An ode to food poisoning-like symptoms

2 days ago, I have my 2nd round of severe food-poisoning-like symptoms since I've been in HK. Strange thing to dedicate a blog post to eh? Well, needless to say I survived after massive pill-popping and loads of sleep. I am also going to lay off free booze from ladies night and 3 am dim sum for at least a few weeks. But this entry is not to illustrate my sad cases of a weak stomach and alcohol intolerance. 

I'd like to look at my 2nd case of stomach conditions as an "ending" to something wonderful. I started off with some rocky starts, but even with my terrible stomach conditions, it was interesting to see the difference in my life from 2.5 months ago. Yes i still have a month left, but it already feels like it's over. Within a week, school will be over and the reading assessment week will start. In that time, i will be off to Thailand and the Philippines. After that, it will just be more traveling with my parents being here, and then it's back home. So my entire Dec will be a festive holiday.

I've made some very solid friendships in HK. It's so hard to believe that you can become so close to people after knowing them for only 2.5 months. I always heard of how this happens on exchange, but I never thought i would be so lucky to find it. I've also learned to get along with people while understanding my own self-preservation and who I stand for. I think this was something i really had to combat being in a different stage in life over most of the people I hang out with here. It was about having patience and not letting situations get out of control for no reason. It's in these new situations of stress and unfamiliarity that you start to understand yourself. I've learned that I'm more calm and knowledgeable than i thought i was. Although I may not be the most outgoing person in the group, I believe I can see people from a distance and who they are. I also try to see the best in people, and this is something that i hope to keep even when life becomes more bitter. I've learned that I savor being outdoors more than I give myself the chance to be... and I enjoy exploring and not always sticking to a plan. In the end, it'll work itself out, just not as quickly as you would like it to at times. This was necessary with HK being such a chaotic city, where you memorize landmarks moreso than the street signs so you're almost always lost. I've learned that people can surprise you, and that you can put trust in people (not saying this is wise with all strangers)... and the people that will be there for you may be the most unexpected of all. I've also learned that those that have been with you, will always be there for you even if you don't see them all the time. 

This is definitely an experience I will never forget and I will savor the last few weeks I have with this wonderful city.