The Greek Islands, to be exact. Today is Day 18-ish of my 45 day adventure across Europe. It has been amazing - I am having the time of my life. We have been to London, Paris, the Beaujolais Wine Region (near Lyon), Barcelona, Nice, Venice, Florence, Rome, Corfu, Athens...and now I am at a gorgeous little hotel on Ios. We have a few nights here before heading to Santorini...what a life.
Looking forward to catching up with everyone back home in less than a month! I can't believe that I have been away from home for more than five months - it has gone by so quickly. I am going to focus on enjoying the next 3-ish weeks fully...but I am also extremely excited to come home. I miss my friends and family!
PS. Mom, Dad and I had an awesome time in Hong Kong together last month. I couldn't have asked for a better week. I have the best parents in the WORLD!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
I Just Can't Believe It...
I can't believe how quickly the past four months have flown by! All of a sudden, it is May 31st, and half of the exchange students at HKUST have already packed up and left! I am beginning to pack as well...but I'm not leaving until the 11th, because my awesome parents are coming to tour Hong Kong with me for a week!
The past couple weeks have been really busy. I had tons of presentations to complete during the last few weeks of school, and they took a lot of effort because it is nearly impossible to create a more amazing PowerPoint presentation than Hong Kong students. I tried my hardest...but I am afraid it was still pretty much no contest.
The last day of classes was May 14th, and then I had a few weeks to relax, oops, I mean...study for my only final exam, which was on the 27th. The class was called "Introduction to E-Commerce" and it talked a lot about blogs, eBay, Twitter, Facebook, etc. So, it was actually a pretty fun exam to study for...I just surfed the web. Well, that, and read the massive textbook. It's the largest textbook I have ever seen.
I had three reports due on the 29th, and when I handed them in...I suddenly realized. I am a university graduate! I mean, assuming all goes well, of course. It's very exciting, and still doesn't feel real.
So, for a couple days now I have been busy with good-bye dinners, "Last Nights" on the town, plus everything that is involved with preparing for my next adventure...52 days in Europe! Today I went shopping to pick up the few things that I need for the trip, and once I leave the computer lab that I am in right now (I broke my computer...I'll explain later), I will attempt to begin packing.
Either that, or procrastinating. I can get away with procrastinating for one day, I think. After all, I am still in denial! I simply cannot believe how quickly the past four months flew by. It is really the most incredible thing.
The past couple weeks have been really busy. I had tons of presentations to complete during the last few weeks of school, and they took a lot of effort because it is nearly impossible to create a more amazing PowerPoint presentation than Hong Kong students. I tried my hardest...but I am afraid it was still pretty much no contest.
The last day of classes was May 14th, and then I had a few weeks to relax, oops, I mean...study for my only final exam, which was on the 27th. The class was called "Introduction to E-Commerce" and it talked a lot about blogs, eBay, Twitter, Facebook, etc. So, it was actually a pretty fun exam to study for...I just surfed the web. Well, that, and read the massive textbook. It's the largest textbook I have ever seen.
I had three reports due on the 29th, and when I handed them in...I suddenly realized. I am a university graduate! I mean, assuming all goes well, of course. It's very exciting, and still doesn't feel real.
So, for a couple days now I have been busy with good-bye dinners, "Last Nights" on the town, plus everything that is involved with preparing for my next adventure...52 days in Europe! Today I went shopping to pick up the few things that I need for the trip, and once I leave the computer lab that I am in right now (I broke my computer...I'll explain later), I will attempt to begin packing.
Either that, or procrastinating. I can get away with procrastinating for one day, I think. After all, I am still in denial! I simply cannot believe how quickly the past four months flew by. It is really the most incredible thing.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
7 Days in Hong Kong: A Sample Itinerary for Travellers
After living in Hong Kong for four months, I know exactly the things I would want to see if I could only spend a week here. And I know how difficult it can be to plan trips to places you have never been. Sure, there's LonelyPlanet and stuff...but planning is still difficult.
I included a LOT of Western-style restaurants, just in case you aren't into trying more of the local cuisine. If you are feeling up for it - go for it! The food is delicious, and local food is always cheaper than Western-style food!
Oh, and there is so much more to do in Hong Kong than just these things...these are just my personal suggestions!
Day 1:
Dinner: Jim Chai Kee Noodles (98 Wellington Street, Central)
The best noodles in Hong Kong - popular with Westerners and locals. They only serve three dishes: Prawn Wonton, Beef Ball Noodles, and Fish Ball Noodles. The serving sizes are supposed to be quite large. It’s the best deal in town: only $15 HKD per person!
Evening Activity: Take the Tram to Happy Valley Racecourse
Walk to Des Voeux Road (toward the Central MTR Station) and grab the Tram (Eastbound) and get off at the Happy Valley Terminus.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) Campus Eatery ($4 CAD per person)
Morning Activity: Take a tour of the HKUST Campus
Lunch: Dim Sum at the HKUST Chinese Restaurant ($4 CAD per person)
It's located across from the library and if you go after 2:30 pm, everything is half-price. I love Hong Kong's dynamic pricing schemes...
Afternoon Activity: Take Tram to the Peak and Watch the Sunset
How to Get From Central to Peak Tram: Take MTR to Central and take exit J2. Follow signs. The price? Adult Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Ticket: $48 HKD ($7.20 CAD) each
Dinner: Sushi One (29 Leighton Road) – Causeway Bay ($11 CAD per person)
How to Get from from Peak Tram Lower Terminus to Sushi One: Take MTR from Central to Causeway Bay Station. Check map to see which exit to take for Leighton Road.
Here's another tip - if you plan to eat after 10 pm, sushi is half-price! (Be careful - it's not the entire menu that is half-price...so be sure to ask if you aren't sure) The minimum order is $60 HKD. Also...try to get in line before 9:30 pm. The half-price sushi is very famous here!
Evening Activity: Explore Causeway Bay
Day 3:
Morning Activity: Take Cable Car to Lantau Island: See Big Buddha, Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastary
How to Get to Cable Car: Take MTR to Tung Chung Station (Exit B). The price? One-Way Fare: $8.78 CAD per person. Round-Trip Fare: $13.30 CAD per person.
Lunch: Picnic Lunch
I would recommend buying some sandwiches and snacks before heading to Lantau - then you can enjoy them while surrounded by nature.
Afternoon Activity: Tai O Fishing Town (Lantau Island)
Dinner: Pizza Express ($15 CAD per person) in SoHo
How to Get There: Take the Mid-Levels Escalators until you see the huge Pizza Express restaurant on your left.
Evening Activity: Explore Mid-Levels/SoHo/LKF
If it is a Wendesday or Thursday, be on the lookout for Ladies' Nights for free drinks! They are everywhere.
Day 4:
Breakfast: The Flying Pan ($6 CAD per person)
It's in SoHo - take the Mid-Level escalators, and you will be able to see the sign once you get on the bridge that crosses Hollywood Road (at least, I think it is Hollywood Road...)
Morning Activity: Mong Kok: Flower Market, Bird Market, Goldfish Market, Ladies Market
How to Get to Flower Market/Bird Market:
· Take MTR to Prince Edward Station
· Take Nathan Road South to Prince Edward Road
· Turn left onto Prince Edward Road
· Turn left onto Sai Yee Street
· Turn right onto Flower Market Road
How to Get to Goldfish Market:
· Head back onto Prince Edward Road (the same way you came)
· Turn left onto Tung Choi Street
How to Get to Ladies’ Market:
· Continue walking along Tung Choi Street
Lunch: Street Food ($3 CAD per person)
Just try something! Even if it looks weird, it's probably delicious.
Afternoon Activity: See Peninsula, Space Museum, Clock Tower, Avenue of Stars, other TST attractions
Dinner: The Spaghetti House ($15 CAD per person)
How to Get to The Spaghetti House (57 Peking Road, TST):
· Take the MTR to TST
· Exit toward Peking Road
Evening Activity: Festival of Lights (It starts daily at 8 pm SHARP), Star Ferry back to Central (no later than 11:30 pm)
Day 5:
Morning Activity: Nan Lian Garden
Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station, and then follow the signs. This is my favourite park in Hong Kong...it is so beautiful and so peaceful! It's also neat that it is set in a totally bustling residential area - from inside the walls of the park, you would never know.
Lunch: Hollywood Plaza Mall Food Republic (Less than $10 CAD per person)
Afternoon Activity: Sai Kung
To Get There: Take Double-Decker Bus 92 from Diamond Hill Station
It's a cute area and a harbour, so you will see a totally new side to Hong Kong.
Dinner: Find a great restaurant in Sai Kung
Evening Activity: Relax by the waterfront in Sai Kung
Day 6: MACAU DAY TRIP
Getting There: TurboJet Ferry Service:
· Hours: 7 am until 11:59 pm (departs every 15 minutes)
· Location: Macau Ferry Terminal, Sheung Wan
· Price: $20 CAD per person one-way (I am sure there is a deal for round-trip)·
Morning Activity: Macau Peninsula, Largo Senado, St. Paul’s Church
Lunch: Street Food ($4 CAD per person)
Afternoon Activity: Hac Sa Beach
Dinner: Fernando’s ($12 CAD per person)
Evening Activity: See the Venetian Casino and attend a Cirque de Soleil show if you can (tickets are very reasonably priced)
Day 7:
Morning Activity: Sheung Wan: Western Market, Causeway Bay: Victoria Park, Times Square
How to Get to Victoria Park:
· Take MTR to Tin Hau
· Follow signs
How to Get to Times Square:
· Walk towards Causeway bay MTR Station
· Follow signs
Lunch: DeliFrance in Times Square ($10 CAD per person)
Afternoon Activity: Stanley Park
How to Get to Stanley Park:
· Go to Causeway Bay MTR Station Exit B
· Walk to Tang Lung Street
· Take Green Minibus 40
Dinner: A Restaurant in Stanley Park ($15 CAD per person)
Evening Activity: Relax on a Lan Kwai Fong Patio
Day 8:
Head to Airport for flights - And hopefully, you enjoyed your time in Hong Kong!
I included a LOT of Western-style restaurants, just in case you aren't into trying more of the local cuisine. If you are feeling up for it - go for it! The food is delicious, and local food is always cheaper than Western-style food!
Oh, and there is so much more to do in Hong Kong than just these things...these are just my personal suggestions!
Day 1:
Dinner: Jim Chai Kee Noodles (98 Wellington Street, Central)
The best noodles in Hong Kong - popular with Westerners and locals. They only serve three dishes: Prawn Wonton, Beef Ball Noodles, and Fish Ball Noodles. The serving sizes are supposed to be quite large. It’s the best deal in town: only $15 HKD per person!
Evening Activity: Take the Tram to Happy Valley Racecourse
Walk to Des Voeux Road (toward the Central MTR Station) and grab the Tram (Eastbound) and get off at the Happy Valley Terminus.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) Campus Eatery ($4 CAD per person)
Morning Activity: Take a tour of the HKUST Campus
Lunch: Dim Sum at the HKUST Chinese Restaurant ($4 CAD per person)
It's located across from the library and if you go after 2:30 pm, everything is half-price. I love Hong Kong's dynamic pricing schemes...
Afternoon Activity: Take Tram to the Peak and Watch the Sunset
How to Get From Central to Peak Tram: Take MTR to Central and take exit J2. Follow signs. The price? Adult Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Ticket: $48 HKD ($7.20 CAD) each
Dinner: Sushi One (29 Leighton Road) – Causeway Bay ($11 CAD per person)
How to Get from from Peak Tram Lower Terminus to Sushi One: Take MTR from Central to Causeway Bay Station. Check map to see which exit to take for Leighton Road.
Here's another tip - if you plan to eat after 10 pm, sushi is half-price! (Be careful - it's not the entire menu that is half-price...so be sure to ask if you aren't sure) The minimum order is $60 HKD. Also...try to get in line before 9:30 pm. The half-price sushi is very famous here!
Evening Activity: Explore Causeway Bay
Day 3:
Morning Activity: Take Cable Car to Lantau Island: See Big Buddha, Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastary
How to Get to Cable Car: Take MTR to Tung Chung Station (Exit B). The price? One-Way Fare: $8.78 CAD per person. Round-Trip Fare: $13.30 CAD per person.
Lunch: Picnic Lunch
I would recommend buying some sandwiches and snacks before heading to Lantau - then you can enjoy them while surrounded by nature.
Afternoon Activity: Tai O Fishing Town (Lantau Island)
Dinner: Pizza Express ($15 CAD per person) in SoHo
How to Get There: Take the Mid-Levels Escalators until you see the huge Pizza Express restaurant on your left.
Evening Activity: Explore Mid-Levels/SoHo/LKF
If it is a Wendesday or Thursday, be on the lookout for Ladies' Nights for free drinks! They are everywhere.
Day 4:
Breakfast: The Flying Pan ($6 CAD per person)
It's in SoHo - take the Mid-Level escalators, and you will be able to see the sign once you get on the bridge that crosses Hollywood Road (at least, I think it is Hollywood Road...)
Morning Activity: Mong Kok: Flower Market, Bird Market, Goldfish Market, Ladies Market
How to Get to Flower Market/Bird Market:
· Take MTR to Prince Edward Station
· Take Nathan Road South to Prince Edward Road
· Turn left onto Prince Edward Road
· Turn left onto Sai Yee Street
· Turn right onto Flower Market Road
How to Get to Goldfish Market:
· Head back onto Prince Edward Road (the same way you came)
· Turn left onto Tung Choi Street
How to Get to Ladies’ Market:
· Continue walking along Tung Choi Street
Lunch: Street Food ($3 CAD per person)
Just try something! Even if it looks weird, it's probably delicious.
Afternoon Activity: See Peninsula, Space Museum, Clock Tower, Avenue of Stars, other TST attractions
Dinner: The Spaghetti House ($15 CAD per person)
How to Get to The Spaghetti House (57 Peking Road, TST):
· Take the MTR to TST
· Exit toward Peking Road
Evening Activity: Festival of Lights (It starts daily at 8 pm SHARP), Star Ferry back to Central (no later than 11:30 pm)
Day 5:
Morning Activity: Nan Lian Garden
Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station, and then follow the signs. This is my favourite park in Hong Kong...it is so beautiful and so peaceful! It's also neat that it is set in a totally bustling residential area - from inside the walls of the park, you would never know.
Lunch: Hollywood Plaza Mall Food Republic (Less than $10 CAD per person)
Afternoon Activity: Sai Kung
To Get There: Take Double-Decker Bus 92 from Diamond Hill Station
It's a cute area and a harbour, so you will see a totally new side to Hong Kong.
Dinner: Find a great restaurant in Sai Kung
Evening Activity: Relax by the waterfront in Sai Kung
Day 6: MACAU DAY TRIP
Getting There: TurboJet Ferry Service:
· Hours: 7 am until 11:59 pm (departs every 15 minutes)
· Location: Macau Ferry Terminal, Sheung Wan
· Price: $20 CAD per person one-way (I am sure there is a deal for round-trip)·
Morning Activity: Macau Peninsula, Largo Senado, St. Paul’s Church
Lunch: Street Food ($4 CAD per person)
Afternoon Activity: Hac Sa Beach
Dinner: Fernando’s ($12 CAD per person)
Evening Activity: See the Venetian Casino and attend a Cirque de Soleil show if you can (tickets are very reasonably priced)
Day 7:
Morning Activity: Sheung Wan: Western Market, Causeway Bay: Victoria Park, Times Square
How to Get to Victoria Park:
· Take MTR to Tin Hau
· Follow signs
How to Get to Times Square:
· Walk towards Causeway bay MTR Station
· Follow signs
Lunch: DeliFrance in Times Square ($10 CAD per person)
Afternoon Activity: Stanley Park
How to Get to Stanley Park:
· Go to Causeway Bay MTR Station Exit B
· Walk to Tang Lung Street
· Take Green Minibus 40
Dinner: A Restaurant in Stanley Park ($15 CAD per person)
Evening Activity: Relax on a Lan Kwai Fong Patio
Day 8:
Head to Airport for flights - And hopefully, you enjoyed your time in Hong Kong!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Hey There, Google...
In case you didn't know, Google owns Blogspot. And I am just writing this to let Google know (not that they will ever read this) that, as a perfectionist, I have a hard time dealing with the formatting issues that are apparent in the blog below. I wanted a space between my introduction and the title for "Day 1"...but no matter what I do, it won't work. And that is one of several issues that I have.
Google, give perfectionists out there a chance...fix the formatting problems!
Google, give perfectionists out there a chance...fix the formatting problems!
My Europe Itinerary...
Well, my time in Hong Kong is slowly coming to a close...which means only one thing: time to move on to Europe! I am SO excited for it!
I am leaving Hong Kong at 12:35 am on June 11th, and then I have 3 nights on my own in London before my Contiki tour starts. Once it starts...it's a whirlwind! Here's the itinerary for my 45-day trip, adapted from the Contiki website.
Day 1: London to Paris
A warm welcome from your Contiki Crew as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and the Channel crossing to France. We drive past World War I battlefields to the splendour of Paris.
Day 2 - Day 3: Paris
Two full days to see some of the most celebrated icons in Europe. The best way to experience the "City of Lights" is on our included Illuminations Tour. We also visit the majestic Château Versailles, home to Louis XIV. In your free time take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret?
Day 4: Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region
Today’s journey leads us to Contiki’s exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon.
Day 5: Beaujolais Wine Region
This morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak up the idyllic atmosphere of rural France.
Day 6: Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona
Our journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrénées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona.
Day 7: Barcelona
Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing?
Day 8: Barcelona to French Riviera
We return to France today and travel through the beautiful Provence region to Arles. Wander through the streets as the Romans once did in this historic town, before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera.
Day 9: French Riviera
Today we visit a French perfumery before heading to Nice. Stroll down the fashionable Promenade des Anglais for a spot of shopping or simply relax on the beach. Tonight we visit Monaco! View the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to try your luck at the casinos of Monte Carlo.
Day 10: French Riviera to Venice
Today we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice.
Day 11: Venice
A short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St. Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. See glass and lace making demonstrations and why not treat yourself to a gondola ride?
Day 12: Venice to Florence
We travel to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it's a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence.
Day 13: Florence
Your day includes a walking tour seeing the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife.
Day 14: Florence to Rome
All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. This afternoon why not discover this city of Gladiators with a local guide? Then, do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
Day 15: Rome
Once at the centre of the powerful Roman Empire this city, steeped in centuries of ancient history, awaits your discovery. The Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the treasures of the Vatican City make for a day of serious sightseeing.
Day 16: Rome to Corfu
A chance to take a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii as we travel across Italy to board our overnight ferry to Greece.
Day 18: Corfu Day 17
Two sun-filled days on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu staying at Contiki's Special Stopover. Windsurf, waterski, parasail, swim or just soak up the sun. Get off the beaten track in an open-top 4-wheel drive jeep or cruise along the coast. At night an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing.
Day 19: Corfu to Athens
Today we travel through the Peloponnese and across the Corinth Canal to Athens.
Day 20: Athens to Ios
Our sightseeing tour this morning takes in the national treasures of the Acropolis and Parthenon as well as the first modern Olympic stadium. Later, board your ferry to Ios for three nights of partying and relaxation.
Day 21 - Day 22: Ios
Ios is known for its beautiful beaches and fantastic party atmosphere. The perfect mixture of party and relaxation, it's also famous as the place where the great poet Homer died. Lucky you have three nights here!
Day 23: Ios to Santorini
A ferry ride from the party atmosphere of Ios to the spectacular volcanic island of Santorini.
Day 24 - Day 25: Santorini
Explore the main towns of Fira and Oia, take a day trip to one of the neighbouring islands or just relax on a beach and watch the world go by.
Day 26: Santorini to Athens
Cruising back to Athens today for your final night in the capital. Catch up with your fellow travellers on their arrival back from Egypt and swap stories. Dinner is your choice tonight, a great opportunity to dine in the famous Plaka district.
Day 27: Athens to Kavala
We drive past Spartan Thermopylae and Thessaloniki, once the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and then on to our seaside overnight stop at Kavala.
Day 28: Kavala to Cannakale
After crossing the border into Turkey we cross the Dardanelles to see Troy's Wooden Horse.
Day 29: Canakkale to Istanbul
We take time to pay tribute at Gallipoli and Anzac Cove. Travel onwards to Istanbul where you'll have a chance to revel in a night of belly dancing, eastern food, and music.
Day 30 - Day 31: Istanbul
Two full days to enjoy this amazing city. Join a local guide in the spice markets and the heart of the city. Plenty of time to search for a bargain at the Grand Bazaar or treat yourself to a relaxing Turkish bath.
Day 32: Istanbul to Sofia
We pass the Turkish border town of Edirne before crossing into Bulgaria and driving to the capital, Sofia. Enjoy an orientation tour followed by free time to shop at the stalls near the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Day 33: Sofia to Belgrade
Today we travel to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. A country with a troubled past and a promising future, Belgrade is a surprisingly beautiful contrast between old and new.
Day 34: Belgrade to Budapest
Following the Danube River north today, we make our way to the jewel in the crown of Hungary, the capital city of Budapest. A chance to enjoy the sights and tastes of the city on a river cruise.
Day 35: Budapest to Vienna
Sightseeing takes in the quaint hill-top Buda and bustling Pest, before we waltz into the home of Mozart and Strauss to see the splendours of the once mighty Austrian Empire. Classical music to heighten your senses tonight?
Day 36: Vienna
On our sightseeing tour see the fabulous Palace of the Hapsburgs, the State Opera House and fashionable Kärntnerstrasse. In your free time try authentic apple strudel and Viennese coffee. Later why not sample some local schnaps and a traditional Viennese meal?
Day 37: Vienna to Austrian Tyrol
Today our destination is the picturesque Tyrol region. Along the way we pass through Austria's beautiful countryside before arriving in our home for two nights, Hopfgarten.
Day 38: Austrian Tyrol
The picture-postcard village of Hopfgarten is an excellent base to make the most of the beautiful countryside. Experience a vast range of outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or perhaps trout fishing.
Day 39: Austrian Tyrol to Munich
On to Bavaria's lively capital Munich, home to the Oktoberfest. Our orientation tour includes the town centre with its historic Glockenspiel. Maybe join us this evening at one of the city's traditional Beer Halls.
Day 40: Munich to Swiss Alps
We stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Enjoy time to shop and see the sights in Lucerne before reaching our idyllic stop in the Swiss Alps.
Day 41: Swiss Alps
A spectacular day where you can choose to hike the many trails or maybe enjoy a trip up the snow-covered Jungfrau mountain on a cog railway that passes through the Eiger mountain!
Day 42: Swiss Alps to Rhine Valley
Heading north we re-enter Germany and visit the university town of Heidelberg on the banks of the Neckar River. Tonight we stay in the picturesque Rhine Valley after seeing the famous Lorelei and hearing how German beersteins are crafted in St. Goar.
Day 43: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam
We cross the Dutch border and make our way towards Amsterdam. Visit a cheese farm and see how clogs are made. Cycle through the countryside and the village of Edam and enjoy the famous Amsterdam nightlife.
Day 44: Amsterdam
This morning why not take a canal bike ride to further explore Amsterdam? In your free time perhaps visit famous sights such as Anne Frank's House or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight we celebrate our last evening together.
Day 45: Amsterdam to London
Time to swap addresses and e-mail contacts as we travel through the Belgian countryside and back to Calais for our ferry crossing to England.
I return to London on July 28th around 6:45 pm, and I have one last night in Europe before catching my flight home in the morning of July 29th. I will be back in Canada just in time for the August Long Weekend, which I will be spending with my family in Muskoka!
It's all very exciting...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sometimes, We Spend the Day on a Yacht
Yes, that's right. On Saturday, 45 exchange students chartered a yacht - and it was so much fun!
It even came with a speedboat, with wakeboards!
It picked us up on campus at 9:30 am, and whisked us to a private beach about an hour away. The beach was gorgeous! A few people decided to swim from the yacht to the beach, while others took the speedboat over. We had only just arrived to the beach when...it started to rain. Of course - we had had nothing but blue skies for two weeks, and the moment we hit the beach, it starts raining.
But we did not let this ruin our day. We piled back on the boat, blared some music and proceeded to see who could jump off the upper deck of the boat most creatively! People were doing dives, flips, cannonballs...after about an hour, I built up the courage to jump.
I was really scared.
But it was so much fun!
By 3 pm, the sun was out and everyone was swimming. Around 6, the boat headed back to campus, and we got to see a breathtaking sunset en route. I swear, someone could have told me I was in Hawaii or something like that, and I would have believed them! Hong Kong is such a beautiful place - there really is something for everyone!
It even came with a speedboat, with wakeboards!
It picked us up on campus at 9:30 am, and whisked us to a private beach about an hour away. The beach was gorgeous! A few people decided to swim from the yacht to the beach, while others took the speedboat over. We had only just arrived to the beach when...it started to rain. Of course - we had had nothing but blue skies for two weeks, and the moment we hit the beach, it starts raining.
But we did not let this ruin our day. We piled back on the boat, blared some music and proceeded to see who could jump off the upper deck of the boat most creatively! People were doing dives, flips, cannonballs...after about an hour, I built up the courage to jump.
I was really scared.
But it was so much fun!
By 3 pm, the sun was out and everyone was swimming. Around 6, the boat headed back to campus, and we got to see a breathtaking sunset en route. I swear, someone could have told me I was in Hawaii or something like that, and I would have believed them! Hong Kong is such a beautiful place - there really is something for everyone!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I Love the Ivey Network!
What a fun couple of days I have had!
On Sunday, I got a call from Rachel and Leslie - both friends and Ivey students. They had just spent three weeks in Vietnam, and were heading to Hong Kong for one night only, because their flight to London, UK was leaving HK Airport at 7:30 am. I was so excited!
They had already seen a lot of the tourist-y stuff in Hong Kong, from an earlier trip, so I decided that I would show them some of Hong Kong's lesser-known gems. I met them in TST, and then we headed to Diamond Hill's Hollywood Mall, a popular mall for locals. Then, we went next door to the beautiful Nan Lian Garden and took lots of photos. We took a double-decker bus to Sai Kung, a coastal fishing area that isn't too far from my university and had a delicious seafood dinner. On the way back to the downtown area, we took a quick tour of my university - even though it was dark by this time, they were both impressed. Finally, we ended the night in LKF, which was really fun, especially considering it was a Sunday. The best part was that, at midnight, it was Rachel's birthday! I bought her ridiculous bunny ears and made her wear them, and we got lots of free drinks...
Then, on Monday, I got a call from Shawn, Ron and Karl. They were all in my section at Ivey, and Shawn and Ron were actually my next door neighbours! We spent the day chilling in Hong Kong, and it was also really fun! It was great to see so many people from Canada in such a short amount of time.
Tonight, I am heading to a fun event at Ivey's Hong Kong campus. We were invited to a reception of Hong Kong's MBAs and recent graduates, and London's MBAs, who are visiting Asia for a China Study Trip. They have been to Beijing and Shanghai, and are in Hong Kong for a few days before heading back to Canada. I think it was so nice of Ivey's administrators to invite the exchange students to come along. I am sure it will be really fun!
Speaking of that event...I better go and get ready!
On Sunday, I got a call from Rachel and Leslie - both friends and Ivey students. They had just spent three weeks in Vietnam, and were heading to Hong Kong for one night only, because their flight to London, UK was leaving HK Airport at 7:30 am. I was so excited!
They had already seen a lot of the tourist-y stuff in Hong Kong, from an earlier trip, so I decided that I would show them some of Hong Kong's lesser-known gems. I met them in TST, and then we headed to Diamond Hill's Hollywood Mall, a popular mall for locals. Then, we went next door to the beautiful Nan Lian Garden and took lots of photos. We took a double-decker bus to Sai Kung, a coastal fishing area that isn't too far from my university and had a delicious seafood dinner. On the way back to the downtown area, we took a quick tour of my university - even though it was dark by this time, they were both impressed. Finally, we ended the night in LKF, which was really fun, especially considering it was a Sunday. The best part was that, at midnight, it was Rachel's birthday! I bought her ridiculous bunny ears and made her wear them, and we got lots of free drinks...
Then, on Monday, I got a call from Shawn, Ron and Karl. They were all in my section at Ivey, and Shawn and Ron were actually my next door neighbours! We spent the day chilling in Hong Kong, and it was also really fun! It was great to see so many people from Canada in such a short amount of time.
Tonight, I am heading to a fun event at Ivey's Hong Kong campus. We were invited to a reception of Hong Kong's MBAs and recent graduates, and London's MBAs, who are visiting Asia for a China Study Trip. They have been to Beijing and Shanghai, and are in Hong Kong for a few days before heading back to Canada. I think it was so nice of Ivey's administrators to invite the exchange students to come along. I am sure it will be really fun!
Speaking of that event...I better go and get ready!
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