Eleni Toubanos
From Slope to Slope: A reflection on my semester in Hong Kong
Before going abroad, I knew that I wanted to maintain a blog to keep my friends and family updated on my new experiences during my semester abroad at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I title the blogSlope to Slope, as it documented my journey from the slopes of Cornell’s campus to Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak.Although these cities may seem like they have absolutely nothing in common, both cities are defined by their grey skies and hilly terrain. I knew that Hong Kong would be dramatically different andI could not help but feel a little nervous aboutleaving my Cornell comfort zone. I took comfort in finding similarities between Hong Kong and Ithaca.
I left home to begin at a new university, move into a dorm, and make new friends. I would compare the mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement to being a freshman again. Luckily, the students and faculty at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University were extremely warm and welcoming. I was very lucky to have two “buddies” who picked me up at the airport and helped me navigate the well-designed MTR system to pick out dorm decor for my new home in the student halls. The rooms themselves were “ergonomic” but had exactly as much space as I needed. The gym, common areas, pool, and cafeteria created a lively environment.
The Institute of Textile & Clothing at Hong Kong Polytechnic University was a wonderful place to continue my fiber science education. The facilities, such as a weaving and knitting lab, were quite impressive. I was eager to take advantage of the unique courses such as Intro to Nanofunctional Textiles, Coloration Techniques, and Intimate Apparel Production that are not offered at Cornell. I also took a Mandarin Language class, which was fun to take with my fellow exchange students. There were French, Swedish, German, and Russian students learning to speak Chinese in a class that was taught in English. The four tones of Mandarin may have been difficult for me, but at least the class was taught in my native tongue.
I not only learned about Chinese language and culture, but about the languages and culture of my three hundred fellow international exchange students. There were students from France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Ireland, England, Australia, Mainland China, and Korea. I probably picked up more Dutch from my lovely roommate from Holland than Chinese. In return, I taught my friends American slang such as “dope” and the proper way to eat string cheese.
Hong Kong itself is a very international city. There were certain times in Hong Kong that I felt foreign and other times that I felt as if I was in New York or Paris. There is a neighborhood called "Soho" filled with boutiques and charming cafes. Times Square is a shopping area that boasts a multi-storied Forever 21 and dizzying lights. It was easy to forget to say "mmm goi" and say "thank you" instead when you are paying for an iced coffee. I found the fusion of Western and Eastern cultures magnetic; There is something attractive about Hong Kong that encourages other “expats” to uproot and settle there.
That being said, I enjoyed immersing myself in the local culture. I visited famous temples with friends and had my Chine New Year fortune read. A large part of the culture is eating and the local students were always taking me to their favorite restaurants or cooking a special, traditional dish for me. I enjoyed learning about the traditions and cultural differences, especially during Chinese New Year.
Hong Kong is truly dynamic. At one moment you can be crushed in the MTR and in another hour you cannot see any trace of the city. After four and a half months, I never ceased to be amazed. I spent my free time exploring different neighborhoods, visiting art museums and galleries, hiking Hong Kong’s extensive trails, getting lost in huge shopping malls, even surfing! I expected the dizzying, tall skyscrapers but never really expected Hong Kong to be so green and lush. I can easily say that I was never bored!
In addition to exploring Hong Kong, I was able to travel to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Macau, and the Philippines. Hong Kong acted as a springboard for easy, inexpensive Southeast Asia travel. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting the vibrant cultures of each of these countries.
I am glad that I decided to maintain a blog, not because of the positive feedback from my “followers” but because itforced me to reflect on all of my experiences and what I learned from them. Overall, my semester abroad was truly incredible. As much as I am happy to be back at Cornell, I still think fondly about my time spent in Hong Kong. It now feels like a pleasant dream, but one that I remember vividly!Thank you Dr. Morin, The Woo family, and my own family for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy every moment in Hong Kong. It was a truly formidable experience that I will always reflect on positively.
From slope to slope.