In order to learn more quickly, I have also decided to hire a personal tutor that can teach me Mandarin. The U.S Consulate was able to arrange a tutor I arrived with the other Fulbrighters to help us learn a few simple but important phrases in Cantonese (like "thank you"), but I'd like to learn more.
With the U.S. Consulate's help, I had an excellent introduction to Hong Kong. I feel that they made it easier for me to integrate into this new community I belong to. They gave us a tour of Central, the business and retail district, so I got to learn about the history of the bank and about the city right when I arrived. We also went to an art museum featuring an artist named Murakami. His art was absolutely beautiful! He specializes in the use of vibrant color and contrast. At his exhibits, he worries about speaking correctly in English, so he wears unique costumes in the hopes that no one will pay attention if he makes any mistakes! Some of the costumes were on exhibit in the museum. On the tour, I also had the chance to go to one of the churches in Wan Chai. The ladies there, most of whom were from the Philippines, were so kind and sweet! The church was hosting a potluck, which is a meal where everyone brings a dish to share. I was able to try one of the ladies' special jelly drinks and they, like most of the people I've encountered, made me feel right at home.
