Spring Break Adventure

Hello All!

I haven’t been very good at updating this blog… I have been VERY busy!

The first two weeks of March included not much other than trying to finish up homework and work on group projects. So basically the beginning of March wasn’t all that exciting but-

On March 14th, two of my friends from home (Mel and Leah) came out to visit me!! We had an amazing time and we spent 8 days running around Hong Kong doing everything Hong Kong-ish that there is to do. We went up to Victoria’s Peak, we watched the light show, we went to the beach (a few times), we had a Hong Kong BBQ, Dim Sum and multiple very Chinese meals, we went to Ocean Park (saw some pandas), went to Lantau Island and Lamma Island, and the horse races. We also did some major shopping at Stanley, Monk Kok and Prince Edward markets. We also did a side trip out to Macau (another Special Administrative Region of China). Overall, we were ultra busy but had a ton of fun. It was REALLY nice having friends from home here and showing them around.

The day the girls left, I headed out for my spring break trip. I flew into Ho Chi Mihn City (Saigon) in Vietnam and spent one night there. The next day I headed out on a tour of the Mekong Delta. I did 3 days in the Mekong and then exited into Cambodia. I spent 3 nights in Phnom Phen. I saw the Killing Fields, S21, the Palace and the Silver Pagoda. I also volunteered at an orphanage and did some relaxing out on the lake. After Phnom Phen I went to Siem Reap for 4 nights. I spent two days seeing the temples at Angkor Wat and I rode an elephant. I spent another day relaxing—getting a massage, pedicure and manicure (all for only $13!). After Siem Reap I headed back to Saigon for 3 nights. I spent one full day out shopping and just hanging out in the city and then I spent a day seeing the cu chi tunnels and the war remnants museum. On Sunday I flew back to Hong Kong.

It was an absolutely AMAZING trip and I learned soooo much about the history and culture of both Vietnam and Cambodia. They are both amazing countries with amazing people and a very sad history.

Now that I am back in HK I am running around trying to do homework and get things together for my next trip- On Wednesday I am headed to the Philippines! I am going with Jess and Andrew and it should be a wonderful beach vacation!!

I am already nearing the end of my study abroad experience and I have loved it so far. The remaining 6 weeks will definitely be amazing. Although I will be sad to leave here, I am looking forward to returning to the states and seeing everyone.

Also, for those of you who do not know, I have been offered a position with AmeriCorp and will be spending all of next year based out of Sacramento California volunteering. I will be working on a variety of projects up and down the West Coast. I am very excited about this opportunity and will be moving out to California in October.

By the way, I have updated pictures! And have posted pictures from my spring break trip.

Love N’ Miss,
Cassie