Memories on Fast Forward
After an intense fortnight I am finally back at home, relaxing. The whole trip to Hong Kong has been quite fulfilling. I cherish every experience and all the friendships that developed in those two weeks. Now as I am settled comfortably at home in India, I can’t help but look back to those two weeks. I miss the laughter, the awesome food and the bustling city itself. Excellent bonding was created with the students from City U while friends from ASU became more intimate.
The trip had begun with a short but exhausting hike, exposing the group to Hong Kong’s beauty and the efficient transit system at one go. Since then, the rollercoaster ride had kept up relentlessly. The day long lectures combined with field trips had been grueling but fun. We learnt so much about Hong Kong’s housing, biodiversity, waste management, etc. In comparison to my American colleagues, personally I had been more impressed by Hong Kong’s government efforts than intimidated by the problems existing there. This could have been due to exposure to more severe problems back in India. But I believe that the way Hong Kong has planned ahead and dealt with its problems is commendable.
We also witnessed symbolic struggles against growing takeover of land by real estate giants to preserve some of Hong Kong’s agricultural lands. It was evident that all these issues of land use, housing, food security, etc. were linked together. None could be dealt in isolation from one another. The biggest challenge that Hong Kong faces is how to provide housing and opportunities to all those young minds that have graduated from colleges and are looking to start a new life. Other challenges include competing with other Chinese cities for economic supremacy. Hong Kong is the biggest air cargo hub in the world. To maintain this status it must expand its existing infrastructure. For example, a third runway would be built at the airport in Lantau Island. This has put the development authorities at loggerheads with conservationists who claim that the habitat of white dolphins would be destroyed. Similarly, land earmarked for conservation are sometimes being used for other purposes. This points out loopholes in existing laws that govern these areas.
The last few days of the trip were filled with preparations for the big day; presenting posters in the City U main academic building. All the groups were commended by onlookers and professors alike. After two long weeks it was a truly fun filled evening. After our final briefing we had a grand banquet at a famous restaurant. None of us had seen so much food ever being served for a handful of people! We ate to our hearts’ content and chatted merrily at the tables.
The hardest part was due at the last leg of our trip; the time to say goodbyes had come. In spite of the hectic nature of the course it has been very rewarding. We all made some good friends and were reluctant to part so soon. After making promises to see each other again sometime, we left the dorms one by one. During my MTR ride to the airport, I had caught the glimpse of the city for a few final moments. I had with me a bucket full of memories.