The language barrier is rough. The cultural barrier, rougher. It hit me last night that this is the first time I've been so completely removed from familiarity. I have nothing from my own personal experiences to relate Hong Kong culture to. Attempting to break down the language or pick up the main jist would be completely impossible at this point. And deciphering culture...I feel ignorant, loud, and American. I can't gauge the tone of someone's voice, their mannerisms or actions...I'd be using a completely skewed perspective. I have to throw it all out and start from scratch. I left behind any sense of knowledge and comfort... I know this will be hard, I know I'll be frustrated and pushed to my limits. I'll probably offend some people, create numerous awkward situations, get my directionally impaired ass lost countless times.
It's 2:30 AM, I'm in the lobby, sleepless , confused, overwhelmed, and jetlagging...a security guard just walked over.
"lady, good drink for you!"
And he buys me a refreshing soy milk. I try to remember how to say thank you in cantonese.
I fail. He laughs.
And life is good.
3 comments:
hey,
this is ryan (stevens)... I'm having a good laugh imagining your time in H-kong. Hope you're enjoying it!
it's hard to start from scratch everyday. sounds like an amazing experience!
ryan! crazy! what are you up to now my friend? Enjoying the good company of Burbach i see? I'm glad you find my situation entertaining...it is pretty comical at times, even for me.
Thanks for the enouragement Rusty. I need updates on your glorious start to an LCP term! I'm sure you're kickin ass
Jenna: yeah it's rough right now starting from scratch, but hopefully i'll build a basic foundation these next few weeks. For now, I'm escaping to Boracay in the Philippenes for a much needed beach break, then I'll tackle this little Hong Kong thing with full force. Hope life is well back home!
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