The Apple and the Orange

It has been a VERY long time since I has typed my last entry, sitting here as I simultaneously wade through writing a literature review for a paper in Summer School. Every so often I can't help but remember what I have experienced during my exchange in Hong Kong:

One thing that has been asked by many people when I arrived back in New Zealand was along the lines of, "did you enjoy your stay in Hong Kong?"  The people I have met and their various backgrounds, the places I have visited, the food I had the pleasure of enjoying and finally the unique culture of Hong Kong. I have felt privilaged to have had this experience and to tell others about what I have done during my time there. So in short, my answer was, "yeah, of course Hong Kong was great!"

Another thought that somehow crossed my mind or put towards me as another question was: "Do you want to go back to Hong Kong?" This can also be answered with a short "yes", however it also has a much more in-depth, complex answer: my time at the Chinese University of Hong Kong carries alot of fond memories, of which I will cherish into the forseeable future. But if I am to return to Hong Kong, my experiences cannot be replicated as the same people will/may not be there. Things do change, but I may have to face the idea of moving into a world outside of NZ as I consider what I could get out of my chosen career. The future can take me anywhere: America, Europe, Asia..... But in knowledge that Hong Kong holds a very high standing after my student exchange, it is very much in high contention.

Bryan are you glad to be back home (in NZ)? It is great to get back in touch with family and friends, but re-counting and reminiscing what I have done, I do miss Hong Kong. To ask what is better is somewhat an unusual question, you just don't compare apples and oranges.

P.S.:  I would like to thank everyone at Waikato and the Chinese University of Hong Kong who helped me with the exchange and answering my boatload of questions. I can never seem to put all questions in one mesage.

P.P.S: To all future outgoing exchange students: don't get caught up in your studies while overseas, you're not in NZ  - enjoy yourself, it will make for a better story when you get back home.