End of Summer Adventures

Really I have one more week of summer. I move back to campus in the morning, and my brother has graciously agreed to help me. I promised him food in return, and I'm going to help him move into college on Friday (UMaine). But for now, here's my end of summer report.

I pretty much spent all weekend at Babson Catching up with friends. I had dinner with Linda 3 nights in a row (which is rare for me). Thursday we went to Bubbling Brook with my family, a favorite childhood tradition: ice cream for dinner ^.^ Then we went back to campus and hung out with our dear Sarina who was preparing for the first day of peer mentoring the freshman class (welcome to Babson, 2016!!).

Friday we managed to get a rare piece of Sarina's time yet again for dinner. Chinese food, feels good to be back on the college diet ;) It was really good to catch up with my girls...

Then Saturday I met up with Linda after babysitting to the wonderful surprise of Sarah! I hadn't seen her since December (which is even longer than the rest of my close friends...I went over half of 2012 without seeing my girl). She tried popping out at me to scare me, but instead I had a moment of happily shocked speechlessness. We all went back through all of our stories from the past 8 months, and then I once again went home.

Now, my sister works retail so she gave me a 50% off coupon to Banana Republic. Naturally, I had to use it. I trekked out to the Natick Collection Sunday morning for a successful shopping trip (ironically my sister also went to BR that day and bought the same shirt as me)

After that I called up Mary to hang out for a while. It turned into a wonderful afternoon turned sleepover. We hung out with a few other friends also already back on campus, got some groceries & dinner, then returned to campus. As we were on our way to park we found Ms. Ranee Cheung outside of Reynolds. I promptly turned the car around and we has her join in our plans for the evening. Then the peer mentors walked by in their semi-formal attire (hadn't seen some of them
since February either, so there was a quick reunion).

Ranee and I made a quick trip home so I could get a multi-tasking night out/sleepover/internship bag. Then we went back to campus for Knight Party. It was amusingly not good. We managed to lose Ranee somewhere along the way, but other than that all stayed together (granted we were a much smaller group than usual).

To wrap up my summer, I had my final full day at my internship. Then I came home and started packing. I took an (extended) break to get a going back to college dinner with mom and Brian (Japanese so I could show off my chopstick skills). Then we came home so I could finish packing.

Well, we had the door open to get some fresh air circulating in the house and all of a sudden Brian starts yelling from the other side of the house. Somehow a cat had slunk past me all the way to him. This was very distressing to me. I don't particularly like cats...or most animals other than dogs usually. They kinda freak me out a bit. But the cat wad hanging around and I kept having to scoot out of its way. Then Brian scoops the cat up and heads next door (where the cat belongs). Despite multiple attempts to alert the owners we were unsuccessful. Regardless, I made Brian leave the cat outside.

It has been quite the whirlwind end if the summer, but now I just have to sleep a few hours and move back to Babson!

Oh, and the cat:

How to Study Abroad: Part 5-Packing

There are some things that may seem obvious to bring and other things you may think you need but can really go without. Then there are the things you won't think of bringing but will REALLY wish you had. So now you can benefit from my experiences as you frantically go through all or your stuff trying to figure out just how you're going to manage to get everything within the baggage weight limit (a daunting task, I know).

First, stick to the basics. You're only gone for a few months so you can live without a lot that you're used to having. Pack your standard set of clothes; if you're a girl and typically into dresses, pack about 8-10 dresses and the cardigans/accessories to go with them. If you're a guy into wearing running clothes all the time, well, try to get into jeans or something else...most other countries don't accept running gear as standard in public. You can do it, just be prepared to get some strange looks depending on where you go.

Second, creature comforts. You're going to be gone for a few months so you're going to want things to get you through you homesick moments. It'll happen. There'll be a moment when you really crave your favorite snack, or you'll miss your dog. While it shouldn't be the bulk of your packing make sure you bring enough creature comforts to get through your adventure.


Third, be culturally appropriate. Some cultures have strict dress codes you'll want to adhere to. You might also need to prepare for a weather pattern you're not used to. Know these things ahead of time so you aren't taken by surprise when you arrive to somewhere cold in the middle of winter wearing shorts and flip flops (hey, that's typical winter weather in California!)...or vice versa (no need to overheat in Africa just because it's a blizzard back home!)

So what exactly would I pack if I were going again? Let's take Korea; it was more versatile since I got there in winter and left in summer:

Clothes:

• 3 pairs of jeans
• 3 pairs shorts
• 4 sweaters
• 2 sweatshirs
• 3 cardigans
• 2 long sleeve tops
• 8 short sleeve tops (mix of dressy, class appropriate, weekend appropriate)
• 3 skirts
• 4 dresses
• 1 nice dress
• 1 pair dress pants
• Socks etc. for 2 weeks (trust me on the 2 weeks thing)
• 2 jackets (1 winter, 1 lightweight/spring rain appropriate)
• 3 sets exercise gear
• 2 sets pjs
• Bathing suit (2 if you're going somewhere you expect to do a lot of swimming)

Accessories, Etc:

• Makeup
• Jewelry
• Toiletries for 4 months(or however long you'll be gone) (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, soap, etc. Everything you use in your daily routine...ladies, don't forget your products. You might not be able to find what you want in a foreign country. Or it could all be in a foreign language)
• Shoes: sneakers, boots, sandals, heels (most versatile pair), flats, casual/everyday walking shoes (currently I have boat shoes, chucks or non running sneakers, or something to that effect would also work) (make sure at least one pair has traction for snow/rain)
• Hair accessories (hair ties, headbands)
• Sunglasses
• Bug spray
• Body spray/perfume
• Sunblock
• Over the counter medicine (pain killers, allergy medicine if you use it)
• Travel toiletries (I figure 1 weeks worth should do...this goes in your carry on, maybe bring an extra set in your checked luggage for on your way home)

School Supplies & Electronics:

• Laptop (& charger, internet cord, case)
• IPod (& charger, headphones)
• Camera (& charger/batteries, sufficient memory cards, cable to connect to your laptop)
• Backpack (or whatever you use to carry your school supplies)
• American cell phone & charger (so you can call/text people when you land home in the States...or where ever you're from)
• Flashlight (& batteries)
• Converter for electronics
• CDs & DVDs

Other:

• Pictures from home for yourself
• Pictures of home to show to new friends (might be the same as pics for yourself, might not. I like to use my iPod to show my new friends, and then I have a photo album of home for me)
• Wheat thins & American candy (or whatever your favorite snacks are...could mean oreos, hot sauce, ketchup, etc. These will be different/unavailable where you go, I promise. So do yourself a favor and just bring some with you for when you really miss it)
• Room decorations (posters, mementos, etc.)
• Souvenirs from home to give your new friends (like postcards that you can write a note on when you give it to them)
• Special things to make you feel at home (if you still have a blankie, stuffed animal, some little luck charm...totally not judging. If I was judging it wouldn't have made this list)
• Plane entertainment (books, magazines, diaries, sudokus, coloring books, what ever will keep you entertained)
• Gum (to chew on the airplane)
• List of important phone numbers, addresses (so you can call people in emergencies or send post cards)
• List of people who get souvenirs
• List of must see & do things
• Phrase & culture book (translator, dictionary, something to help you navigate the language)
• Towel
• Bag/pouch to carry your stuff in while you traipse around the country/city

Really Important Stuff:

• Passport
• Credit Card/Debit Card
• Insurance information
• Flight Itineraries
• Proof of departure/reason for stay/address of stay/in country contact information (some countries won't let you in without this information!)
• A sense of adventure

With that said, I also have a few things

NOT to Bring

• Pillows, bedding (takes up too much room, just get it there. Besides, this is very often provided for you. Make do for your first night)
• Laundry detergent (your stuff might not even work in the machine you have access to)
• Liquids (other than toiletries, they'll likely explode in your bag anyway)
• Breakables (...because they'll break)
• Gaming consoles (this might seem obvious, but still)
• Anything you haven't used in the past year

This might seem like a LOT of stuff...and it is. I think it's TOTALLY worth bringing the second checked bag If you'll be one place for most of your stay. And you might be wondering where you'll fit souvenirs on the way home. Well, I've built in the solution for that: don't bring home any souvenirs (jk!!!). Don't bring home toiletries. Seriously, you can get them when you return home.

Note: if you're a shopper, cut back on clothes that you pack. In Korea, Italy, a lot of other places, there is good shopping and you'll pick up extra then not have room to get it all home later.

Naturally, this list should be adapted to your own personal needs & where you'll be (and if you're a guy then a lot of this can just be taken off...). But it's good to have a list to go from anyways. Hope it helps!

^.^ KM

The Cute, Sexy, Free Minded RaneeC

Hey all, it's story time!

So remember that panda I posted a picture of earlier this week? Well here's a more recent picture:

       Now, I'm going to start with the back story. A few years back my dear friend, Ranee, went to Ocean Park and declared that she was going to have a summer internship there to observe the pandas and throw them a birthday party. She didn't submit an application, wait for approval, or interview with the park. She simply decided she wanted to do it, and then did it. (http://www2.oceanpark.com.hk/opahk/eng/animal_of_the_month_YingYing.asp).

       Since then, Ocean Park has continued to host birthday parties for the pandas in August. The past few years it has been sponsored by Haagen Daz.

Pretty cool, huh?

       Well, that kind of initiative is just what Ranee is all about, and that is why she founded RaneeC (http://www.raneec.com/), a small company that sells tights. I walked into her room at Babson one day and found her with tights all around. She declared to me that she was starting her own company and selling the tights. At the time there were just a few patterns to choose from and she had one of our other friends model for pictures to use on the website.

       But more than selling tights, RaneeC is about the woman in the tights. The mission at the company is to get women to (and I quote from the website here) "be cute, sexy and free minded, as we think all women ought to be, inside and out. Dress to express, not to impress." The pictures we have show off just that: women expressing their own self. Whenever we talk about the company her main focus is on how to make the company align more with the mission. From the beginning she has made a point of developing a relationship with every single one of the costumers.

(check out http://www.raneec.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/RaneeCFanPage to see the pictures).

       I stepped in to help her about a yearlater, and we then worked on making it the vision Ranee had in mind. I don't know many people who have the drive and initiative to throw birthday parties for pandas, start their own companies, all before the age of 20. But that's just the type of person Ranee is.                                (Note: pictured are two of my closest friends. Ranee on the left and Parvati on the right)

So that is the story of the wonderful RaneeC (my friend and the company).

(If you want to know more leave me a message below or send RaneeC a message on Facebook. You can also follow us on twitter @Ranee_C)

 

Hong Kong: Silver Dragon Ball

Here's what I know at least a few people have been waiting on: FOOD

WARNING: Do not read on an empty stomach.

If you've ever been to Chinatown you know very well that the typical Chinese takeout is not quite real Chinese food. There were no egg rolls or crab rangoons. No fortune cookies either. Instead, there were magnificent palette pleasing creations.

Now, contrary to the title of the post (and much to your delight) you will find that this post documents almost every single meal I had in Hong Kong, organized by date. Ready?

June 21st, 2012

Fresh off the airplane, Saphia took me to the Cheung's apartment where we had lunch. Much to my delight it included fresh fruits and veggies. The main course here is a noodle with shrimp dumplings. It was really good...and it had dumplings (mandu or 만두 in Korean). The perfect welcome meal!

June 22nd, 2012

This is the day we went to Ocean Park (see earlier posts for details). It was also my first full day in Hong Kong. First thing's first: a good breakfast makes for a solid start to the day. This morning it was eggs and tuna, with (really good tea) and toast on the side. The yellow stuff in a jar is coconut egg spread. It was something new, and it wasn't bad. I spread a bit on my toast.

Then, because they had learned that I like seafood, we had sushi for dinner! (and a tomato salad. But let's be real, I'm fruit picky; I don't like tomatoes). That was followed by chicken & potatoes, fish & corn, and more veggies (^.^). Then it was time for dessert: cheesecake and fresh fruit, yummm.

June 23rd, 2012 (Ranee Cheung's 21st birthday, from halfway around the world)

Saphia and I started the day by going to the dragon boat races, then it was off to the Rotary Ball (the namesake of this post). We started with a traditional Chinese dumpling that is sticky rice filled with anything really, sweet or savory, then wrapped in a leaf. When yo eat it you take the leaf off, then you can put honey, syrup, soy sauce, sugar, or whatever else you may like on it.

While we were out we stopped for coconuts. Fresh, crisp, and full of sweet milk :)

Then we wandered through the shops in the area and I found a some interesting treats (a few of which I brought home for my family to try). Melon flavored Kit Kat (seriously, Japan loves flavored Kit Kats!), Korean noodles, and many other treats not pictured.

Our final stop on the way home was the wet market so we could bring home lunch. Quick briefing, wet market I'm pretty sure means they have to keep the fish wet because they're all still alive...and jumping. Seriously. Also pictured, blocks of black jelly (that's really what it's called), durian (smelly fruit), the inside of a cafeteria style restaurant, spit roasted duck, lychee, and dumplings.

 Lunch: chicken & lamb curry, black jelly, and lychee (thank you Parth for teaching me how to eat them! Who knew it would come in handy so soon? >.>)

Next meal was dinner. This was the fanciest dinner I had ever been to, just take a look at the table setting! But hey, this was, after all, the Rotary Club of Kowloon Golden Mile's Silver Dragon Ball (long enough name for you?).

We were also delighted by a pre-dinner show:

 Also, look at that chandelier!!

And then it was time to eat. First course was salmon, silver leafed almond paste, scallop, and unknown really good food

Then we had abalone soup. In case you aren't familiar with abalone, it's kind of like a mussel or a clam, except it's a bit more substantial. They are quite the delicacy and run around I think $20/lb. It was good, but I felt out of place eating it.

Third course was the most tender piece of beef I have ever eaten. If only all beef could be that tender. As a reference, it's about a 1.5 inch cube, and it was fork tender. Yumm ^.^

Finally it was time for dessert. Silver leafed chocolate wafer, ice cream, chocolate truffle brownie, and silver painted, white chocolate dragon head. The little boy pictured is Ranee, Sultan, and Saphia's young cousin who also came to the ball with us. He was the hit of the party. The main dessert was also accompanied by a variety of bite size delights.

And to top it all off...me at the really fancy ball!

Well, I think that's about enough for now. Up next: DIMSUM!!! Stay tuned ^.^