On the move part 5

So, flying from Istanbul to Hong Kong, I think the flight took off just after 1 pm. And this was the long trip but also the time when we moved through most time zones. We didn't land until 5 pm in Hong Kong time but the flight time was only 9 hours or so. I am guessing a fair bit as I can't really remember, but you get the idea.

Biig plane, the kind that has the additional 3 seats in the middle. And your own little entertainment center in the seat in front of you. And lots of free stuff (slippers and such). So I was like a child for a while.

We had what I would call the best seats - right by the exit and just the two of us, no third seat at all. So after a movie we slept again. We were saying how it felt like all that we did was sleep and eat, but we still never got enough sleep. Guess you kind of forget all the time you've spent waiting.

And then we landed! Got through border control without any problems thanks to our marvelous visas. My buddy Jennifer came to meet us, as well as a bunch of other buddies and Clarissa from the International Office. So a few international students arrived at the same time (ish) which was nice - seeing some people who looked as amazed and worn out as I felt.

First thing I noticed was of course how warm it was. No need for a jacket at all. The bus to campus, drop bags in our room, went through some paperwork with a lady who works in our building but who doesn't speak English - good fun...

And then a group of us exchange students and buddies went out for dinner - we took a tiny little bus which was a bit like a suicide ride - the driver opened the doors before he had stopped and you got the impression that if you weren't quick enough you'd go flying. From campus to Tai Po (well, technically I suppose campus is in Tai Po, but like, the center part of it.).

Food was... interesting. I like noodles, don't get me wrong. I'm just not that fond of soup, in general. I like soup if it's rather thick, like a nice tomato soup or like Matthew's soup with potatoes in it. This was a lot of very watery water with noodles in them which makes it harder when you eat with sticks - soup goes, well, everywhere. And mine had "beef balls" in it. I don't know what I thought it would be - wanted to test something.... Did not expect it to be what I think it was - I suspect that it was genuine cow testicle. Really funky texture and quite bland in flavour. Not a fan in any case...

The group seems lovely - very kind and helpful buddies and funny and nice exchange students.