Sitting at the Directors' Table - Zhanghe 1

This will be the first post of my internship at Zhanghe School.

Today, I traveled to the school where I'd be teaching English for two months. It was quite saddening to leave my dear Judy behind, as the bus rolled on. I s'pose that this was the beginning of my journey. With Flaco, an AIESEC-er from Taiwan, we took a bus, than the MRT. We got to our station and waited for one of the directors of the school to pick us up. This was my first time in a car in Taipei. Thank God, he didn't drive like a taxi driver from Hong Kong - still, it was quite nerve-racking to see scooters and other cars merge without notice.

We shortly arrived at the school and, to my disbelief, it was huge. Imagine your typical one/two story elementary/junior high school in Canada, and multiple it by four. We walked towards the gym, and found my room on the far side of it. I feel super lonely here, my room is in the gym on its own. The best part? The washroom is on the other side of the gym. Guess who's not peeing at night. On a more positive note, the room is quite large and features a sink, hehe.

After realizing where I was, and just how far I am from everybody I personally knew, I had a moment of self-reflect. What am I doing here? Was it worth the trip? Will I make an impact? All of these questions would be answered later that night.
Interestingly, I was invited to dinner with the principal of the school, as well as four directors and my supporting teacher. I must say, they really know how to make you feel like royalty. Receiving rides from one of the directors, we got to a nice Thai restaurant. I saw the prices on the window and made it known that I thought it was expensive. Nervously waiting for everyone to come, I made small talk with my supporting teacher about my life in Canada. It was pretty basic, but she was thrilled by what I had to say; it does help that she spoke the most English out of the lot. It made me feel 10 times better, and more comfortable, to have her with me.

The meal was fantastic. I joked about how Winnipeg had Thai restaurants, but they did not come close to what we shared. Every now and then, I would slip in the little Mandarin I knew, and surprise those around. It was funny, they asked me if I knew of 1000 year old egg (Pidan), to which I replied, I love Pidan! Some was ordered, and I experienced Pidan like never before.

Everyone was very accommodating, and repeatedly asked if the room was okay, if supplies were needed, if I liked the school, and if I wanted to join in other activities that the school hosts.

It's early to say just how much I'm going to do, but I'll keep you updated, internet permitting.

My internet's kind of choppy, so I apologize if I'm unable to message you or Skype with you, but I'll be back.

Love always,
JC(3.14)

HK Adventures (Non-Food Related)

Okay, but in all seriousness, we did more than just eat in Hong Kong, although my last post may not have alluded to it. Food is the essence of light, right? Throughout our trip, we did a lot of shopping and traveled around Hong Kong. It was very tiring, but I could feel my legs get stronger each and everyday.

Nearby our hotel was the Lady's Market. This was the place we went to the most during our stay, and we both found our share of goodies to bring home. I can't wait to show my mom what I brought - a piece of Hong Kong (in a way). The market was always packed with an assortment of people, it was very diverse - much more than I expected.

The markets reminded me of my time in BC, all the hussle and bussle, not to mention the yelling in Cantonese! I think I could never get sick of these types of markets - I love them!
We also checked out some of the local shops, which were very nice and expensive. I picked up some sweet shorts that I absolutely adore, they have so many pockets. I even got a pair to match James. I remember when he was telling me about how I could keep tissue in one of them, which I did, and it came in handy. Look at us twinning:

We also got the chance to watch Jurassic World!!! It was a visually stunning movie, and I LOVE DINOSAURS. It was also cool to see some of the gear from the original Jurassic Park movies in the new one.

Don't worry, that's a pic of an ad, and it was taken before the movie began.
I love the way theatres are constructed in Hong Kong, rather than Canada. In Hong Kong they're created vertically, meaning there's one theatre on top of another. Whereas in Canada, they're created horizontally, one theatre beside another. Making them vertical saves so much space, and it makes them look cool.

The most spectacular thing that we did was watch the Symphony of Lights (or Flashing Lights). What this was, was literally the skyline of some of Hong Kong's most well known skyscrapers illuminate the sky to music.

This was a panorama, taken by a very shaky photographer, so mind the quality. This is something you definitely must check out on your trip to Hong Kong. It's simply beautiful.

While our trip to Hong Kong was short live, it truly inspired me to extend my global bounds. It has given me a sense of exploration and hunger to experience the world. It was my first international trip, and it was a memorable experience that I will never forget. I will be back Hong Kong!

Special thanks to James and Phil for making this trip absolutely wonderful!

Missing HK always,
- JC(3.14)

My Time in HK

Hello readers, I apologize for reneging on an earlier promise, but I didn't have the right adapter, and did not want my laptop to die.

Now, as promised, here are some photos of my trip to Hong Kong, as well as a recollection of my adventures.

On the first night of our adventures, Judy's cousin James picked us up. We took a bus from the airport to our hotel, which seemed to take forever. After depositing our luggage, we were treated out to some really good sushi - thank you James 哥 (big brother)

It was very good, although James said it was average... He should definitely stay away from Winnipeg's sushi scene. It was an all you can eat buffet (AYCE), and I was unable to reach my target, or what I would normally eat. But it was superb.

The next night we met up with Phil, Judy's other cousin in Hong Kong, who treated us to some Japanese skewers, and dessert. Boy, oh, boy where they good. I mean meat on a stick? Grilled? Take my money! Although, I forgot James' most important rule - to take a picture :( We did go for dessert though, and I managed to remember to snap a few photos - the place was too cute.

One morning, Judy and I ventured to a nearby place for breakfast, ON OUR OWN (were practically Hong Kong-ers at this point). We were able to understand the menu (with the waitresses' help), and ordered two piping bowls of noodle soup, and some DONG NAI CHA (Hong Kong Milk Tea), which easily became our favourite drink :)

On our second last day, James took us out for some Yum Cha (Disum), and oh my God, it was delicious. The flavors dance on your tongue, and there's a perfect ratio of meat/filling to the outside layer. It was really good to experience 100% authentic Dim Sum. Later that night, we went out for some BBQ meat, and of course, I got my BBQ Pork rice, but this time, BBQ goose made its way onto my plate - to which I devoured. I got the rep of someone who eats too fast. What can I say when the food is that good? Haha.

On the last morning, we received a surprise visitor - James. He brought us a huge breakfast, one that I wouldn't mind waking up to every morning. Most notably, there was Baoloyao (Pineapple buns with BUTTER) It was the most beautiful and delicious thing I've ever had for breakfast. I think this is what I'm going to miss most from Hong Kong, food-wise.

Just look at the Baoloyaos in all their glory - I would definitely pay for a flight just to have these again. Okay, maybe not, but they still are very good.

You'll notice that DONG NAI CHA makes its way into a lot of my pictures. It's that good.

Missing HK always,
- JC(3.14)

Welcome to Hong Kong

Hello everyone!

I trust that you're all doing well.

I must say, right when you walk off the plane the humidity of HK hits you in the face... Though it is insanely, stupidly, hellishly, crazily hot here, HK is such a "cool" city (not temperature wise of course). I honestly don't know how anyone could get used to the heat, but I guess this is coming from someone who's used to -40 weather in Winnipeg (though, I prefer this weather). Just a couple tips for those who may be thinking about coming to HK:
- Bring and carry a small umbrella for the heat, the sun beats down on you, and I mean BEATS!
- Wear clothes that allow you to breathe, this way you won't burn up (I made this mistake, stupid sweats)
- Keep hydrated, seriously
- Carry a small bottle of water around for when you get thirsty, trust me, you'll want water, not a sugar filled drink

HK, compared to Winnipeg is really concentrated, in terms of population, and I s'pose that's what leads to the humidity - too many bodies. Did I mention how many people smoke? A lot. Everywhere you go, there's at least 10 people with a lit cigarette. I almost want to start. Just kidding of course, that's not for me. I'd rather spend my money on food. It's amazing how many times I've bumped into people, especially in the markets, and yelled "SORRY!", and received a blank stare in return. I guess I'm TOO Canadian. It can be really overwhelming, especially to someone whose never been in such a crowded place before. I'd be too scared to drive, the streets are so small, and there are so many people that don't pay attention to the rules of the road.

It's amazing just how much it feels like I'm a part of a HK drama. For example, here's my view from the hotel:

I can almost see the cast from On the First Beat running around, and taking down those triads (HK gangs) down. And the skyline, woah, is it ever beautiful. I've seen it multiple times on television, the internet, and etc., but wow, it's breath taking in person.

What I love most about Hong Kong is how easy it is to get around, and how many modes of transportation there are. Since I've gotten here, I've taken a bus (double-decker), MRT, trolley, ferry, and a taxi. Don't get me started on how taxi drivers drive. It was scary to say the least, but very exhilarating; it definitely gets your adrenaline pumping. But back to the point, because of how easy it is to travel, everything seems nearby. Also, everything comes within minutes, no waiting for 30 minutes in the cold. It's awesome and something you'll never experience in Winnipeg (sorry Winnipeg).

Look at how neatly laid out that is!

Isn't the trolley cute?

Ciao for now, I'll post more about what I actually did soon, I promise.

Love,
JC(3.14)

Thoughts - 30,000ft In the Sky

I wrote this post as I was on the plane; of course it was published when I got to my hotel in Hong Kong. I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited to do something like this. I know, on the surface, I may not be as excited as I say I am, but I’ve spent countless hours up at night, looking forward to this journey. In a way, it is both liberating and fearsome. For the first time, I will be responsible for myself. Enough said, right? I believe this journey will make me a better son, friend, lover, and person.

I’m almost in B.C., and I’m pretty excited to see the city, in which I once lived. It’s always beautiful (I enjoy the rain, and getting rained on as long as I’m not in a suit haha). B.C. is a place I have many fond memories of, and that’s where the majority of my family reside.
Shoutout to my friends in B.C. who may find themselves on my blog.

Now, my flight to Hong Kong was something else; I've never sat on a plane that long before! How long was the plane ride? 13 hours. I definitely prefer planes to trains, but that's a story for another time. Let me tell you about the Airplane food... It was pretty good! It amazes me how they put everything together for 300+ people, and fit it on an airplane. I think the best thing about it was leaving Canada on the 15th, and flying to a different time zone where it was already the 16th. Can you say time traveler? One highlight on this flight was when a little boy was running around and stopped at my seat. I guess he found whatever I was interesting. I totally got a high-five.

I think it's cool being up that high on a plane. Just think, a group of 300-ish, on one plane flying 30,000ft in the sky. It's almost like we're disconnected from the world below us; we're in a world of our own, isolated and alone. It's magical in a way, how birds fly without a care, or thought of time. That's how it feels to me.

Love,
JC(3.14)

Fear

Fear, n.: a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

I will admit, before taking this trip, I was scared s***less, and to be honest, I still am. This will be the first time that I’ve ever been this far away from “home”. It’s even going to be my first time in Asia, and I’m far from fluent in the native language. What have I gotten myself into?! . . .

All joking aside, what I’m going to miss most is my mother. I know I may not be the best son, I raise my voice, I lose my temper really easily, and I often forget things, but this trip has encouraged me to be a better son. As my mother’s son, I should know better, be more understanding, and overall be better. No one else knows us quite as well as we know each other. In the bottom of my heart, I love my mother the mostest in the whole-wide-world. Even before I’ve taken this trip, I’ve realized the incremental change within myself. I know I can only become the son that my mother deserves.

Momma-wolfie (my nickname for her), you mean the world to me. I know I wouldn’t be who I am, or where I am, without your guidance, care, and your loving spirit and endless support. You do so much for me, and at times, without realizing how much of an impact you leave. I thank you, simply for being who you are, the best momma-wolfie a big-wolfie (formerly baby, but in her eyes, probably still am) could ask for. I love you, and everything that makes you who you are, moistest in the whole-wide-world.

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I hope you read this ma, just so you know just how much I care for you, how much you mean to me, and how much I love you, I know you’ll be alright, you have our gaugaus to watch over you! I’m one email, call or Skype call away, and I’ll be back before you know it! Just remember ma, that nobody’s perfect and somethings you just have to let go, you’re amazing who you are, and I love you. Leaving was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and I promise, the next time I leave we’ll be together on our way to Hong Kong. I miss you so much already. And yes, I’m a momma’s boy :)

- JC(3.14)

Hello Everyone (大家好)

Hiya readers!

For those that do not know, my name is Jeff Chu (朱永強), and I'm a 21 year-old Canadian. I attend the University of Manitoba, pursuing a double major in Accounting and Marketing, at the Asper school of business. I absolutely adore dogs, music, and story telling (through any medium) - yes, I felt compelled to put dogs first.

Another thing I love to do is write. I used to actively blog, but quickly fell out of it. You may be wondering why I've created this blog - that's a great question!

I created this blog to document my upcoming trip to Hong Kong and Taiwan. I'll (try to) post daily and keep all you gorgeous readers up to date. I look forward to my adventure, and look forward to talking to all of you! My links to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be found on the right column ->

Why am I going to Hong Kong?
Well, I'm a Canadian-born-Chinese (CBC), and this will be my first time in Asia. My mom's originally from Hong Kong, so I want to experience it firsthand, and get my bearings for when I take her there one day.
Why am I going to Taiwan?
I'm going to Taiwan, through AIESEC (AIESEC) to teach English to middle school children. My mantra is that changing someone's life doesnt have to be a big thing - it can be as simple as giving them a skill that they didn't have before, and can use in the future. I hope to change the lives of as many people as I can, as I travel about. Also, I want to experience a culture that is similar, but still unique, to Chinese (mainland) culture - language, food, traditions, etc. Did I mention Bubble Milk Tea (珍珠奶茶)?

I hope you all enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy writing it.

Have a great day, no matter where in the world you are.

Love,
JC(3.14)