Christmas Shoppin' and Airport Hoppin'

I’ve got five different currencies in my pocket right now, and I need all of them.

And I’m heading home... just for a bit.

While I originally planned to stay and travel in China during my winter break (which started in December), I had a change of heart. Actually, I just came across good fortune. When a random, unnamed donor offers to pay for your flight back home to visit and surprise family for Christmas, it’s hard not to accept.

What a parade!

So, just this past week, I had to plan. A lot. Seeing as I am returning home for two weeks, then leaving January 10 for Thailand, Cambodia, and Hong Kong, I had to pack accordingly. Take that and then add in end of semester classes, Secret Santa gift exchange, money transfers, and Christmas gifts for friends and family… and… well, you get the idea. “Stress,” amongst other colorful, less innocent words, were a regular part of my vocabulary during past week. Before leaving Chongqing for what amounts to be about two months, I am surprised and thankful to say that I've tied up all loose ends.

I departed from Chongqing at 3:30p.m. on December 19, 2012, anticipating on spending the Mayan apocalypse in Hong Kong with the St. Olaf Global semester study abroad group. While the Mayan apocalypse never came around, lots of great times with Elise sure did. Our first day was spent around Europe-like Macau, a Porteguese settlement with a complementary mix of East and West influences. Aside from the obvious draw of gambling at THE VENETIAN, GALAXY, WYNN, and THE GRAND LISBOA, I found the streets of Macau to be a fascinating place to wander. In one day we came across several beautiful churches, a protest, a parade, and even ate Macanese food (e.g. baby pigeon).

hmm.. baby pigeon

“This is another one of those traveler moments,” I said to Elise as we skipped away from a fun view of the Macanese Independence day parade, “when you come across things and just get lucky.”

Our second day in Hong Kong was as fortunate as the first. By happenstance we spent the day with two Hong Kong natives, Marcus and Matthew, friends of one of Elise’s fellow students. They showed us around downtown Hong Kong (Central, Times Square, etc.) and took us to their favorite Hong Kong restaurants. They even accompanied us as we strived for the last of our Christmas shopping, showing us the places we could get the best deals. At the end of the day, they guided us back to the MPR (Metro Public Railway?) and bid us adieu. Elise and I both agreed that a day spent with locals in a city is even better than the best day at the city’s most famous tour stops.

Now, after my brief stop in Hong Kong, I am heading towards my fourth airport in the last week; Chicago, Ill. I have a very brief layover before I fly into Minneapolis, MN, get a ride home from Grandpa, and surprise my little sister for Christmas for the second year in a row. By the time this blog is posted, I will likely be enjoying the delectable feast made tirelessly by Mom. Although I’ve still got that travel bug bad, there’s nothing like being home for Christmas.

I’m around Minnesota till January 10. Give me a call if you can! I wish all blog readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!