History is not my forte, so I was not thrilled to see the book by Tsang on the list of reading for this term.\u00a0 I could think of more exciting things to do than read about the \u201cModern History of Hong Kong,\u201d such as doing my dishes or dusting my house!\u00a0 But, I realized while skimming through the book that I actually knew nothing about Hong Kong or its history.\u00a0 So, I truly learned some amazing background on the region we are about to visit.<\/p>\n
I honestly had no idea that the British had any relationship to Hong Kong. \u00a0\u00a0As Tsang noted, \u201cLondon was determined to get what it wanted by war.\u201d[1]<\/a>\u00a0 It was through strategic planning on the part of the British forces that allowed Britain to take control.\u00a0 \u00a0Tsang also explained that \u201cthe real priorities for the British were reflected in the way the war was handled \u2013 through the advancement of British economic interests.\u201d[2]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0It was Britain who colonized Hong Kong, but also introduced the opium epidemic there. \u00a0This, in turn, led to the Opium War<\/p>\n The interesting thing about Hong Kong is understanding what country Hong Kong is truly a part of.\u00a0 Hong Kong has its own money, passport, immigration and legal systems apart from China.\u00a0 Yet, it has Chinese flags flying from its governmental buildings and the Chief Executive over the city was appointed by Beijing.\u00a0 So, in reality Hong Kong is part Chinese and part independent. \u00a0\u00a0It is interesting to note that most people of Hong Kong (known as Hong Kongers) consider themselves Chinese, yet they do not consider themselves a part of China.[3]<\/a> \u00a0How intriguing!<\/p>\n I am excited to explore this amazing Region.\u00a0 From research on the internet, I uncovered some interesting facts about Hong Kong:<\/p>\n So, those are some fun facts about Hong Kong – to answer for you everything you wanted to know\u2026but were afraid to ask!\u00a0 I am looking forward to meeting everyone in Hong Kong and to learn more about the region as we explore together.\u00a0 It will be an exciting learning experience for all of us.<\/p>\n I am excited about experiencing Hong Kong because I am fascinated by the region and now also by its history.\u00a0 I plan to utilize my experiences to grow in cultural perspective as well as seeking transformation to make a difference where change is needed; both at home and abroad.\u00a0 I also look forward to being introduced to greater diversity and expanding my awareness of the world around me.\u00a0 I also see this as an invitation to face my fears of the unknown and to help me rediscover the true ME!<\/p>\n Proverbs 19:8 says:\u00a0 “To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”\u00a0 I am looking forward to the gift of wisdom that comes from knowing and loving my neighbor as myself – through learning more about my neighbor by immersing in their culture towards a goal of understanding and honoring others above myself.<\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Steve Tsang, Modern History of Hong Kong <\/em>(London: IB Tauris, 2007)<\/p>\n\n