Hong Kong

Arrival to this port was very different than any other. We went through cultural and logistical pre-ports the night before as usual. The morning of arrival usual consists of a diplomatic briefing after inspection by customs officials. However, an announcement came over the ship’s intercom informing us about the massacre that had just taken place at Virginia Tech. Silence overtook the entire ship. No one moved or made a noise. One of the professors read an article from the New York Times with the latest information. It was too close to home for many students as some, one who I know well, are from VT. It wasn’t long before the news sank in and tears and anger filled the silence. Talking erupted and questions were asked. No one could make sense of the news we had just received. As college students ourselves we could identify with many of the thoughts and feelings that were more than likely being felt across the nation as well as the world. The Dean of students spoke to us, reminding everyone that as a shipboard community that we must stick together and take care of one another during this fragile time. As horrible as it was to hear this news I could feel the ship come closer together, each of us reflecting on how lucky we all were to have this opportunity to travel the world and be together. After a moment of silence, the Dean noted that there would not be a diplomatic briefing out of respect for those who needed more time to digest this devastating announcement. Archbishop Desmond Tutu walked into the Union and began addressing the ship. I could see the agony that he felt. It was written all over his face. He said that a horrible thing has happened and that pain will be felt all over the world. He prayed for the victims, the perpetrator, and all those affected. He said we must remember that God is in control and will take care of His children, all of His children, including the young man who caused this crime. Then he ended with his infamous belief that we all have an “incredible capacity for good.” He said we must not dwell, we must help heal and go out into these next few ports as ambassadors of goodness. Considering the situation, this was the only way I could think of going out into Hong Kong and enjoying my time.

Thankfully, the encouragement from Archbishop Tutu gave many of us strength. We were able to have a day filled with laughter and great memories. Kate, Lindsay, Meg, Allie and I ventured into the city to find the good markets everyone kept talking about. We heard that this was a great place to find pearls, but unfortunately we were unable to find the right place. No problem there though we busied ourselves with the streets and streets of markets selling anything and everything. One of the most popular things people were selling was fake designer bags…and what a process this was! As we walked from vendor to vendor they would show pictures of the bags and purses that they had but there was a catch. In order to see these pieces we had to follow them up flights of stairs to a secluded room where they had them stored. At first I thought we were being led to who knows where. Thankfully there were many other people in these “rooms” so we didn’t feel alone. But it didn’t take away from how creepy it all was. This I think was the closest to the underground market that I have ever come! All in all it was a fun and random experience that made a good story. The day was a little gloomy and rain fell off and on throughout the afternoon. Around dinner time we all made the consensus to go to Pizza Hut…I know, I know. Nevertheless it was delicious and no one had stomach issues from it! That night we went out for a couple drinks and enjoyed the glorious skyline of Hong Kong. It was an early night though due to the morning flight to Beijing.