Near the end of April, I was offered a truly once in a lifetime opportunity—going to Hong Kong to present at the Postgraduate Research Conference at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). While my airfare wouldn’t be covered, my lodging would be, as would some of my meals and transportation. Of course I said yes.

Zoe Falls also joined the trip, becoming my travel buddy.

You can view the presentation I gave here.

Below, enjoy some of the shots of my too brief sojourn to Hong Kong.

We flew out of Lincoln and had several hours in Chicago O’Hare before boarding our 15 hour flight.

View from my hotel room at the swankier-than-expected Hotel Jen Hong Kong.

I HIGHLY recommend this hotel and chain (Shangri-La Hotels). The hotel is located in the Western District, less than a block from the HKU Station, which you actually cut through to get to campus…unless you feel compelled to take the stairs from Hades there.

The first full day in Hong Kong, we had the morning and early afternoon to walk around the Western District. We discovered this huge, bustling market, one that seemed to particularly specialize in seafood and fresh produce. Most of the seafood was still breathing.

Before heading to HKU for the beginning of the conference, we had lunch at a French-style cafe-cum-bakery called Panash. I had a mint drink and a Caesar salad with avocado. I couldn’t resist buying a tiny pot of pineapple jam and a red bean curd donut as a small dessert.

The campus is a lush, green paradise with an interesting mix of colonial and modern architecture. In the middle is the Sun Yat-Sen garden.

Our hotel stay included a full breakfast every day, buffet style. You could choose from American/Western-style and Hong Kong/Eastern-style dishes. The selection was diverse and extensive. Everything we tried was exceptional.

On the evening of the second conference day, we took Star Ferry’s Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise, which was amazing. These photos do not do the cruise and light show justice.

The next morning, we got up early and took the Mui Wo ferry from Central Pier out to Lantau Island to visit the Tian Tian Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

That afternoon, we met up with Dr. Elaine Chan, one of the professors from our department at UNL, and her family for a tour of the Wong Tai Sin Monastery and a Singaporean-style dim sum lunch (no pictures, sorry).

The next day, our last full day in Hong Kong, we headed into Central to visit the Peak Tram. It was cloudy and foggy almost our entire trip, so the city views were mainly views of clouds; however, it was amazing. On the way to and from the Peak, we popped into the St. John’s Cathedral grounds, which are a gorgeous respite from the bustling city.

At the Peak, we did some shopping (I had to replace my pants because they ripped…oops), hand bubble tea at an adorable cafe, and had lunch at the scrumptious Hong Kong Day restaurant. If you’re ever in Hong Kong, definitely try the French toast—it’s fried with a peanut butter filling. Delicious!

That afternoon, we headed to Yau Ma Tai to visit the Jade Market and the Yau Ma Tai temple. The Jade Market was a fun, traditional experience.

And, then, sadly, we had to fly back to Lincoln the very next day.

Hong Kong, here’s hoping I get to spend more time visiting you one day.