October 14th, 2006

Kowloon (HONG KONG)

A Day in the Life: Hong Kong Ballet, Sushi Bar, Arsenal Football

I spent most of the morning studying in the library before going to the Hong Kong ballet with several exchange students. It was the first time I have seen a Balanchine performance, and I had a lot more fun than I feared. The dancers were nothing short of amazing as they elegantly moved across the stage, and I could not help marveling at how fluid everything looked. It was inspiring to watch.

After the performance we stayed in downtown Kowloon to enjoy the Saturday crowds. Most of the streets are closed off as people from all over Hong Kong pour in to shop and walk the district. Shopping is hands down the favorite activity of locals, and the area becomes the most densely populated place on earth during weekends.

We found a great sushi bar overlooking the madness, and I was able to indulge in my new found taste for raw fish. The lay-out of sushi bars is much better than is found in the west, as tables are largely abandoned in favor of sitting at the counter. People line the seats as a conveyor belt moves throughout the restaurant offering various dishes. Knives flash through the air on the other side of the counter as the chefs work to keep the belt full of new food.

Later that night I went to an Irish pub to watch Premiership football. Arsenal went up 3-0 against a fiery Charlton side, making it six consecutive wins and a position near the top of the table. Not bad for a team labeled in relegation trouble at the start of the season.