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The timing of my trip to Hong Kong could not have been worse. One’s rock bottom is never scheduled or altogether welcomed with open arms, but it was very clear present in my state at the time. I had unceremoniously wound up in an “entanglement” with someone I met in Seoul, and we had managed to spend the majority of my time abroad together.

I certainly did not enter study abroad looking for a relationship, let alone a relationship so doomed as to be with a guy from a totally different part of the globe than myself. Nonetheless, it happened. Of course, there was tons of drama, thanks to both of us being young and immature, and it was after almost three months spending time together that I decided to rip the band aid off.

Unfortunately, little did I now just how much healing would have to take place.
In breaking things off, I was at first hurt and then triumphant. I had been faced with a question of valuing my own self-respect and peace over being with someone that I cared a great deal for, but someone that clearly didn’t treat me properly, and I chose me. I had been in class when a friend sat next to me and told me about their plan to visit Hong Kong. For context, this was during really the peak of coverage for the student-led protests that were taking place. Any rational person, I think, would have opted to make other plans, but there I was buying my tickets, as they were quite cheap.

Arriving in Hong Kong was truly a breath of (hot) air. Leaving Korea’s harsh, cold winter, to discover the bright, exciting warmth of Hong Kong was just what I needed. I spent the first two hours of my day trying to track down a Tim Ho Wan, one of Hong Kong’s most famous dim sum places that has Michelin Star rated food at cheap prices. I found one in an impossibly large shopping mall, only to find a huge lunch time wait. The split second decision to postpone my eating experience was made, and then I was tasked with the insanity of trying to claw my way out of the mall.

Truth be told, I have never been the biggest fan of malls, but this was a rather unique experience. Aside from barely being able to locate an exit, once I finally located one, it weirdly led me directly onto a highway, no sidewalk in sight (or maybe I’m crazy). Finally, I wormed my way out, and feeling the warm air on my skin and the buzz of the city, almost instantly, I fell in love.

I was a big fan of Hong Kong’s transportation system, which altogether was pretty cheap. I believe most trips on the bus, ferry, or train were usually less than $1 USD. By the end of the day I wound up catching boat to Lamma Island, where I couchsurfed. This island was incredible and definitely worthy of post all by itself. My hosts were so nice and provided a great deal of insight into the frustrations and struggles of those living in Hong Kong during such a turbulent time.

All in all, Hong Kong was an incredible place, but I’m certain the city it once was is fleeting. I’m indebted to this trip and the people that made it so special, as my spirit was certainly in need of some healing. Today, I think of Hong Kong and her people, and I hope that one day healing can take place as well.

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