Made in Macau

              Hey guys! This week's post is a little different because Vanessa and Natasha helped me make a video to learn some key Cantonese words and phrases! Here is the YouTube link, the file is too big to be imbedded into the post. The video may be a little blurry, sorry. It was lot of fun to make, and I plan to make another one of these in the future! Not next week though, instead I'll be bringing you the latest news from my trip to Bali! I'm super excited. I hope you guys learn something from our video! Click here to be amazed. 在见！

              As always, I've been having a great time studying here in Macau with all the friends I've made. Actually, I think I make at least 1 new friend a week. Because I'm popular 😃. Just kidding. But despite all the fun, I couldn't come up with a specific topic for the blog this week; I guess nothing really inspired me. I do have a few things I want to write about, but each one isn't enough for a full post. So this week, you'll be getting a little bit of everything. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Random Thoughts! Going Shopping is an Intense Experience               You know how whenever you walk into a store, you always encounter a sales associate asking you if you need anything and you always say no? Well think of this, but amplify it by 10 here.  If I'm just walking around without wanting to specifically buy something, I feel like I'll be jumped by these associates if I linger at their shop for ...

             I think that one of the most daunting aspects of long term travel for a lot of people is the threat of culture shock. Upon arrival to a brand new place with different customs and lifestyles, you may feel very uncomfortable with the change, and struggle to adapt to your new surroundings. That, or you may go through a Honeymoon Phase where you are really enjoying discovering and learning the way of life, and then eventually find yourself uncomfortable once the phase ends. At least, that's what other people have told me. Actually, one of the major reasons why I chose an out-there place like Macau to study abroad was because I wanted to be hit with the challenge of adapting since I thought it would be the greatest way to learn and discover. Also, they make for great memories and stories to tell. However, I don't think I've ever felt particularly uneasy about where I am and what I'm doing. Maybe I'm eternally in the Honeymoon Phase.   ...

For your convenience.              It has been a very relaxing week back in Macau after traveling for so long. One of the only notable things I got up to this week was exploring more of Taipa. In case you are confused, Taipa is basically the northern part of the island south of the Macau peninsula. This island is part of city of Macau and comprises of the regions of Coloane, Cotai, and of course Taipa. Fun fact: the University of Macau where I study is no where on this map. It's actually west of Coloane and across the water, on the land attached to the Mainland China city of Zhuhai. But the land is leased to Macau, so it's under Macau laws. Yeah it's a little confusing, but I figured I should explain. Anyway, I digress. A lot of people will say that Macau in general is not a very exciting place unless you're gambling; in that case it's a little exciting. Other than that, there are a few tourist attractions you can visit, but you only need a day or ...