Back Downhill

So yesterday I felt much better, but this morning I woke up and felt terrible again. Not as bad as before, but my throat hurt and I was really tired. I was lazy all afternoon, only getting up to go to the ATM on campus. Then Trace and I went to Tuen Mun Plaza to fix my cellphone (my SIM card wasn't allowing me to renew its balance... stupid phone). Since she spent the time to help me fix my phone, I treated her to dinner at Euro Gogo. I had some pizza (delicious) while she ate some pasta and ham.

Yogurt before Dinner!

Yesterday, however, was a really fun day. In the afternoon, Sophie, Trace, and I ate lunch in Fu Tai at Home Faery. I had some cold chocolate bubble tea, which was very yummy. Then we took the MTR to Mongkok where we went shopping!!

We walked through Ladies Market and then went to some malls. I bought way too many things and spent too much money (especially at H&M and Cotton On), but it was really fun.

Ladies Market

Cold Noodle in a Bag for a Snack!

We had french fries for dinner at New York Fries and then had scrumptious gelato for dessert. We took the red minibus back to Lingnan. In our OMIP orientation, they told us NEVER to take the red minibus unless we had a local with us. It is reputed to drive really fast and has no fixed stops so you have to be able to speak Cantonese and tell the driver when you want to get off. We had Trace with us so we were fine. It was fun and he definitely didn't drive as fast as I thought he would. I wouldn't dare take it by myself though, unless I was desperate.

Tomorrow classes start. I'm a little nervous. I had no idea what to expect of classes in another country with a totally different system. Well I guess I'll find out tomorrow! There really is no use worrying now, but those little butterflies just won't go away.
Trace told me today that people, especially women, put a lot of importance on name brands. Apparently it displays how hard you work and how wealthy you are. She says that Hong Kong is a very materialistic place. I think I agree with her. The amount of shopping and the crowds in those shopping places... it shows the emphasis on material goods in this culture. But that doesn't mean everyone here is materialistic. It is merely an observation.
I am worrying about making friends. I have never been one to make friends quickly or easily. I put a lot of value in friendship and when I make a friend I expect them to put the same value into our friendship as I do. I don't consider hi-bye friends to be real friends. They are more like peers or acquaintances. Trace and Sophie are among my few friends here. It doesn't help that I've been sick and cooped up in my room. I hope when classes start then I can make some more friends.


Skype with my horses, dog, and dad!