! We definitely ate way too much but it was well worth it. We had an Awesome Blossom, bread and butter, two sides, a salad, and a steak. At that moment in time I thought that I had found Heaven! All day Thursday I stretched and drank lots and lots of water with fruits and raw veggies. Friday I was nervous and continued to walk around to get my mind off of things. It reminded me of when I was in high school and I was about to go on the stage for One Act Play and perform my heart out. Six o'clock arrived very quickly as we met at the track. There was between 60 and 70 runners. A larger portion was on the school's track team so we all knew that we would easily be lapped. We had an awesome support team that showed up with banners, water, signs, juice, and cold, wet rags. I loved that the Americans were the only ones that had people there to cheer them on and help when the times got tough. They took over a table that was on the side and placed it next to the track and set up camp. The amazing support group was made up of Cassy, Turner, Erika, Stephanie, and Meghan. All of the officials for the race wanted a group picture with our little "team" and was very excited about international students participating. The past couple of days were hot and very humid. We were afraid that it would be the same for the race but fortunately God had other plans and it was cool and breezy right before the race started. I was VERY thankful for that. When the gun went off I reminded myself to begin slow and pace myself. I stayed focused and listened to my jams and sometimes I danced as I was running, that's just who I am! I had a timer that was assigned to my awesome number 17. Every time I would pass he would give me the thumbs-up and say, "you are doing good #17 only __ laps to go!" The laps went by quickly, surprisingly, and I did not have any trouble breathing or pains. Liam finished before all of us and he generously waited until I met up with him and he began to run with me to talk and encourage. I had six more laps to go and he was going to stay with me for four of them. As we ran we said Bible verses back and forth that sought for endurance and strength. Those four laps went by very fast and my ankles began to ache. I told Liam that I wanted to just walk the last couple because I had time... of course the powerhouse that he is discouraged that and told me I HAD to run until the very end. Then it was just me and the last two laps to go... I wanted to give and just walk so bad but of course the song that would play on my iPod at that time was Dare You To Move by Switchfoot. I picked up the pace and pushed and pushed and pushed my legs farther and farther. On last lap to go and I just gave it everything that I had. I felt like I was was going super fast but I am sure if you were watching from the sidelines I was barely moving! All the time keepers and my friends were screaming and cheering as I approached that finish line and when I crossed it there was no better feeling. I could not believe that after only running for a little over a month in my life I had just completed a 10K in one hour and four minutes! One of the BEST feelings EVER!!!<br />
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After the "fun run" I had to hurry back to my room and change for the Zhou Hall High Table Dinner. This formal dinner was for my residence hall and the guest speaker was from the Hong Kong legislature. The week prior to the event I went out with my Hall Tutor, Elliot, for a new suit. He brought me to this place where they will tailor one for you and it only cost me $50 USD! I was in shock that it was so cheap and such great quality. The older, Chinese man was very nice and just smiled the entire time he was measuring me. Anyways, so I had to hurry and take a shower and change... if you are from southeast Texas you can relate with me for a second. It is not that easy to be in a hurry and change into a suit, shoes, and tie with a high humidity factor. I was already an hour and a half late but they insisted that I still come. I made it and the four course meal was all laid out at my seat, cold of course. It was so good though after a long run! I had the lobster and shrimp bisque, smoked salmon salad, salmon with cream sauce and mixed veggies, and New York style cheesecake (well their idea of NY cheesecake...) I had a personal interpreter for the meal and she was very patient and very well spoken. Our guest speaker spoke of how she went through the steps to gain her degree, become a lawyer, progress in politics, being appointed to the HK legislature, and now serve as the leader of the Civic party. She encouraged our generation to strive for our dreams and when the possible seems impossible, YOU are the best one to motivate YOURSELF! Now of course I was one of three non-local students int he entire room. They had a question and answer section and after the first student asked a question and the guest answered, the MC (what I thought) asked if anyone else would like to ask a question. I immediately shot up my hand and people began to clap and photographers were snapping photos as the microphone was passed to me. I was confused as to why all this excitement but I quickly learned that the MC had not asked for another student to ask a question but for someone to answer the guest speaker's question for an autographed copy of her book. I turned a bright shade of red and slowly sank into my seat. The guest speaker rose and told me that it was okay to have misunderstood and that I would surely be the next one to ask her a question... So it came time for the Westerner to ask his question, "Do you feel that your motivation from yourself was fed by others support?" She answered my question in English and began to tell her support first from God and how her CATHOLIC faith has helped her be the person she is today. Okay, this shocked me sooo much! There are not many local or Mainland people that are Catholic that I have found. Then she went on about her beliefs and her family support. After the guest left we took many pictures with friends from our hall and then returned to our floors and ordered McDonalds FOR DELIVERY!!! Great night with local friends for sure!<br />
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The first holiday that I experienced was the Mid-Autumn Festival. This holiday is widely celebrated with paper lanterns and moon cakes.The Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, which is in September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. It is a date that parallels the autumnal equinox of the solar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and roundest. Farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date. Traditionally on this day, Chinese family members and friends will gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat moon cakes and pomelos under the moon together. Accompanying the celebration, there are additional cultural or regional customs, such as: carrying brightly lit lanterns, lighting lanterns on towers, or floating sky lanterns. The night before the holiday, my floor mates and the girls from the seventh floor joined and made moon cakes similar to the snowey moon cakes. The traditional moon cakes taste chalky to me and just are not appetizing. That seems to be the overall verdict among many of my local friends and they prefer the snowey ones as well. The snowey moon cakes are frozen and are made differently. They remind me more of ice cream sandwiches. My friend, Protein, was nice enough to buy some snowey moon cakes for me after our art class; the snowey brand is more expensive than the traditional. The Tsang family invited me over for the family dinner that is held for the holiday. We ate many traditional dishes and had a great time laughing and having fellowship. When I arrived back to campus later that night my floor tutor and a few of my local friends invited me out for some traditional Mid-autumn festivities. We walked to the local super market and purchased some juice and more snowey moon cakes. We meet up with some of the girls that we made moon cakes the night before out at the public park to burn the lanterns and play some local card games. As we set outside, several of the flying lanterns went over us.<br />
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The next week we celebrated National Day for mainland China. The Peoples Republic of China flags are seen flown all over the place and there is a celebration of fireworks at the harbor. I was invited by my German friends to go to the harbor to watch the show that night. I tried to explain that it was going to be very packed since I had experienced New Year's Eve the previous year. However, they insisted that we try to get seats at the harbor. We ventured out there and there were so many mainlanders there. We decided to grab dinner there at the McDonalds by the ferry. I have never in my entire life thought that you would have to have crowd control for a Mickey-Ds! Well my friends, we waited about fifteen minutes outside before we were let inside. Once inside, I could not believe the lines of people! We spent about forty-five minutes to get a dang double cheeseburger meal!!! We then left and walked across the street to fight the crowd to find a good spot to sit. Of course there was no such spot so we settled for an area that we could partially see the view and sit in an area that no one would fall or trample us. We waited for about an hour and a half there until the show began. Overall, the fireworks were great and well organized. I personally think that the New Year's Eve performance was much better.<br />
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I am still walking my friend's dogs from time to time and love being able to play with them! He had a business trip to Mainland and I was able to house sit again. When you have a kitchen that is available to you all you want to do is cook those delicious meals form back home! The only problem is that it can get expensive buying all the ingredients. I chose to cook our family's recipe for chicken and dumplings. Of course I made the dumplings from scratch! I also had to use our family's two favorite ingredients... butter and creme! I had several of my French friends over as well as Cassy and Turner. After three bowls, I had to push the pot away from myself. There is nothing compared to home cooking that is for sure! I am a little saddened that I will not be home to cook with Aunt Mackie and Candi as usual but that means I will just have to make some of those dishes over here.<br />
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I went with the university group, at the church I help with the youth group, on a boat trip to an island. I wished that I had my fishing pole with me! The beaches here are guarded by shark nets to reduce the shark attacks. Yes, there have been several shark attacks in the past couple of years! I was a "life saver," as they called it, for the group. The water was so salty but the temperature was AMAZING! It felt so nice to jump off of a boat and swim to shore. We had a great lunch that was catered on the boat; there was chicken and REAL salad. I missed the green leafy vegetables so much. The chocolate cake was really good as well... I had to have several pieces. The views of the water and islands were very pretty and the sunset was amazing as usual. I still cannot believe that I am on the other side of the world!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixJwl38EdaQKL9duKRjqbtSPMSQKF_oQ_XSMxQkD9d6xn1nckWgZmFGJZ_lpo1Nu0QGGvqetF_Lug5cjbpTMKtWfRXVB-TwtRYjU3nFZaDRiCvv2v2lrIvyldjRIaSEVMfuNR9-IS8NrV/s1600/60406_438176672174_575002174_5730930_4729454_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixJwl38EdaQKL9duKRjqbtSPMSQKF_oQ_XSMxQkD9d6xn1nckWgZmFGJZ_lpo1Nu0QGGvqetF_Lug5cjbpTMKtWfRXVB-TwtRYjU3nFZaDRiCvv2v2lrIvyldjRIaSEVMfuNR9-IS8NrV/s320/60406_438176672174_575002174_5730930_4729454_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Judson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502146265927647902.post-70621626337266980982010-09-23T17:59:00.000+08:002010-09-23T17:59:52.574+08:00Home Sweet Home!I had the chance of helping out a friend, who is American, with watching his house and dogs for a week. I could cook whatever I wanted and have a bigger bed to sleep in. Something about being able to walk into a house and have a sense of home was an amazing feeling! Granted, the commute from school to the apartment was about forty minutes by MTR and bus but hey that's life sometimes. The greatest part about the commute though was that is was less than two American dollars. Everyday I was greeted by two chocolate labs, Sophie and Camille. Walking the dogs here in Hong Kong is much different than that at home. At home you can just open the back door and let them run outside and they can do their business. Here, however, you have to make sure they are on a leash and bring a bottle of water to rinse the cement and a bag or newspaper to pick up the "extras." The majority of people here dislike dogs and often will look at you with a mean face, make rude comments, or completely walk the opposite way when they see you coming. There is really no area for the dogs to enjoy the grass or play in a park. Everything that is available is located on the sidewalk or on the pavement.<br />
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I had the brilliant idea to bake fresh, homemade sugar cookies one evening. I spent a lot of time making this cookies and enjoyed every minute of it. I organized them nicely on the platter to cool and made sure to put them at the back of the counter where the dogs wouldn't even be able to see them. Now I must mention this little bit of information... the whole time I was baking and even eating a few of the warm cookies the dogs never even cam into the kitchen and when they did they ignored the cookies. I went to bed and woke the next morning to bag the cookies to bring to church and friends. I saw the plates exactly where they were left, not moved. However, all of the cookies were gone and not even a crumb was left. I began to question if I had bagged them up before I went to bed and just forgot that I did that so I began to search for the cookies. Shortly after I began my search here come the two sweet, innocent dogs around the corner with crumbs on their cute, little faces. Needless to say I was a bit upset at them but all I could do was laugh! The dang cookie monsters ate ALL three dozen of my sugar cookies!!! I guess the good part about it wast that they were not chocolate chip.<br />
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I began painting this week in my art class with the ink. It is much more difficult than Western style painting sue to the fact that the "paint" used is ink and the different shades are produced by adding water to your brush. The brushes are made of different types of animal hair. The holding of the brush is a lot different with the hand being more stiff and up right. When you apply the ink to the thin rice paper you have to control the pressure of the hair against the paper so that the ink does not "bleed." It took me several trial strokes with the brush before I learned how to control the ink. The first several weeks we are concentrating on the flowers. The professor is very patient with the three of us foreigners and has to set us aside so she can work with us in English.<br />
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Since this past May, I have decided to exercise and find interest in playing sports due to my clearance from the cardiologist in April. I was running about once to twice a week or every other week during the summer. For the past three weeks I have been running every other day, and I am up to three miles straight without stopping or slowing the pace. I have taken an interest in soccer due to the fact that I enjoy watching it and that all my friends play it here. The thrill of playing for two straight hours running and up the field is amazing to me! I mean, I haven't been able to do this stuff for over twelve years and now all of a sudden I have this energy and a heart that beats completely different! So I tried playing soccer twice with my normal tennis shoes and something just did not feel right. I went on a shopping trip to find a pair of soccer shoes. Little did I know that this trip would turn into a five hour search for a size twelve pair of shoes! I literally went to two different areas to find this size and over fifteen different footwear stores. The biggest size that everyone had was a nine and a half or a ten. Some of the workers would say, "you can still wear this size and the shoe will stretch.." Ok, I do not know if you heard me or not but I wear a size TWELVE to a THIRTEEN!!! Finally after searching and asking I gave up on even looking at the style of shoe I just wanted the size that would fit me. Then there it was, the store of all stores... It was like a dream come true and so professional. Everyone working there had a walkie-talkie and would radio the style of shoe and size to a person who would then get them and drop them from a whole just big enough for a shoe box to drop from the ceiling. It was like a candy shop for a big footed kid! I began to search the store and I went ahead and looked at the styles before I even asked what the biggest size was. There on the shelf sat a black pair of Nike soccer shoes with a red and metallic silver check on the side. I slowly walked up to the counter and asked what the biggest size was. As the worker was typing in the style number into the computer I became nervous... two minutes passed without a word from this guy. Then all of a sudden he turns around and holds his hands up to the drop box form the ceiling... the intensity set in. Would this be my last stop for shoes or would I have to continue the long search? A box fell from above and the guy, in his best English, said, "Sir here is your size TWELVE pair of shoes." All I really heard was TWELVE in that statement and I ripped the box out of his hand and put them on so fast that I was up and walking in them in the store in less than a minute! THEY FIT!!!<br />
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The week was winding down and I wanted to cook a good southern meal for a few of my German and American friends. I thought of the perfect meal that I have been craving for and decided to prepare fried chicken, cream style corn, rolls, homemade mashed potatoes and homemade gravy. It was like perfection! The buttery goodness in everything was like heaven in my mouth! The grease and juices from the chicken was like water quenching the thirst of a marathon runner. The girls kept asking how I knew how to cook so well and if I could come to Germany to cook for them. Turner and Carla ate about three plates each and just could not stop eating the amazing food! Ok, I must admit I ate two big portions as well. The meal was such a great way to just sit back and relax like a small family around one table and just eat, laugh, and share stories about home. After about an hour at the table, Turner began to play the piano and we sang songs. The evening was truly a highlight of the first couple of weeks here in Hong Kong!<br />
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My art class is not only the most interesting, it is also the most interesting to get to! It is on another campus on the other side of Hong Kong. I have to take the MTR and leave at 7:30 am on Wednesdays to get to the class. It was my first time to go to this class and none of my friends were taking the class or a class that was on that campus on Wednesday. Needless to say, the trip was eventful and after sweating and making my clothes drenched due to the humidity outside I finally made it at 8:40 am when class started at 8:30 am. There are no signs directing you to the campus nor was there anyone on the streets that knew what or where I was talking about. I think maybe they did know and they just did not want to help the lost white boy out... So I called my friend Cassy, who had a class there early in the week, and told her where I was. Yes of course! I was on the other side of town and had walked all that way thinking I was going in the right direction. So I turned around and walked the other direction and made it to a landmark, a temple. I took the road up a hill and was told to watch for a wall made out of tin and directly after there will be three steps. I found the three steps and what seemed to be a trail. Let me just say that I felt this "trail" was a trick and that there would be someone on it that would rob and more than likely murder me! Sketchy to say the least... I took a deep breath in and walked up the three steps and began on the short trail that was made of broken glass and brick. There was a random stepping stone with an ear painted on it, weird I know. After the trail there was a guard booth that was on a real, steep road. That was the road to the campus. As I made my trek up the hill I was amazed at the architecture of the two buildings and the landscape that the buildings sat on. The history of the builds and land is absolutely remarkable. The campus used to be the British air force mess hall and recreation area along with a few offices. It faced the old airport and there are tunnels underground that lead to the old airport. Of course, the openings are now sealed off and some of the original things are missing. It is really neat that I get to have a class where much of Hong Kong's history took place. Hong Kong was once a British colony and in 1997 they became their own and will possibly one day be back under the Republic of China. If you were wondering, I did make it to class and the history lesson of the day absolutely made my week!<br />
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Not only are the classes starting, but the title of this post is also about the HORSE RACES!!! Since this used to be a British colony the famous sport is still around. Every Wednesday night during the fall semester the races occur. Me and a group of friends went to watch since it is only about $1 USD to enter. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible and there were so many people... Mostly there were white people and I said to myself "where in the heck did all these white folks come from?" The night was going great and the enjoyment of watching the races were amazing. When it came to the seventh race of the night I felt a little persuaded to go ahead and "donate" $10 HKD on the number seven horse. As seven is my lucky number I felt it appropriate. After much yelling and making my voice go hoarse, the number seven horse passed all of the others at the last minute and WON!!! So basically my donation towards that horse paid for my dinner and the trip there for the night. I was a happy person to say the least. <br />
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We traveled by the MTR to meet him. On our way there on the MTR, an Asian man asked Toby where he was from and he said Germany. (Note: the majority of my friends that I do things with are from Germany and were with us.) The man began to shout and shake his fist saying, "I hate Germany, I hate Germany and all Germans!" He asked the others where they were from and some said Sweden just so that he would not go off on them. The man continued to rant by saying, "All of you are Nazis and I hate you all!" Needless to say while this was going on I was getting closer and closer to the emergency exit to bust out if needed. I am not a dumb American; I know a nut job when I see one!<br />
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When we finally met Michael, we took a bus to Lantau Island for this "hike." Michael told us that the one we were going on was roughly 10 kilometers. I thought to myself that 10K was nothing.... yeah ok I did not realize how steep some of these peaks were! We started out with fourteen brave souls on our trek. It was not too hot but it was very humid. As the trek continued and we were closer to the higher peaks the winds were picking up so it made it cooler for us. I brought three liters of water to drink and was done with that about three quarters of the way.<br />
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The scenery was absolutely beautiful and to be apart of that made the trip so much more enjoyable. Poor Michael, he was used to making this trek in two and a half hours and it took us four and a half. I know he was probably bored out of his mind but he was very patient with us. At times I was wondering why I was doing this to my body due to the strain and stress it was doing on my legs and heart. I kept telling myself that if I finished it would be such an accomplishment for me! I never was able to go to Philmont due to my heart so I was thinking to myself that this is what it must be like!<br />
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As we got closer and closer to the Buddha in our view it was only to find that we had much more land to travel. All of us were very encouraging to each other and I did a lot of praying for myself that I could just make it to the next peak! It was nice to have those quiet moments on the trail; time to clear my mind of things that have been bothering me and time to talk to God about what I have been discerning about lately. I continued to see God's beauty throughout the day as we continued on the trail. When I would become weak or think that I could not make it I would continue to speak to God and ask for strength and guidance on the trail. Overall, the experience of the Holy Spirit and the landscape was mind blowing and I would have not traded it for anything!<br />
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One of my good friends, Bennedikt, stayed close to me the entire trek and we were able to talk a lot and was able to bond more. I guess you could say that we were encouraging each other. When we had mastered our last peak, the Big Buddha as only about 1 kilometer away. Benni offered for him and I to take a taxi for the rest of the way since we were now on the road. I seriously considered the idea but I told him that if I gave up on this that I would be upset in the end. He agreed and kindly kept trekking up the last kilometer with me. As we reached our destination all we could think about was food. We immediately looked for food due to all of us being extremely hungry. Michael decided to share a little bit of information with us... the trail that we had been on for the past four and a half hours was a level four... a level five is the most difficult! Sure, now you tell us; thanks Michael. Out of the fourteen people that started the trek only nine of us survived the entire trip! It was such an accomplishment. As we searched for a place to eat at the Big Buddha we found Subway. I screamed very loudly and everyone looked at em like I was nuts but I was super excited to have a fresh sandwich with lots of veggies on it.<br />
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As we made our way to the Big Buddha after we ate we saw.... more stairs to climb to get to the top. Umm, excuse me dude but we just trekked a long way up and down mountains to see you and now you want us to climb more stairs to touch you?!? Aren't you asking a little much of us Mr. Buddha? I sucked it up and began to climb and climb and climb my nice rounded American body up to the top. My legs were shaking by this time. It was such an accomplishment and a rewarding afternoon to know that I made it all the way and did not give up!<br />
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One our way back to the university we took the cable car that gave an amazing view of some of the landscape of the islands. It was a nice relaxing ending to such a long day. Michael was a great help and sport to stick with us the entire time on the trail. <span id="goog_41718453"></span><span id="goog_41718454"></span>The most amazing part of the entire trek was getting away from all the sounds and fast pace of the city and to enjoy the clean air and environment that God made for all of us to enjoy!<br />
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It is nice to have a friend here from ETBU, Cassy Rains. Here and I are both nursing students back at home. When her flight was arriving to Hong Kong I was waiting at the dorms for her to show up. Her flight was to land at 7:00pm and the time was 11:30pm and still no Cassy. I began to freak out a little and thoughts began to rush my mind like "what if no one was there to pick her up from the airport" or "I hope her flight wasn't canceled." I left a note on her door for her to call me ASAP when she arrived to campus. I was in my room still waiting for my roommate to arrive... hoping that it was a guy from another country since I signed up for an international roommate. Well, at 12:50am there was a knock on my door. It was a guy with luggage and he introduced himself as Jake from Oregon. Yes, my roommate is in fact an international student FROM THE STATES! I laughed really hard because if you know me well enough this is the luck that I always have. As we began to talk and unloading his things he said that he had met a nice bubbly girl from the states on the shuttle to the university. I knew immediately that it was CASSY!!! I was so excited that she finally arrived. Shortly after Jake and I were talking he expressed that he did not feel well all of a sudden and it must be from flying so long. After about thirty minutes it was revealed that I was the reason that my new roommate was getting sick. He looked at my top shelf and saw a bunch of bananas... come to find out my roommate if HIGHLY allergic to bananas, so allergic that he can not even smell them. I immediately ran to Cassy's room with my bananas and greeted her with a present since I could not have them anymore.<br />
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I have already met some great friends and have bonded well with about seven of them... ALL GERMAN! For this reason I felt it necessary to name this post as I have. I have enjoyed their company very much and look forward to many great nights with them on campus and off campus. It is neat to interact with them and talk about our different cultures and views on certain topics. I help them around Hong Kong and they help me stay together at times. They have asked me to help them with their English and I told them that my English is a little different from the proper English like in the U.K. They say that my English is easier to understand and that they would much rather learn from the American. I do have to share this story from today about the whole English thing. One of my good friends, Christoph, said "I need a breast for my hair." I looked at him with my usual "what the heck are you talking about" look. Before I could correct him our other German friend, Lisa, said "oh, well I have one that is round and one that is flat." I busted out laughing and said "wait a minute before people start thinking we are talking about breasts!" I corrected them and told them that the word they were looking for was brush not BREAST! We had a good laugh. I look forward to many more wordings that end with hilarious comments such as this one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Christoph and Lisa (breast convo)</td></tr>
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During orientation, the university took us on a tour on Friday. We hit several of the popular areas around town and ate lunch at the Jumbo floating restaurant. Yes, I said FLOATING restaurant! We had to park the bus on the side of the street and board a small boat to bring us to the restaurant. It was a three story restaurant that was sitting on a barge. The food was good but it was said that the locals do not visit this place much due to the high cost and the more western approach to preparing the traditional Chinese meals.<br />
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That night I took my German possy to the Harbor for the world's largest light show. The Harbor skyline is used in this display and the majority of the main buildings have lasers and colored lights that are synced to music. The beautiful arrangement lasts for thirty minutes. It was our lucky day for seeing this due to the rare event of it being a clear night and not foggy from the smog.<br />
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The semester has started out with a BANG! We have five days off before classes start on the second of September. Until then I shall go and enjoy my new home and family. Prost!Judson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502146265927647902.post-54926769139488258622010-08-23T23:04:00.000+08:002010-08-23T23:04:06.190+08:00The Two Fatties from AMERICAI have been in Hong Kong now for four complete days. It is absolutely beautiful here with the smells of all the wonderful food and the rush of the city life. The weather is exactly like Houston right now so I do not feel out of place one bit! A lot has happened since I landed Thursday night: sleep, EATING, shopping for school, bringing Katrina Fritz-Mills to the airport and taking her bed at the Tsang house, cooking, church, checking in at the dorms, etc.<br />
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The flight in was great with time for plenty of movies and little sleep. I enjoyed the enormous amount of leg room and free movies that was offered. When I landed I was walking as fast as possible to the customs as I was being yelled at to remove my cap... little did I know they were using infrared cameras to take my temp. I was greeted by great friends (Brittney and Ellison Tsang, Katrina) with a sign that read "Mr. Judson LaGrone (welcome to Hong Kong)." I felt like a rich person being picked up from the airport! As we pulled up the the Tsang's new apartment (flat) I say people dressed in suites opening the doors for people and a huge sign that read "The Palazzo." I felt like I was a high roller walking into a 5 star hotel!!!<br />
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I was with the gang venturing on the Peak on Friday night and on our way home there was a slight traffic jam coming down the mountain. As we approached the stopped taxi there was a man on the sidewalk laying there with blood all over him. No one was helping this guy; all they were doing was trying to get away from him. I was thinking about getting off the bus to check and see if I could at least comfort the man of if he needed CPR, but the ambulance was behind our bus. I asked people about others not giving aid to those in need of medical attention and the response was that CPR and first aid is not well known to civilians like it is in the states. On a better note... I found a pair of old school Ray Ban sunglasses in a bathroom at the mall! Of course I asked around and no takers... and yes I did sanitize them.<br />
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I am partially moved in to my dorm room now and have a great view. I live on the ninth floor of the north tower. I should have a roommate but have not met him yet. I will be sharing a bathroom with my suite mates and I hear that a "maid" will come and clean my bathroom once a week!<br />
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I am sure you are wondering why on earth the title of this blog is titled the way it is... Ellison's uncle was nice to take all of his family out and I was also allowed to go for dinner at a buffet at Kowloon Hotel. The price of the meal was roughly $350 HKD a person. It was all paid for by his uncle! The way of the eating goes around here in China is that the more food the better. They feel that if you have a big appetite that they have spent their money well on you. We started eating at 6:00 and the dinner was until 10:00. Yes, we had to eat for four hours straight and was encouraged to continue to go for more and more and more... I was to the point that I wanted to throw-up all that I had eaten. Do not get me wrong, the food was absolutely AMAZING! Ellison's family kept looking at me and talking to each other in Cantonese. I asked El what was being said and he replied, "They are glad that you came with a big appetite and that the money was well spent." Well hey, at least I was making them happy. My stomach was not... Brittney and I, after eating plenty of the main dishes, headed for the desserts and found that there was a cooler full of different types of Haagen Dazs ice cream... after about three bowls later they kept looking at us and we said, "oh look out the two American fatties are going back for more!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mR2KQ2SrDHv9rtWA9arMnFV-mj8_cTQ39nncZKrALiPH947M8ZfUSGMa_khPUoohXrFXrN9P3xZKtYp3JGZpll6b0bz63KzRzmOEPIswR7DSxtCWaPgaNRmRIMR8XjkALoU1LMrd96xC/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mR2KQ2SrDHv9rtWA9arMnFV-mj8_cTQ39nncZKrALiPH947M8ZfUSGMa_khPUoohXrFXrN9P3xZKtYp3JGZpll6b0bz63KzRzmOEPIswR7DSxtCWaPgaNRmRIMR8XjkALoU1LMrd96xC/s320/photo.jpg" /></a></div>Judson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502146265927647902.post-21831198766071943502010-08-19T22:47:00.000+08:002010-08-19T22:47:20.975+08:00This morning was eventful as always with me getting ready for a trip. I woke at 6:15a.m. in our hotel room for be at the airport at 7:00a.m. for a flight to Newark departing at 8:55a.m. As with any airport travel I always freak about the weight of my luggage and sure enough this time I was right!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The requirements are two free checked bags weighing under 50lbs a piece. Well… one bag was 55lbs and the other was 67lbs. So I had to unpack and repack the luggage that was already to its MAX stuffing capacity because there was no way that I was going to pay an extra $50 for two pieces of overweight luggage! I thought for a minute and asked myself ok how can I only pay for one… so I transferred the 5lbs from the 50lbs to the 67lbs. The lady then said sorry sir this bag can only way 70lbs… so some pants were taken out and handed to mom to take home. I was offered an extra-leg room seat on the plane from Newark to Hong Kong for an extra $150 so OF COURSE I took that offer. I never get that chance because they are always taken but not today… NOT UP IN HERE!!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcBPe6Tv7Uoj0qOR_I3_9GZebWgLL3cj6icnCobNDn1eH3DE0OLo6gSUIbGdVlncVZdJ9fw1dNOpoJKhpvL8xwnjqyFbAO7GVRjfWFeUle1G6TAf_oGGDlASiumQ1hVTSmcbyEIeMj92e/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcBPe6Tv7Uoj0qOR_I3_9GZebWgLL3cj6icnCobNDn1eH3DE0OLo6gSUIbGdVlncVZdJ9fw1dNOpoJKhpvL8xwnjqyFbAO7GVRjfWFeUle1G6TAf_oGGDlASiumQ1hVTSmcbyEIeMj92e/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6bmsf5i1CwVyGvGEKjjcc-Do1DZJDGLey0r7tLBzEA7DO8YKH5RM4bodrl-3mtxfJp0dDSGRvCuWAPXDRm9so4xyeGSkvSj_Zp1F1l4JXzEeAUWAX44nRah-JjV7ZK_zZEwk9CkDE5x-/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6bmsf5i1CwVyGvGEKjjcc-Do1DZJDGLey0r7tLBzEA7DO8YKH5RM4bodrl-3mtxfJp0dDSGRvCuWAPXDRm9so4xyeGSkvSj_Zp1F1l4JXzEeAUWAX44nRah-JjV7ZK_zZEwk9CkDE5x-/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" /></a></div> As I made my way to the security line I told mom and Aunt Debbie my “see you laters” cause there are no “goodbyes” in my vocabulary. Waited in line for the looonnnnngggg security check, and of course I was the one that was taken to the side because there was something suspicious in my bag. IT WAS A TOOTHPASTE TUBE! Come on people what am I going to do with a tube of toothpaste? Maybe offer it to the person that was checking my bag cause his breathe was not fresh. By the time I made it to my gate, WITHOUT MY STARBUCKS, it was already time for my row to board. I was carrying on a hiking backpack that was stuffed to the max as well and my school backpack, it too stuffed. I like to think outside of the box, aka how can I keep my money for something better. So the reason why I was bringing the huge backpack is because you can actually bring a bag that is larger than a carry-on and a personal. The large bag will be checked for you for FREE at the gate. Mom didn’t teach me to bargain shop for nothing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hEh1xo62SE9Y_NA59oqP7YdICrYgcAo-U5zQkDshyay88LtGv4OLUbfaO9AqjI-T4xRFo55G2c4R0UP-pvUMoGbelUSyKK_2tgxW4mOICPEOmh012kP3OI1HlTBIB-6GVicj5kJKophE/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hEh1xo62SE9Y_NA59oqP7YdICrYgcAo-U5zQkDshyay88LtGv4OLUbfaO9AqjI-T4xRFo55G2c4R0UP-pvUMoGbelUSyKK_2tgxW4mOICPEOmh012kP3OI1HlTBIB-6GVicj5kJKophE/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" /></a></div>The flight to Newark was one of the smoothest rides yet in my history of flying. Well… until about forty minutes before landing the plane took a nice plunge downward. It wasn’t time for descending yet people why are we bracing ourselves to the chair in front of us? Oh that’s right because our captain forgot to announce that we were descending before usual time. As I landed I was able to see the Statue of Liberty and the harbor along with the Empire State Building and the skyline. <br />
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I find it ironic that this very harbor is were many of our ancestors came into America and started their lives so that our families could live in this great nation. It is really neat that I get to leave from this spot to start a short life in another country. I am sitting in Ruby’s Diner eating my last American meal, a bacon cheeseburger. While I eat I am looking at the skyline of Manhattan. <br />
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Well “see ya later” for now as I begin my journey to Hong Kong. My travel companions (Carl the chimp, Jobin the sock monkey, and Jiminy my conscience) and I are about to find seat at the gate to take flight for my new home.Judson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502146265927647902.post-11832580905361518582010-08-09T13:33:00.000+08:002010-08-09T13:33:34.200+08:00All this PACKING!!!So it is midnight and I am looking at all the stuff I am taking to Hong Kong for my semester abroad. Sadly, the majority of my luggage weight is not stuff for me but for the ASIANS already there! The Tsang family has put in their request for items to be purchased for them and the nice guy I am has it all packed, forty-five pounds of one hundred spoken for. The hard part is deciding what all to bring (i.e. which clothes, etc.) I have decided that is will be better to purchase the toiletries and school supplies when I arrive.<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekLvcuV_e8syRqSzPVXr4jjldT6ohOaowi8DPYST9tdQ1MfyfJrThHBBVKR_OV_IYKyTvOR-CuYFbmjiv48E0adkSapm_lx1st7-XXA9JXILBXDQSLLIzpj3L_qB5ZSSJw2EZPeYk_E-i/s1600/hkbu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekLvcuV_e8syRqSzPVXr4jjldT6ohOaowi8DPYST9tdQ1MfyfJrThHBBVKR_OV_IYKyTvOR-CuYFbmjiv48E0adkSapm_lx1st7-XXA9JXILBXDQSLLIzpj3L_qB5ZSSJw2EZPeYk_E-i/s320/hkbu.jpg" /></a></div><div>I am so excited about going to Hong Kong for the fall semester! I am attending Hong Kong Baptist University, incase you did not know. I will be studying literature and learning Cantonese. I plan on going and visiting the Great Wall before I leave to come home at the end of December. There is so much I want to do but the reality is it probably wont all happen. The way I see it is as long as I enjoy the classes and learn all about the culture it will be a WIN situation for me! Hopefully, I will have an opportunity to help out at medical clinics while in Hong Kong. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CZdt3pWEowvbNIMqPJ7oAs75Q7iJjJEncnfQDInd2NCJbyDCifFfRysywgnhz1hpIRJV_VP-ahA2o7b9UzG5GnUWRx9uuS3p5w9QFE9lFb_I_55hSvsLfcBK_SEKLWTOdhjxs1XKevUS/s1600/DSCN1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CZdt3pWEowvbNIMqPJ7oAs75Q7iJjJEncnfQDInd2NCJbyDCifFfRysywgnhz1hpIRJV_VP-ahA2o7b9UzG5GnUWRx9uuS3p5w9QFE9lFb_I_55hSvsLfcBK_SEKLWTOdhjxs1XKevUS/s320/DSCN1654.JPG" /></a></div><div>This trip to Hong Kong was not even a thought until it was offered at the end of this past semester. Fortunately, I have two great friends who live only a few metro stops away from where I will be living. I was recently in Hong Kong, this past Christmas, for their wedding. I can not wait until I get to see them! I already have the first four days planned of where I want to go eat. It's a little sad when the first thing that is on my mind is FOOD!!! It is just that good. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Only eight more days until I leave! I am counting down the hours! </div></div>Judson LaGronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09044867441243852468noreply@blogger.com