Elisa: Arrived Safely

So I arrived in Hong Kong about 8 hours ago, got my luggage, took a train to Central Station, and after some mild confusion, found Melissa as planned. Words can't really describe how incredible it was to see my bestest darling Melissa right there, after such a long time apart- suffice it to say that it was amazing, and it really reminded me of how litte distance truly alters such powerful connections (not to diminish how hard it is while actually away from those we love). Anyway, we took a series of really cool, modern rising escalators through really old, quaint, and bustling Hong Kong streets. The heat is rather unbearable as it is extremely hot and humid, making everyone constantly sweat. We then got on a rickety bus to her dorm (since Hong Kong was British for so long, people drive on the other side) and I put down my things in her room. We of course attempted to catch up and chat about everything we hadn't shared through email or phone during the semester, but there's so much to say! We still have a lot to talk about. But we were both starving for food and a good night out, so we had some fantastic Moet et Chandon champagne Melissa had saved from her birthday gifts, and then took another rickety bus to the heart of town, where we met up with some of her very hospitable friends for dinner. By then, it was almost midnight, but thousands of people still walked through the streets, dressed up and largely drunk (Beerfest is going on tonight). We walked around, people watching and meeting up with other students Melissa and her friends knew. It was so interesting and cool to meet everyone she's been spending time with and to see the places she's been going out to! We got into a lovely club because a friend of Melissa got us in, and we danced for a while. Though it was very, very hot, it was so refreshing to be out dancing, in a new place, with my best friend, full of cheap curry and fancy champagne. We took a cab home around 2am and now here I am, about to go to sleep! Tomorrow, we are getting Dim Sum in the morning, and then doing last minute errands- like packing up Melissa's room (she has to be moved out by Monday!) and getting visas for Cambodia. Whatever we end up doing, whether sightseeing or waiting in bureaucratic lines, I'm very happy to be here... :)