Even with Hong Kong's reputation as a global city, I still find moments that remind me of how different the culture I grew up in is from the one that exists in Hong Kong and China. For instance, they often reference musicians that I have never heard of and music that is quite new to me. Yet the important thing about traveling is that you learn that these novel and unfamiliar experiences are what makes traveling fun. Sure, I am not coming back to New York having fully immersed myself in Chinese culture, but I have still gained an appreciation for what Asian-American identity means back home. That my identity isn't just purely Asian or American, but that I grew up in a background unique to both.
Moreover, as per Hong Kong's reputation as a very global Asian city, I have made friends who were from all parts of the world, not just local university students. I made friends from France and Scotland. I spent an amazing time with a roommate from Indiana. I worked hours with another intern from Australia. Being in Hong Kong enabled me to get to know and learn from many different people. I don't think people talk about it enough, but from the people I met, I think the diversity in Hong Kong rivals that of New York City.
To end, in Cantonese the word for goodbye is 再見 (pronounced like joigin) and it means "Until we see each other again". Looking back at my experiences in Hong Kong, I think it is fitting that there is no word for simply saying goodbye in Cantonese. The great thing about traveling is that you get just a taste of a location and it leaves you wanting to go experience more. Traveling is truly a luxury, but it is also an experience worth taking part in.
