I had this small hope when I left Hong Kong that I would be able to visit Korea once again, just for a little bit in a layover, even if it were to be only in the airport. It’s strange to be on Asiana sometimes, since it’s a Korean airline. Unfortunately the plane arrived in Seoul with only 30 minutes to transfer to the next flight. I had to run with my 20 kg worth of stuff with me to the gate and I have to say it was a bit stressful. I didn’t even have time to go to the bathroom.
When I first arrived in Hong Kong I realized that I could understand everything and yet i felt uncomfortable because I couldn’t communicate like I could in Korean. I couldn’t even order. At least I could speak English I guess.
I felt like I entered the future when I was in Hong Kong and yet everything was vaguely familiar. I’m sure it’s even more evident in places like Shanghai. I also got the impression that people didn’t like mainland Chinese, or at least people from North China. It’s probably a difference in culture and language. It’s all similar, yet different…
It’s snowing now in Seattle and I haven’t spent this much time in one place in a long time. It makes me not want to do anything. I think shopping all the time in Korea and Hong Kong and overall traveling by myself has made me more open to certain things. I used to hate shopping, talking to people on the phone and entering strange situations. Actually, I still don’t feel comfortable in some situations, but I think I’m improving. I realized that it just takes practice and getting used to. Before I used to spend long periods of time alone and I still do, but it’s not something I am afraid to break away from any more.
Since Hong Kong is so much smaller than Seoul, the roads are narrower and Hong Kong has probably the most skyscrapers in the world. The subway is smaller than in Seoul, but it’s basically the same system. The interior is slightly different though, with less seats. haha. There are definitely more malls here though and more foreign products. Hong Kong doesn’t have the same kind of stores that you often see in Seoul everywhere, but there are many similar stores. There aren’t as many street vendors in Hong Kong as in Seoul, but I think it’s because it’s regulated. It’s also so much warmer in Hong Kong and I think my body is more comfortable in a warmer climate which makes me kind of sad because it implies that I am not really meant to live in Korea. At least during the winters.
I’m not sure if I will actually continue this blog in this future, to be honest. I will think about it. It’s not like that many people actually read this. haha.
