Packing for the Trip of a Lifetime

With just over a week left before departure, it seemed time to pack up. I guess if I needed anything, I would have the time to buy it. But honestly, I’m a little confused.

I try not to take for granted that some things are the same here in California and there in Hong Kong. Some things I know are different—I bought some British electrical plugs; the standard paper size is a little longer and a little skinnier than here because of letters they have sent me. Some things I know are the same—most appliances will use Arabic numerals rather than traditional Chinese characters. Some things I’m just not sure about—I’m not bringing sheets because I have no idea what size their beds are.

Some things I want to stay the same—I’ve packed my own binders with a three-hole punch because I feel secure in the standard American binder size.

I’ve decided to pack relatively light. I’ll have one large roller (that I believe has to be kept under 50 pounds) and my computer backpack. Hopefully that won’t be too much to carry. When I land, I have to take on the airport express to Hong Kong Central Station and then a taxi to my dorm hall near campus.

I’m arriving in the evening, but hopefully not after nightfall. My uncle told me that HKU isn’t in the best neighborhood—but I’m not sure whether he meant aesthetically or crime-wise (thought I think he meant the first).

Since I’m not bringing bed sheets, hopefully somewhere to buy them won’t be too far.