One of the biggest parts of Hong Kong that I had to get used to was the public transit and the different emphasis on time. In Hong Kong, the public transportation system is much larger and more organized than in the United States. Here they have 2 types of buses the MTR bus and the City buses. The regular MTR trains can take you almost anywhere you need throughout all of Hong Kong. There are also many many red taxis all over Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, everyone is constantly moving. In one of my first classes of the semester, my professor made a comment that has really stuck with me. He said that “Hongkongers are always on the move, we even walk up escalators to move faster”. After I left class that day I began to notice this much more. I began to realize that Hong Kong is in a constant state of movement. After being here for a little over a month I have begun to feel as if I live my life a lot faster. In Hong Kong, I have also had to walk a lot more than I have at home. I have also spoken with many of my peers around the world about how the US is not very walkable. Here I regularly walk to malls, stores, restaurants, etc. When I think back on my life at home I cannot imagine walking to the grocery store. They are much further away and often times it is quite dangerous to walk, as not many sidewalks are available. Hong Kong in general is a much more condensed country which makes it easier to live life faster. I can get from Kowloon to Central in no time taking the MTR. Something that is completely different from home. Although there are many times that I miss having a car and driving around I know that when I get home I’m going to miss the MTR. I also know that I’m going to be very fit and have great legs when I get home :).
