Travel Bug.

I'm back in Shanghai and the first thing I do is book a flight to Beijing! I've got the travel bug and I'm going to utilize it! Ahhh I miss Hong Kong very much. The views are just spectacular with buildings on top of buildings, the water and the mountains. I have been spoiled my whole life by the beauty of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. With its trees, snow-capped mountains in the distance and bodies of water. I always took it for granted until I came to school is good ol' boring, flat corn field-y Indiana. The landscape is just beautiful in Hong Kong and even prettier at night when all the building are lit up, but not in an over-the-top, corny fashion.

Also, since Hong Kong was once a British colony (something like that? not very good at history), most people, even the Asian people speak at least a little bit of English, so I didn't feel uncomfortable asking questions. Plus, a lot of European people live here so I enjoyed hearing a lot of British accents (yeah I'm that weird). I feel like there isn't that many "touristy" activities in Hong Kong besides the peak, the markets, shopping, Disneyland and Ocean Park, it's more like the experience of being in the city. On Saturday, we went to Shek O beach which was a dream for me. I've been fantasizing about the beaches of Thailand or the Philipines and my cousin said this was kind of like Thailand. We even had a great Thai lunch (I've missed Thai food!). Sunday we went to their country club where I laid by a beautiful pool with a beautiful view of Hong Kong...I was thinking I could get used to that! That night we went to Times Square which is just all around shopping and a great diverse food court! Then Monday my other cousin took me to the Peak to get the view of all of Hong Kong and a nice lunch. It was scary going up the mountain on a train, but it was well worth it. Such a great view, Hong Kong is just breathe taking, if your into that whole skyscraper-water-mountains scene ;). Then it was back no the plane to Shanghai. I was definitely sad...

Tuesday was my last day of work and that was sad too. I hate saying goodbyes! I just went in for an hour to say bye and thank you to everyone. Even though I didn't do much, just being part of a team and meeting such great people is something I am going to miss. My co-workers were so funny and kind, so it was hard to leave! Plus, I learned so much there and not sure if I'll ever be able to work for such a successful business (haha I hope I will!).

Then I met up with some of the friends I've met in Shanghai to say goodbye to one of the guy's whose leaving Thursday. There was a small group of us and we are all starting to drop like flies! I'm next since I'm leaving next Thursday! So tomorrow morning I'm off to Beijing! Definitely excited since I have never been and it is full of history and famous landmarks. I am staying with a friend from high school and he'll take me out as well. Also, had to say goodbye to my grandma tonight. I'm leaving tomorrow and she's leaving for Hong Kong on Monday before I get back to Shanghai. It was hard to say goodbye since I rarely see her. Even though the language barrier was difficult for us, I think we enjoyed each others company a lot.

More updates and pictures will come in Beijing since my friend somehow figured out how to get through the blocked sites...