“ But who can complain ?”
DECEMBER 2016
“ But who can complain ?”
FROM COPENHAGEN TO HONG KONG
by Maria Christiansen , a foreign exchange student from Denmark
From an apartment in Copenhagen to a mountain filled landscape in Hong Kong … That was my first thought when I saw my new home for the next four months . My name is Maria and I ' m from Copenhagen , Denmark . It was unreal that coming here was a reality ; suddenly I was talking to Trinity from the International Office who I emailed months before my arrival . I had to become accustomed to the humidity and warm weather , eating with chopsticks , and not understanding the local language . I took a look around the campus and was amazed with the opportunities ; we have a bank and a 7 / 11 on campus ! This is new to me ! In Denmark my campus had a canteen , but all these opportunities for sports activities , and restaurants -- this is new . But fair enough , I can get used to this ! I am a big fan of the weather . I definitely feel sweatier than to what I was accustomed in Denmark , as we only have 20 degrees and low humidity , but who can complain ? I have a beautiful view from my balcony at JC on the sixth floor and air conditioning in my room if I need it .
I came four days before the Orientation Week started , so I had some time to get around Tai Po and see how it functions with the shuttle bus and the Octopus card . It was in these days that I found out how helpful people are . They can definitely understand that you are a foreigner and from a different culture , but I also learned that smiling will make them laugh . Furthermore , I have learned the number song , so I have tried to sing it to the locals who I meet on my way , and they all laugh and understand me -- so it is just about showing them that I am interested in their culture ! When everything had settled a bit more , I decided that I needed to take advantage of the awesome sports complex . I used to play soccer back in Denmark , but here I am able to join something new . On my way home from Tai Po with a friend , I could see the tennis team playing ; I asked them if there was room for another player .
I wanted a picture of these people in their traditional clothing , and the mom said that she also wanted a picture of me . It is nice that we can help each other with experiencing different cultures .
I am now happily a member of the school ’ s tennis team . I have practices every Tuesday and Thursday , and it is so much fun . One of the more interesting things is how everything is in Cantonese , so for me as an exchange student , I am forced to understand the local language . I am lucky due to the fact that some of the players gladly translate the directions from our coach to me . Yet , I like how the coach speaks in Cantonese , it forces me to learn some new words in a language that I do not know how to speak . I ’ m enjoying my stay in Hong Kong , and at EdUHK ; I cannot wait to experience more about the culture !
POSTMODERN PAINTING . Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor
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