The University of Hong Kong has an entire week–this year from the 7th to the 11th of March–called reading week where all make-up classes are placed. So if a class needs to be cancelled during the semester for any reason, the professor makes the arrangements so that the make-up class is given during this week. During reading week we do not have regular classes, so if any class is cancelled basically there is a free week. Also many classes require field trips, in Hong Kong and internationally, and they are done during this week as well. I scheduled a trip to go to Beijing from March 3rd to the 7th, Seoul from the 7th to the 9th at midnight and Tokyo from the 10th to the 13th that is when I will get back to Hong Kong. I am currently writing this post flying through the Yellow Sea that separates China from South Korea and celebrating my birthday in the best way possible.
I want to share with you an interesting fact that I am sure it can help anybody considering studying in China. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, since Northeastern gives us an iPhone 5s with unlimited data anywhere we go, there is not truly a reason to get a local phone. In China, because of government’s policy, many websites including Google and therefore Northeastern’s email are blocked. However, for a reason I do not know, with the iPhone we got (and its line) we do not have anything blocked. The phone works just as if it were in America. So if you are considering going to China, know that there should not be any problem with the phone.
That being said, I really like the fact that HKU has so many vacations during the semester since this allows me to travel. I have organized all the travels by myself, but during this week different groups of the university were promoting organized travels to different parts of Asia. The ones that I remembered that were promoted the most were to Cambodia, Myanmar and North Korea. The university’s trip I saw were very expensive (around $1,100 USD), but I guess that if anybody comes to Hong Kong alone, they are a pretty good option as the trips are with a big group of other HKU’s students and everything is organized so there is nothing to be worried about.
I would not recommend anyone coming to HKU to buy flight tickets during reading week with much time in advance. I have some friends that were coming with me to Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo and they had to stay since they failed a test and needed to make up some classes during reading week to catch up with the rest of the class. Staying in Hong Kong, after all, is not that bad. There are many places to go in Hong Kong that require this type of free time. I have not been everywhere yet since I am waiting for my parents who are coming in two weeks to do all the activities with them, but the places I have been so far are truly amazing. By far my favorite landmark in the city is Victoria Peak. This is the highest mountain in Hong Kong Island and the peak has an incredible view to the skyline of Hong Kong and Kowloon and also it is possible to see the beaches that are in the east side of the island from there. There are many ways to get to the Victoria Peak: taxi, bus, railroad or hiking. The only two times I have been there I went by bus, but once I get back to Hong Kong I will go to the peak hiking, that way I will have a nice view while also doing some exercise.
