I just left the Logistical Pre-port and wanted to add that we saw the most interesting video of Semester at Sea. It was filmed in 1965 and in black and white. Not much has changed with the program it seems, except that it used to cost only $500! It was really cool to see because things seemed so old-fashioned but the concepts were the same. Tonight at dinner we had birthday cake for Savannah’s b-day. It was a lot of fun because there were 10 of us crammed at one table for dinner, and the cake was delicious. Also, in my last post I said my last day in China was Monday, but I have realized it’s actually Tuesday. I just checked out a bunch of interesting books in the library, so I am going to start one now, and bring it with me on travels through China!

Day Before Hong Kong!

Today has been a crazy day. Right after noon, my time, we got a new President of the United States. I must say it is very strange to watch the events on a live broadcast via the internet, many thousands of miles from the country I call home. The Union was filled with people today, all gathering to hear who would be the next leader of our country. While I consider myself to be registered independent, I tend to lean towards the Republican side, though during this Presidential race, I have been unsure on who I really wanted to win. Today, when Obama was announced to be the next President however, I was happy. I do not know everything there is to know about him, and I do not agree with everything he has to say, but I believe he will make the biggest change in our country out of the two candidates, and that is what we need. It was exciting to be a part of it all on the ship and it was the only focus everyone had, even changing class times so we wouldn’t miss the broadcasts.

The other big news of the day is that tomorrow evening, our first day in Hong Kong, I will be having a formal dinner with our Executive and Academic Deans, the Captain of our ship, and Mr. Tung and his family –the son of the founder of the Institute of Shipboard Education, along with about 20 notable figures in China including the Minister of Education. This is a big day for the ship and an amazing opportunity for me. The Tung family is very wealthy with many established connections, giving me the potential to make some connections myself. Only one female and male student was chosen, and I am excited to be participating with my co-chair of the Ambassador’s Intercultural Committee, Brad. In the morning upon arriving in Hong Kong, I will be meeting with Diplomats from the U.S. Embassy to welcome them aboard the ship and give them a tour. Tomorrow will be a big day for me too..

I will be in Hong Kong just over 12 hours from now! Hong Kong is a separate entity from China because it is not connected to the mainland, with a different government and currency. I will spend one day there, and leave the next morning for Beijing for a few days, and spend our last day, Monday, in Shanghai. On a side note, we have been told it is untrue that the Great Wall can be seen from space. I was disappointed and apologize for my false fact :) I am excited to see the city tomorrow night as I hear it is beautiful and there is a light show of the cityscape. Happy Birthday (Eve) Savannah!